The Great Circle project

I am pleased to announce the genesis of a new project.  I have been designing a 9.5-meter proa with the working name of Majik.  This proa is unique in that it is 9.5 meters long by 5.8 meters wide when sailing but folds to 6 meters long by 2.5 meters wide when needed for docking or trailering.  I have become very excited about this design and feel that a prototype needs to be constructed.  Unfortunately I have not been able until recently to conceive a business model that would justify the expense of the development.  I would love to offer plans or kits but from experience it is not evident that this will recover enough of the development costs to justify the project.  I am now beginning to promote a proposal that I feel could finance the construction of Majik.  I am calling this the Great Circle project.  In brief I will be seeking sponsorship to construct Majik utilizing the most ecologic sustainable materials available as a demonstration of a responsible method of boat construction.  After Majik is built and tested I plan a voyage, which includes two solo transatlantic crossings to show how such a minimalist ecologic concept can perform in the real world.  I do not feel that the current mode of recreational boatbuilding can be sustained and I feel it is time to offer my own vision of an alternative base algorithm as a way of promoting a dialog on this subject.   I will continue to post updates here as the project progresses. I am in the beginning phase of trying to have a documentary film produced about the Great Circle project.  When the project is funded I will start a website and blog to document the progress and hope I will find you there.  I welcome any comments.  More later.   Mark