tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63667414007050319242024-03-13T13:48:27.138-07:00Model YachtingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-40872629611910953282016-07-14T06:19:00.002-07:002016-07-14T06:19:12.518-07:00New RG-65! New Materials! Sliver Mk.I and TerraFiberBack from a brief summer hiatus to introduce a new boat (Sliver Mk.I, designed by Mark Dicks, and built by David Woodward) I'll be building, and a new material called "TerraFiber". Check out the video below:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GPBcTxsTgTk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GPBcTxsTgTk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
Also, here's a few pictures:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYii18F9DbA/V4eQiO51bDI/AAAAAAAAB7M/9ZpeFCjXpuYd6ME_4F3Z4DUS1ziuoG4nACLcB/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dYii18F9DbA/V4eQiO51bDI/AAAAAAAAB7M/9ZpeFCjXpuYd6ME_4F3Z4DUS1ziuoG4nACLcB/s640/IMG_0141.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of forward deck structure by David Woodward</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKhtd4KxYxs/V4eQhJrOnEI/AAAAAAAAB7I/oHUoNdk_g6s_hr3wsucPDPV74w4yS29FQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKhtd4KxYxs/V4eQhJrOnEI/AAAAAAAAB7I/oHUoNdk_g6s_hr3wsucPDPV74w4yS29FQCLcB/s640/IMG_0143.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comparison with the trusty Peck; sort of an optical illusion as the are the same length...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AcknF9u3XWU/V4eQiYCY0uI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/C-vl6ThQ2JoJ3f4vFPmbH1AjUxTe9JdMgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AcknF9u3XWU/V4eQiYCY0uI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/C-vl6ThQ2JoJ3f4vFPmbH1AjUxTe9JdMgCLcB/s640/IMG_0145.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TerraFiber cloth, stiff & light!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-52401820710475877062016-04-28T21:22:00.003-07:002016-04-28T21:22:40.722-07:00Is the DF a competitive RG-65?This will be a controversial topic, but it need not be so.<br />
<br />
Since its origin the DragonForce-65 (DF-65) has been propounded in two classes; first as a one-design boat, and second as a fully class compliant RG-65. In the US the DF-65 was originally registered as an RG-65, and many regatta's took on one of two formats; one-design DF-65's (only) or raced in RG-65 events, typically with separate scoring. This separate scoring was usually done on the grounds that there was essentially two intermingled regattas, one for RG-65's and the other for DF-65's. Even with this "one fleet two scoring" system, a DF-65 would still place in the RG-65 event; for example, Chris Macaluso won last year's White Rock Cup in both the DF-65 and RG-65 categories. As the DF-65 is now being organized as its own one-design class in the US, separate from the RG-65 (though, still fully, at this writing, RG-65 legal), the question naturally arises, once organized into their own class, should the DF-65 continue in the "one fleet two scoring" manner in which it began when participating in RG-65 events? The determining question therefore, would obviously would be, is the DF-65 competitive enough in the RG-65 to be worth sailing as a typical RG-65? As I intend to demonstrate, the answer is a qualified "yes".<br />
<br />
First, it should be understood that no boat in an open ecosystem necessarily remains competitive forever...one need merely look at the IOM class, where the largely successful wide-beam skiff designs (like the "<i>TS-2"</i>) have all but disappeared in favor of narrower, partial chine boats like the "<i>BritPop</i>". Technology marches on, and it is generally not given to any design to stay on top forever...<br />
<br />
Secondly, as a caveat to the above observation, it is also well understood that a good skipper with a well-tuned old boat will usually beat a poor skipper with a poorly worked-up new one.<br />
<br />
