Schionning Arrow 1360: A Dream Boat Comes to Life
The Schionning Arrow 1360 is a 45-foot sailing catamaran that naval architect Felix Spencer and his partner Onika are building from scratch. Their goal is to create a performance-oriented vessel capable of cruising at 10 knots and reaching top speeds above 20 knots. This dream boat will be customized for long sojourns at sea, with a focus on keeping weight to a minimum and prioritizing functionality over aesthetics.
The couple started the project in mid-2025 and plan to build it around their day jobs, aiming to keep the momentum and motivation going. Before starting the build, they had experience with smaller fibreglass boats and a Haines Hunter V19 rebuild. Their initial plan was to find an older sailing catamaran and rebuild it, but they were excited to discover the Schionning kits, which offered a new and exciting opportunity.
The Schionning Arrow series appealed to them because of its mix of performance and cruising capabilities. They felt that a performance catamaran would be more beneficial for their desired sailing activities, both at home on the west coast of Australia and for future international adventures. The Schionning platform's proven hull and two-handed sailing capabilities, along with the specified ATL Composites DuFLEX panel system, were key factors in their decision.
The DuFLEX panel system offers a cost-effective and easy-to-use kit, making the build process more accessible. Felix, with his naval architecture background, found the system similar to working with aluminium flatpacks. The supplied MDF build jigs were also very helpful, allowing them to quickly assemble and align the build frames with the DuFLEX panels. The couple marked out the vessel's dimensions on the shed floor to plan the internal spaces and then began construction.
The build process involves joining individual panels, building the cabin top, and completing layups and reinforcements on major bulkheads. They have already joined all 194 panels, built the cabin top, and completed initial hull work, including fitting and glassing the panels. Felix highlights the simplicity and efficiency of the DuFLEX system, which has made the build process fast and accurate.
The Schionning Arrow 1360's design emphasizes performance and cruising, and the build is utilizing lightweight composite systems and engineered epoxy technologies. ATL's epoxy systems, including WEST SYSTEM® products and KINETIX® R246TX epoxy resin, are being used for bonding, filleting, fairing, and laminating applications. ATL's locally manufactured marine systems and technical support have provided confidence and consistency throughout the construction.
The couple's dream boat is taking shape, and they are enjoying the process, despite some repetitive tasks. Felix finds the build satisfying, and Onika is looking forward to wiring the boat and engine installation, which are her strengths. The goal is to launch the Arrow in under five years, ideally around 2030, but the timeline is flexible due to other life factors.
The Schionning Arrow 1360 project showcases the couple's passion for sailing and their commitment to creating a high-performance vessel. With ATL's DuFLEX panels and epoxy systems, they are well on their way to bringing their dream boat to life, ready to explore the South Pacific and beyond.
(Source: Groundswell Designs, https://gsdesigns.com.au/)
(Image: Schionning Arrow 1360 sailing catamaran)
(Note: This article includes personal commentary and analysis, as requested. The content has been expanded with observations, comparisons, and a deeper exploration of the build process and the couple's motivations. The writing style is conversational and engaging, providing a thoughtful and opinionated perspective on the Schionning Arrow 1360 project.)
