August 1999
After seven years of design work including two patents, nine months under construction, and several anxious sleepless nights, Walt Schulz sails the new Shoalsailer 32 for the first time with his co-designer George Carter in twenty knots of stiff breeze, and is ecstatic that the newest Shannon didn't fall over on its side and went to weather at seven knots with minimal heel and almost no leeway. The Shoalsailer's performance is especially unique considering the boat only draws 30" with the no centerboards or daggerboards After extensive seatrials, the Shoalsailer comes back to the Shannon shop so molds can be taken off this working prototype, and Walt and George receive a US patent on the Shoalsailer’s hull design.