Assuming all other things are equal for the purposes of this argument, can a DF-65 race with a typical RG-65 with a reasonable chance of success? I say yes, for reasons I shall now explain. First, let's take a look at some particulars; I'll compare my DF-65 to my RG-65 (a <i>Blue Splash, </i>a typical RG-65 design with swing-rig). Both boats are, of course 650mm long, and are of very similar beam (within a few mm). On my boat at least, the keel is carbon fiber and 650 grams of lead in the bulb, and about the same length (again a few mm shorter); the DF-65 has metal fin and a 554g bulb. In terms of hull shape, the DF-65 shows a strong "U" shape with a flatter sections heading aft, while the <i>Blue Splash</i> evinces a more "V" shaped hull with a rounder transition aft.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQ8VmPc7eiU/Vx6tw099L2I/AAAAAAAAB6I/GIXblmzWPL0ATWuwKk63JquDrwGa8AAEACLcB/s1600/IMG_0063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQ8VmPc7eiU/Vx6tw099L2I/AAAAAAAAB6I/GIXblmzWPL0ATWuwKk63JquDrwGa8AAEACLcB/s640/IMG_0063.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">General profile, both in A-rigs...the <i>Blue Splash i</i>s a bit deeper and more rounded.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FqUYXpIkjVE/Vx6tvF2xbvI/AAAAAAAAB6A/ZAbQa_8kg88QfzCwUUhu4Q_QyXMToc9ZwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FqUYXpIkjVE/Vx6tvF2xbvI/AAAAAAAAB6A/ZAbQa_8kg88QfzCwUUhu4Q_QyXMToc9ZwCLcB/s640/IMG_0068.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Characteristic U-shape of the DF hull, allowing for a flat transition aft.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xn3ZD40bXBk/Vx6tvObVBkI/AAAAAAAAB6E/Aj8hfLgKBkQlEWFl_vzvAKGR8-Wn-T15wCLcB/s1600/IMG_0079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xn3ZD40bXBk/Vx6tvObVBkI/AAAAAAAAB6E/Aj8hfLgKBkQlEWFl_vzvAKGR8-Wn-T15wCLcB/s640/IMG_0079.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The V-shape of the <i>Blue Splash </i>(bow bumper not installed) showing a deeper entry and rounded aft transition.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In terms of hull, form and foil design, the DF-65 and <i>Blue Splash </i>represent different thinking and different trade-offs, I believe it is fair to say neither design approach is intrinsically superior. Specially, given that both boats use their maximum waterline (a key speed component), they are both able to reach hull-speed fairly easily in a breeze (at hull speed, the amount of power from the rigs can't move the hull any faster, typically causing nose-diving. The solution, is of course, to reduce power by using a smaller rig or sailing a different course to bleed out the excess power).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The real differences in these boats lie in two areas: weight, and rigs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A typical, ready to race DF-65 usually comes in at about 1250 grams, with a plastic hull and rudder, and metal keel fin. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By comparison, the <i>Blue Splash</i> has a fiberglass hull and carbon fiber keel fin and rudder and weighs about 1130 grams, about 100 grams or so lighter, and some RG-65's will weigh even less. It is important to keep in mind that RG-65's are made out of a variety of materials; wood/balsa, fiberglass, plastic, and carbon fiber, so in terms of materials it is difficult to generalize. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The key performance take away here, is that a typical RG-65 will be lighter and carry a heavier keel-bulb; allowing for less weight to move under sail and a greater righting action to carry a taller rig. This leads to, in my opinion, the definitive differential; rig plans. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a_ZQbUVh4yA/VyE0TW-kGkI/AAAAAAAAB6o/O-1uXc56SRAUQEFhZaLSdOLifjjHe44egCLcB/s1600/IMG_0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a_ZQbUVh4yA/VyE0TW-kGkI/AAAAAAAAB6o/O-1uXc56SRAUQEFhZaLSdOLifjjHe44egCLcB/s640/IMG_0065.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tall, narrow, high-aspect A-rig carried by the <i>Blue Splash</i> compared to the more conservative A-rig of the DF-65</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u_cIaeVmsfc/VyE0TFApGtI/AAAAAAAAB6k/OmevPNFNZzMDwP10du_-OrlSgEs2jNMCwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u_cIaeVmsfc/VyE0TFApGtI/AAAAAAAAB6k/OmevPNFNZzMDwP10du_-OrlSgEs2jNMCwCLcB/s640/IMG_0067.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>Blue Splash </i>B-rig here is about 85% of the DF-65 A-rig, and fairly similar.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
