Composites, Boat Building & Performance Catamaran Sailing
Straight-talking tutorials, and project videos from Marine Industry Professionals.
No Fluff. Just Practical Knowledge.
Youngbarnacles is your hands-on guide to understanding composites, boat handling, and refit projects. We take complex topics and break them down into bite-sized, practical videos with a lesson.
Join us as we transform our vintage catamaran, and show you the skills you need for your own projects—whether you’re building, repairing, or dreaming.
Who We Are & What This Is All About
This website is the home base for our mission: transforming our vintage Lock Crowther-designed Catana 42, Paikea, into a modern performance cruiser. We’re sharing the entire journey—the triumphs, the mistakes, and the lessons learned—to create a hands-on resource for anyone passionate about boat building.
We are Shayne and Anna, marine industry professionals who make a living working on high-tech racing yachts and large performance multihulls. When we’re not working professionally, we’re sailing, exploring, and modernising our own Catana42 catamaran Paikea.
Our projects focus on using advanced materials like recycled carbon fibre to breathe new life into this classic catamaran. While our older boat has “good bones,” we’re updating 34-year-old construction techniques with modern composites and design understanding.
Through our YouTube channel and detailed membership site, we break down the complexities of composites, systems, and multihull seamanship into practical, actionable knowledge. Learn how to build, repair, and confidently sail your vessel.
This hands-on passion project is powered by our professional design work at SYAS Performance, where we apply this same expertise to advanced client projects.
How It Works
Watch Free Videos
Follow our catamaran refit and learn tips and tricks on our YouTube channel.
Join the Membership
Dive deeper with our more technically orientated videos and downloadable resources.
Join the Community
Connect with other learners, ask questions, and share your projects.
The Latest Blog Post & YouTube Video
- Apparent Wind vs. True Wind: The Biggest Misconception in Sailing
Authors: Shayne and Anna Introduction You’re sailing downwind on a beautiful performance catamaran. You glance at the instruments. One display says you’re going upwind at 150 degrees. Another says you’re going downwind. Which one is right? The answer is both. And that confusion is the biggest misconception in sailing. In this guide—filmed onboard the Gunboat… Read more: Apparent Wind vs. True Wind: The Biggest Misconception in Sailing
Free Resources
Get a hands-on look at the real-world systems powering Paikea’s transformation. Explore our dedicated resource page to see the specific tools, navigation electronics, and performance upgrades we’ve chosen for our catamaran.
It’s the ultimate practical guide for selecting equipment for your own project.
All the free resources you need to get the most out of your own vessel.
Want to go beyond the video? Get professional tips and free resources designed to help you sail smarter and upgrade your boat with confidence.
On our blog and resource pages, you’ll find:
- Detailed Video Companions: Get more information and links for every YouTube episode.
- Practical Tutorials: Guides on composites, sailing, daggerboards and boat maintenance.
- Pro-Purchasing Guides: Unbiased advice on choosing the right gear, like anchors and equipment.
Behind the Scenes: Our Professional Work
The Youngbarnacles Channel is powered by SYAS Performance, our marine design consultancy specialising in advanced composites, hydrofoil design, and engineering for high-performance projects.