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YP 676 underway The results of a systematic series of small (5 ft) models of hulls typical of coastal patrol, training, or recreational powerboats are presented and discussed. Hull form parameters studied include length-to-beam ratio, displacement-length ratio, longitudinal position of the center of gravity and section shape (hard chine or round bilge). The effects of these parameters on the calm-water resistance and running attitude (sinkage and trim) over a range of speeds corresponding to waterline length Froude numbers from 0.10 to 0.60 were investigated in the 120-ft towing tank at the U.S. Naval Academy Hydromechanics Laboratory (NAHL). Experimental procedures and computer-based data acquisition and analysis methods used at NAHL are described. The experimental results as well as the cross-faired and nondimensionalized stillwater resistance trends are presented. Comparisons with other resistance prediction methods for hulls of the subject type are made. An example of the application of the resistance prediction to the new 108-ft yard patrol craft (YP) being acquired by the U.S. Naval Academy is included.

The design of the new 108‐ft yard patrol craft (YPs) for the U.S. Naval Academy is described from its beginnings as a senior midshipman design project, through its preliminary and contract design development at the U.S. Navy's small craft design team headquarters, Naval Sea Combat Systems Engineering Station, Norfolk, Virginia (NAVSEACOMBATSYSENGSTA‐Norfolk). During preliminary and contract design the Naval Academy Hydromechanics Laboratory (NAHL) provided experimental data to support NAVSEA‐COMBATSYSENGSTA‐Norfolk's design analyses in powering, seakeeping, and maneuvering. Several tradeoff studies of interest to patrol craft designers are presented. Major events in the detail design and construction of the first boat are described from both the designer's and the shipbuilder's points of view. The launching, builder's and sea trials of the first boat are described. A modification to provide an oceanographic research capability for the Academy's Oceanography Department is outlined. The model data acquired at NAHL and the full scale data acquired during sea trials provide an unusual opportunity for correlation analyses for small patrol craft.

This paper discusses the background of the Naval Academy curriculum leading up to the educational program now provided; describe; the experimental naval architecture curriculum now available to the Midshipman; provides the goals established for experimental naval architecture; gives an account of the updating, reconfiguring, and recommissioning of the facilities in Rickover Hall that now support experimental naval architecture; and concludes with information regarding the future plans for new tests.