By carrying more weight down low in the keel-bulb (nearly 100 grams more), the <i>Blue Splash</i> carries an A-rig nearing the maximum allowed height and sail area, in a very efficient, high-aspect form. By contrast, the DF-65 favors a much more conservative, lower-aspect rig, only about 15% larger than the B-rig of the <i>Blue Splash</i> (see above photos). I suspect the heavier plastic hull of the DF-65, combined with a keel bulb nearly 100 grams lighter, would make a taller rig impractical, and quite tender in anything short of a very light breeze. It should be noted, that in this comparison, the <i>Blue Splash</i> is carrying a swing rig as compared to the DF-65 traditional fractional rig...I will have more to say about this later, but the choice of swing-rig vs. fractional is not determinative in my opinion, many successful RG-65's sport fractional rigs also.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The rub of the matter, as I see it, is what are the competitive advantages of these rig differences? Simply out, the larger sail area and more efficient high-aspect form of the <i>Blue Splash</i> A-rig, generates more power for a lighter boat, making it faster than the DF-65. There are important caveats, however. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The A-rig pictured above is good up to about 9 mph wind speed before it begins to over-power and require a downshift to the B-rig. The DF-65 can continue to sail it's A-rig quite comfortably in this wind range, and in my experience, it can carry its A-rig to about 15 mph...so from 9 to 15 mph the DF-65 is sailing with about 15% more sail than a typical RG-65...sail area being horsepower, this has a very leveling effect on speed. This squares with my own experience; when I'm sailing my A-rig against DF-65's, I have a noticeable speed advantage, particularly running downwind. In that DF-65 "sweet spot" of 9-15 mph, I'm the one with less sail area and do not see any noticeable speed advantage. As wind speed increases beyond 15 mph, both boats start hitting their maximum hull speed fairly easily, and again, there is little advantage. Given the size of the DF/RG-65, speed will level off rapidly as the wind speed increases beyond 9 mph, <u>regardless of rig</u>. So in terms of advantage, it is my opinion that the RG-65's are advantaged in winds below 9 mph, and the boats are increasingly equal as the wind rises beyond that point.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I note that this comparison is based on my RG rigs, the kits & sails of which were produced by Eric Rosenbaum, and constructed by me. For comparison, other boats may have very different rigs...however the ones I've described are by no means atypical. For example, I have considered an "A-" rig that would be lower aspect as compared to my current A, but of nearly the same area, to shorten the "9-15mph" gap I described. If executed successfully it may push the DF-65 into a narrower, higher, wind band of competitiveness.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, a note about swing rigs...some consider the DF-65 disadvantaged because it carries a fractional rig. I think this misunderstands the advantages (and drawbacks) of the swing rig, and fails to account for the many highly competitive boats that use a fractional rig. The advantage of the swing rig, is, in my opinion primarily it's tremendous efficiency running downwind, especially in light air. Typically, in lighter air, if you have two identical boats; one with a swing rig and the other a conventional fractional rig, the swing rig will be noticeable quicker downwind (the physics of why are for another article). Going upwind, the swing rig is a bit faster, but also sails a bit lower, which is essentially a push, though in small boats like the RG-65 sailing high can be slow and dangerous! In my B-rig I have trouble with the DF-65 when they are still in the A-rig heading upwind, I'm not really faster and they will typically be sailing a bit higher. On any reaching course a swing rig is difficult to trim properly; it is also a bit different to tack and requires some adjustment of technique (you do not ease the sheets and then tighten back up to accelerate like a fractional rig). Suffice to say, a swing rig represents a preference more than an serious competitive advantage, its primary value being (as stated) in light air downwind legs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So to answer the question I began with, can a DF-65 be raced competitively with a "typical" RG-65? I would give a qualified yes, it is most competitive in wind ranges exceeding 9 mph. Some have suggested to me that in venues with greater wave action, the taller rig RG-65 rig "whip saws" more, making a figure of 7 mph more realistic). In these conditions, I believe the skipper skill and rig tune will prevail, i.e. the boat is competitive and the better sailor and rig tune will prevail. Below these wind speeds, the DF-65's greater weight, smaller righting action, and low aspect rig will make it more challenging. As every boat is designed for some optimal condition, I would therefore consider it reasonably competitive. