Sternum and Keel
The “Sternum” – a colorful description coined by Marc – means “chest structure” in Latin and “breastbone” in Greek. On our Alpha 42 this amorphous sculptured wave will become the under-bridge deck structure stiffening beam. Here the sternum is started by making the rough wooden plug for it. The sternum will also take some of the compression load of the mast and coach house weight, at the same time will split any high waves that try to pound the high bridge deck. Some other pictures show the fairing of the keel top and stratification of the port side hull mold.