The image above shows the three latest hull versions of the Proteus superimposed. EVO 1.2 is shown in orange, EVO 1.6 in cyan and The Proteus (final version) in gray.
About the Proteus
The Proteus is a recent development designed by Craig Richards in the UK. Launched in September 2025, the boat evolved rapidly and is in its fourth (and final) public version. The three latest versions are available as kits as each has its appeal. With a growing fleet, the Proteus has demonstrated its modern lines are very competitive, both in national and international events.
Proteus EVO 1.2
The EVO 1.2 is an evolution of the original hull. With very slight changes to the hull design from the original boat, the EVO 1.2 brought the innovative AeroDeck which completely hides the hatch for a very clean deck. After sailing the UK nationals and placing 6th with version 1.2, Craig wanted to improve the hull, particularly for the conditions in Datchet with stronger winds and choppy waves.
Proteus EVO 1.6
EVO 1.6 is the hull with which Craig raced the 2026 IOM Worlds in Datchet, placing 10th among 84 of the best skippers in the world. It has a standard pot lid hatch but uses a magnetic jib attachment and a new path for sailwinch lines with an under deck aft pulley. The backstay hooks into a opening printed on the transom.
In Craig's own words:
"The Proteus project was to try and get a 3D printed boat good enough to have a chance at the worlds. As I sailed each regatta I would come home with ideas to improve the existing boat ... so the boat evolved, hence the EVO.
All the releases were good. 1.2 is very fast in most of the smaller venues we sail in, but where there is a longer fetch and we get short steep waves it can be hard to hold onto the Venti and Britpop. 1.3 To 1.5 were not improvements and were not released.
1.6 seems good all round and I think is faster downwind in waves. All the boats are so close in performance I don't think we are going to see a boat that has a hull that is noticeably faster. So, 1.6 may be faster across a broad range of Datchet conditions, but on flatter smaller waters 1.2 will more than hold its own."
THE Proteus (the final version)
THE Proteus is the final version with a slightly narrower bow than the 1.6 and smoothing the chine at the waterline. The sheeting was refined to a very clean single line running over the deck and returning from a pulley below deck. Magnetic jib fitting is standard but an eyebolt version is available.
In Craig's words again:
"The Proteus was meant to be a fun project (for me anyway). The first boats may have been released a bit early as the boat has gone through some iterations, but having said that I sailed a 1.2 last weekend and it was a demon upwind in B rig conditions, so horses for courses.
The current 1.6 is an awesome boat winning races and having multiple top 10 finishes at the world championships ... all firsts for a plastic boat.
At present within the IOM class rules most boats have become type formed and are all very close under the water line. I am happy that the Proteus is as good all round as any other boat on the market.
It is possible to create specialist boats that will do better in light or heavy airs, but I can't see a BritPop type breakthrough unless the thinking changes ... something different like the GLD boats for example.
Post worlds I have done some work on the boat, but they are all small modifications and there is no guarantee it's any faster. I don't think many people could tell the difference.
This post worlds boat is going to be released as THE Proteus. No version numbers etc. It is the final boat. If there are any design changes in the future that prove to provide better performance, then I will give the boat an entirely new name. To be honest I can't see that happening in the foreseeable future though. I really like the current boat."
Proteus hull profile comparison
The images below show superimposed sections of the three Proteus hull versions. EVO 1.2 is shown in orange, EVO 1.6 in cyan and The Proteus (final version) in gray. Hulls are aligned by the deck fittings for clarity, and not by the waterline. Sections are made at 10cm intervals starting 5cm from the bow.