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I therefore believe a DF-65 is a proper and reasonably competitive RG-65 and can generally be raced and scored as such. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope this has proved helpful and I invite the thoughts of others...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-40505244197796377272016-04-24T14:30:00.000-07:002016-04-24T14:30:51.171-07:00Texas DragonForce Series #4; Drifting into Austin...This report is a bit behind schedule on account of my catching a frightful cold after this regatta...and the short report is I sailed so poorly there, there is little to say!<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The venue in Austin is Berry Creek (actually Georgetown which is north of Austin) at Sun City. This is a very scenic venue with good shade trees, but somewhat fickle winds. On the day of the DF series the winds were bafflingly light and there were several light rain showers. I learned a few things; the DF is not a light air boat, it excels in the medium to heavy airs. Accordingly, good tuning and some practice are needed to do really well in drifting conditions with any boat, but particularly with the DF. Having neither light air practice, nor a good tune on my rig for the conditions, I was painfully slow, and never really got going well except in a few spots. The light airs and frustrating wind conditions made tempers short at times, as mark rounding could become difficult. Chuck LeMahieu looked very fast in these conditions, and if he hadn't broken down on the first race, may have won the day from Chris Macaluso. Chris wasn't quite as dominate as usual, there were several firsts to spread around, but was consistent in the win. The TRYC contingent (excepting me) fared well, Chuck LeMahieu 2nd, Mauricio Dantas 4th, and Bob Piper #9th...good job!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Upon getting home I reset <i>PeckForce's</i> rig to its default settings, and made some notes to try and get a good light air baseline for the next time such conditions predominate. As always in a small boat, the secret I think is to stay low and keep moving...I just couldn't get moving enough to execute any plan. Next in the DF series is the White Rock Cup in Dallas...my home turf, I sailed well there last time and hope to make a run...I'll be praying for a good breeze! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The White Rock Cup sign-up is <a href="http://whiterockcup.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>, and is open to any DF-65, consider the trip!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Russ Gardner (the host of the DF Series in Austin) posted his report <a href="https://austinrcsailing.wordpress.com/2016/04/13/austin-df-regatta-race-4/" target="_blank">here.</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some photos, by Mike Biggs:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dnT7F3BeNrQ/Vx0s2my1vdI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/s7EDBPSgABEsFAiipXF6NPKDQ60xxyWmACLcB/s1600/25767325134_15f832d01d_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dnT7F3BeNrQ/Vx0s2my1vdI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/s7EDBPSgABEsFAiipXF6NPKDQ60xxyWmACLcB/s640/25767325134_15f832d01d_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clustering at the rounding...not pretty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pii7F4MBlmA/Vx0s2uFMJhI/AAAAAAAAB5g/5MOkbvUbUHs16rbRcSbGzSb-tVD6_uFsgCLcB/s1600/25769449213_5644e0d939_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pii7F4MBlmA/Vx0s2uFMJhI/AAAAAAAAB5g/5MOkbvUbUHs16rbRcSbGzSb-tVD6_uFsgCLcB/s640/25769449213_5644e0d939_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little breeze at the offset settles things out...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pazovvcfoIs/Vx0s2z2ZRaI/AAAAAAAAB5c/ds2VMfaNiqoTMfG_GXq_Iz6HQyC40HeGQCLcB/s1600/26098761590_70c07d0813_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pazovvcfoIs/Vx0s2z2ZRaI/AAAAAAAAB5c/ds2VMfaNiqoTMfG_GXq_Iz6HQyC40HeGQCLcB/s640/26098761590_70c07d0813_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attractive venue, complete with small island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5RGca5lLGxQ/Vx0s3z8UAzI/AAAAAAAAB5k/8x0k9rov3CgG2xDBbq8avOKNOvMXGYanwCLcB/s1600/26099057890_4b3fb5a5f8_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5RGca5lLGxQ/Vx0s3z8UAzI/AAAAAAAAB5k/8x0k9rov3CgG2xDBbq8avOKNOvMXGYanwCLcB/s640/26099057890_4b3fb5a5f8_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chuck sailed well, his #09 ahead of Macaluso here...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mx_CmbZk5lE/Vx0s4ncBWQI/AAAAAAAAB5o/PfeT1FfXj00J8IJeT4E_BkL-jlf8cpRfACLcB/s1600/26279261612_c2de5e2784_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mx_CmbZk5lE/Vx0s4ncBWQI/AAAAAAAAB5o/PfeT1FfXj00J8IJeT4E_BkL-jlf8cpRfACLcB/s640/26279261612_c2de5e2784_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light air start...very tricky to start clear with momentum...I couldn't on this day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUBK896AOAA/Vx0s5CHRHfI/AAAAAAAAB5s/A_iR_OajwSsCnmO-84dWttOCayAupddHgCLcB/s1600/26305573891_db3d2d7f2b_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SUBK896AOAA/Vx0s5CHRHfI/AAAAAAAAB5s/A_iR_OajwSsCnmO-84dWttOCayAupddHgCLcB/s640/26305573891_db3d2d7f2b_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One good moment, <i>PeckForce</i> rounds near the head of the fleet before being annihilated on the downwind run...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ok6XWXXJzxk/Vx0s5YURfOI/AAAAAAAAB5w/GWLx7-kpMM0FHPTPAjDRZP6T4-1F_5yiACLcB/s1600/26371657305_fbd7ee0e35_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ok6XWXXJzxk/Vx0s5YURfOI/AAAAAAAAB5w/GWLx7-kpMM0FHPTPAjDRZP6T4-1F_5yiACLcB/s640/26371657305_fbd7ee0e35_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A touch of breeze on this pre-start...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-35345088599755001882016-04-04T00:41:00.000-07:002016-04-04T08:19:14.768-07:00TRYC RG-65 Club Racing; 4/2/2016We had a great day of racing for the monthly club RG-65 day, getting eight boats (including one visiting custom 36/600) on the water for some good racing...complete with an appearance by the elusive David Eldridge, who raced (and won) several times with Eric's boat. We had the open RG's outnumber the DF's for the first time in a long while, with Eric, Mauricio, and I running swing-rigs, and Bob getting his yellow "Banana Boat" going in a fractional rig that was a bit bigger than DF, but lower aspect than the other RG's. Bob is still working this boat up, but my opinion is it will be fast in the mid-to-heavy wind ranges. Eric and I share identical sail plans, so it's an interesting comparison.<br />
<br />
Eric won the day easily, sailing with A-rig all day (despite some near pitch-poles) with David sailing a few firsts with it as well. We didn't keep the results, but I suspect I finished 2nd with three 1st's, two 2nd's, and two 3rd's. Mauricio tried several rigs again, and was uniformly fast. Bob, and the DF's started off a bit slower, but as the wind built into upper-A ranges for the open RG's, they became very fast and competitive. The fractional rigs also caught a break when the wind shifted several times to turn the runs into reaches; a swing-rigs advantage is the downwind leg (it is fast upwind, but must usually sail lower, which tends to be a push from a VMG standpoint)...the repeated reaching legs made for difficulty with the swing rigs because it replaced large portions of the race that should be their best leg (running) with their worst (reaching). Educational to say the least, and I for one benefitted from practice trying to hold them off on those reaches! I had to drop to the B-rig for two races, and the DF's were right on top of me, and very tough downwind with their greater sail area (being able to stay in A).<br />
<br />
Anyhow, a beautiful day, and great racing. Pictures, below, as usual. Next week, the DF Series is off to Austin, I hope to see you there!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ06C1ha30E/VwBF7C_s9OI/AAAAAAAAB4o/39uaRiIZwP0-f-9LItRsb01HoempoIh8w/s1600/IMG_2200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ06C1ha30E/VwBF7C_s9OI/AAAAAAAAB4o/39uaRiIZwP0-f-9LItRsb01HoempoIh8w/s640/IMG_2200.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mustang</i>, rigged and ready!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGjrhOba7l8/VwBCxFNrXjI/AAAAAAAAB24/CKPrTGg5LPo3KJ4oHZer_wvz7M-hW3uhQ/s1600/IMG_2202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGjrhOba7l8/VwBCxFNrXjI/AAAAAAAAB24/CKPrTGg5LPo3KJ4oHZer_wvz7M-hW3uhQ/s640/IMG_2202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Blue Splash (<i>Mustang</i>) and two DF65's warming-up before racing began.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzvP7ffiiQo/VwBC46K6hmI/AAAAAAAAB3A/C9ODw82juMo3wEwrHKABTxTi-UdqJNtwg/s1600/IMG_2205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzvP7ffiiQo/VwBC46K6hmI/AAAAAAAAB3A/C9ODw82juMo3wEwrHKABTxTi-UdqJNtwg/s640/IMG_2205.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two DF65's...they got very competitive as the wind built, the Dragons like it over 9mph!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUXtgJSRrgg/VwBC5Bq5QII/AAAAAAAAB3E/xb8RlgAsMkE6LCNMNO5Z78h8NvREc6LxA/s1600/IMG_2206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DUXtgJSRrgg/VwBC5Bq5QII/AAAAAAAAB3E/xb8RlgAsMkE6LCNMNO5Z78h8NvREc6LxA/s640/IMG_2206.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mustang</i>, a Blue Splash, spent most of her day powering along in her tall A-rig</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DzhyC8n8KoA/VwBC_QcGovI/AAAAAAAAB3I/EernxEKVMB0tBDVu-MJkPVSaehfvKesWg/s1600/IMG_2207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DzhyC8n8KoA/VwBC_QcGovI/AAAAAAAAB3I/EernxEKVMB0tBDVu-MJkPVSaehfvKesWg/s640/IMG_2207.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wind slowly built...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBrCqe9CzIU/VwBDBNZSWHI/AAAAAAAAB3M/LYfJzs3OH0MEIYenl_ST-aIhy__DO8rfQ/s1600/IMG_2208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBrCqe9CzIU/VwBDBNZSWHI/AAAAAAAAB3M/LYfJzs3OH0MEIYenl_ST-aIhy__DO8rfQ/s640/IMG_2208.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful weather at Rymer today.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eyuLZdD3-9A/VwBDCDNqJsI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/FQe3a20p4nImyN7NUlkjSedupAn0ZLDLg/s1600/IMG_2209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eyuLZdD3-9A/VwBDCDNqJsI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/FQe3a20p4nImyN7NUlkjSedupAn0ZLDLg/s640/IMG_2209.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a good turnout; seven boats!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3vAeShmAzM/VwBDIFvacmI/AAAAAAAAB3U/eXk8NTFPTVsrCCotipEXz7MB5ZjLW2FxA/s1600/IMG_2210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3vAeShmAzM/VwBDIFvacmI/AAAAAAAAB3U/eXk8NTFPTVsrCCotipEXz7MB5ZjLW2FxA/s640/IMG_2210.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-start maneuvers...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p2YU73lCzsI/VwBDJNCy5JI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/xPq3FpvrdMYpAfo6qipXDg9DXC9oHP11g/s1600/IMG_2211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p2YU73lCzsI/VwBDJNCy5JI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/xPq3FpvrdMYpAfo6qipXDg9DXC9oHP11g/s640/IMG_2211.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day-O! Bob Piper's Banana Boat got rolling today!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESz6M-iQW_Y/VwBDLIwOeSI/AAAAAAAAB3c/h4MLLfA9mHId7_Z2Jt78WHBmOrtnTF44g/s1600/IMG_2212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESz6M-iQW_Y/VwBDLIwOeSI/AAAAAAAAB3c/h4MLLfA9mHId7_Z2Jt78WHBmOrtnTF44g/s640/IMG_2212.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the gun, starboard tack boats go to port, <i>Mustang</i> and Mauricio (#71) go low looking for a lift...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hofvg4vgqTM/VwBDQiQ5zWI/AAAAAAAAB3g/0WtQIC-6AV0T-Q-hGAWgb_fBAwBRUQ_7A/s1600/IMG_2213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hofvg4vgqTM/VwBDQiQ5zWI/AAAAAAAAB3g/0WtQIC-6AV0T-Q-hGAWgb_fBAwBRUQ_7A/s640/IMG_2213.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the high aspect rigs on #62 and #11, advantageous in the lighter airs...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi7QDEexy8I/VwBDRjLE5YI/AAAAAAAAB3o/ejCC2TopyxIxzZRZMwBvct3pwbwW9qvhA/s1600/IMG_2214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi7QDEexy8I/VwBDRjLE5YI/AAAAAAAAB3o/ejCC2TopyxIxzZRZMwBvct3pwbwW9qvhA/s640/IMG_2214.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric's #11 in the lead, as it went for most of the day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NtXqWcNH_7M/VwBDTSuaM6I/AAAAAAAAB3s/hfwMGrqELWUzHJw3CLEnVaVD01_Axafrg/s1600/IMG_2215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NtXqWcNH_7M/VwBDTSuaM6I/AAAAAAAAB3s/hfwMGrqELWUzHJw3CLEnVaVD01_Axafrg/s640/IMG_2215.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulling away from the start, close racing...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzBvulhC8XQ/VwBDZEXy57I/AAAAAAAAB3w/yONxay3ZzX4gqLTwC_AZMOd9FUij2HW5g/s1600/IMG_2216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MzBvulhC8XQ/VwBDZEXy57I/AAAAAAAAB3w/yONxay3ZzX4gqLTwC_AZMOd9FUij2HW5g/s640/IMG_2216.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boats low on the start get their hoped for lift as the pack converges on the mark...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SUbl2sEfnU/VwBDaf_iXRI/AAAAAAAAB30/cP2nDNFdMKgEyohhgPi6VpSj3g5HLylZg/s1600/IMG_2217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SUbl2sEfnU/VwBDaf_iXRI/AAAAAAAAB30/cP2nDNFdMKgEyohhgPi6VpSj3g5HLylZg/s640/IMG_2217.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will they catch the leaders?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-OCHV2YMEY/VwBDcQbbwgI/AAAAAAAAB34/pKIhH_XPPxAQIYYj1P691pe-1FW3_KytQ/s1600/IMG_2218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-OCHV2YMEY/VwBDcQbbwgI/AAAAAAAAB34/pKIhH_XPPxAQIYYj1P691pe-1FW3_KytQ/s640/IMG_2218.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost...<i>Mustang</i> hot on Eric's heels at the mark...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-10dd9O7FR4c/VwBDkbXfVfI/AAAAAAAAB4A/VwO0UHVieQA0rKO9THcaignKRRyP0vjXQ/s1600/IMG_2219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-10dd9O7FR4c/VwBDkbXfVfI/AAAAAAAAB4A/VwO0UHVieQA0rKO9THcaignKRRyP0vjXQ/s640/IMG_2219.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric pulls away downwind as the fleet rounds...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2bWBF3uXjk/VwBDltzlOZI/AAAAAAAAB4E/lpgAo9UhaLgmq0CvCQcrVT1658fWRRDZA/s1600/IMG_2220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2bWBF3uXjk/VwBDltzlOZI/AAAAAAAAB4E/lpgAo9UhaLgmq0CvCQcrVT1658fWRRDZA/s640/IMG_2220.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mustang's</i> lift put her in second by Eric is comfortably ahead...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPG38bmV21I/VwBDmbooVLI/AAAAAAAAB4I/GkV95OFTQrIT9NkjVWCUxj_VvdKgcyoHg/s1600/IMG_2221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iPG38bmV21I/VwBDmbooVLI/AAAAAAAAB4I/GkV95OFTQrIT9NkjVWCUxj_VvdKgcyoHg/s640/IMG_2221.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shifty wind makes the run more of a reach...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jTmgSnwChJQ/VwBDsZaLi1I/AAAAAAAAB4M/0DPxz94evFwyq4B47P18RQFvW1_eRQvGA/s1600/IMG_2222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jTmgSnwChJQ/VwBDsZaLi1I/AAAAAAAAB4M/0DPxz94evFwyq4B47P18RQFvW1_eRQvGA/s640/IMG_2222.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...in a reach the fractionally rigged boats are a bit better off...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vrCkFSw3sSg/VwBDtyGOqzI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/V2FxkdKU5IQnpAymP4JYGeErFNmP0RUAw/s1600/IMG_2223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vrCkFSw3sSg/VwBDtyGOqzI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/V2FxkdKU5IQnpAymP4JYGeErFNmP0RUAw/s640/IMG_2223.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nonetheless, as went much of the day; Eric ahead with <i>Mustang</i> chasing in 2nd...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2UopNtrvZ8/VwBDuuIgxdI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/yDKfsOH2c5sa5tITnDtUURXWl3ZZcLXNQ/s1600/IMG_2224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2UopNtrvZ8/VwBDuuIgxdI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/yDKfsOH2c5sa5tITnDtUURXWl3ZZcLXNQ/s640/IMG_2224.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...while the rest of the fleet hunts for a good breeze to roll-up the difference.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPw4NIlJ-Bg/VwBDuJcTHEI/AAAAAAAAB4U/Pf44rMzeTHokxRDixaxv2PyD1BGq95_kQ/s1600/IMG_2226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPw4NIlJ-Bg/VwBDuJcTHEI/AAAAAAAAB4U/Pf44rMzeTHokxRDixaxv2PyD1BGq95_kQ/s640/IMG_2226.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun, sun, sailing...no complaints!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-63934025354689226302016-03-27T16:18:00.001-07:002016-03-27T16:18:49.698-07:00TRYC RG-65 Sailing Day at Railroad ParkWe had a good RG-65 sailing day today at Railroad Park in Lewisville, with about 10 skippers in attendance at any given time, and 6 or 7 boats on the water. Afterwards, a couple DF-95's sailed also.<br />
<br />
The location, Railroad Park, will host the RG-65 Region 5 Championship in September and it is a very nice venue, with a good breeze that blows right down the pond, easy launching areas, and good sight-lines. Parking and Restrooms are conveniently nearby...I was quite impressed with the venue and think it should be a terrific regatta, I hope to see many of you in September!<br />
<br />
Bob Piper brought out his RG-65 from Breaking Winds, and had it going pretty well in the windy conditions...it still requires some minor running rigging adjustments, and he switched to his DF-65 for the racing...I didn't get a chance to get any pictures, but I look forward to seeing it again soon! Mauricio brought out his RG, and a number of inventive rigs, and Roo and I brought <i>Mustang</i> and <i>PeckForce</i> (<i>Peck</i> is still in for a refit). The rest of the fleet rounded out in the ubiquitous DragonForce's. There didn't seem to be any wind when we left for the lake, so I left the B-rigs at home...of course it cranked right up once we got there, I'd say a steady 12-13 mph with gusts over 15. The DF's A-rig can handle that, but <i>Mustang</i> couldn't stay up on the runs very easily. We got in at east 6 scored races, with several skipper switches so guys could try boats, or visitors could sail. The results, as I have them were:<br />
<br />
1. 65-50--71-61<br />
2. 09-50-71-65-61<br />
3. 65-09-62-71-50-61<br />
4. 71-65-(50-09 tied)-61<br />
5. 50-71-09-65-61<br />
6. 71-09-65-50-61<br />
<br />
Roo sailed <i>PeckForce</i> to a very credible 2nd in the first race, and I took a second with him in the next one. A slight lull (barely) allowed me to get <i>Mustang</i> out for a race in the 3rd and it was good practice sailing an A-rig in very high-end conditions. I was pleased with how she went and held together...should have brought that darned B-rig! Mauricio sailed a number of rigs, including a "B+" rig that went well in conditions. Bob sailed well as usual, and Chuck took a quick win before helping a new skipper get his DF ready for several races. We had several visitors and new skippers, so boats were changing hands frequently and not always sailed by the same skippers (particularly 09 and 50).<br />
<br />
As usual, a few pictures...<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LJJqdrQo7k/VvcacThVNVI/AAAAAAAAB1s/pO5CTu4alEcXxDm2HY3U9IO2w1_-7iv3A/s1600/IMG_2172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9LJJqdrQo7k/VvcacThVNVI/AAAAAAAAB1s/pO5CTu4alEcXxDm2HY3U9IO2w1_-7iv3A/s640/IMG_2172.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roo and Cash warming up before racing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eYkWkfk8XNc/Vvcac8sLAYI/AAAAAAAAB1w/ZaYt80JBx2As0evayene59DQovZQULssw/s1600/IMG_2173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eYkWkfk8XNc/Vvcac8sLAYI/AAAAAAAAB1w/ZaYt80JBx2As0evayene59DQovZQULssw/s640/IMG_2173.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DF guru Chuck helping ready a new boat. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHzCgIy6VZE/VvcahgNETSI/AAAAAAAAB10/XXcj4NyYSvsPxoIvk-V6_AdVt-xoOCCsw/s1600/IMG_2174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHzCgIy6VZE/VvcahgNETSI/AAAAAAAAB10/XXcj4NyYSvsPxoIvk-V6_AdVt-xoOCCsw/s640/IMG_2174.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mauricio's latest; with a "B+" rig. Note the aft position of the fin...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9-GliJciyO4/VvcanzqmtGI/AAAAAAAAB14/X3YPIg4lKbkHoTyO-ATpNKq2ET_dBVLMg/s1600/IMG_2175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9-GliJciyO4/VvcanzqmtGI/AAAAAAAAB14/X3YPIg4lKbkHoTyO-ATpNKq2ET_dBVLMg/s640/IMG_2175.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of room for skippers at Railroad Park...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlKEiyR0Dz8/Vvca05Du5FI/AAAAAAAAB2M/4zO0yxKA8HQV4xvutHsnv9YakCgqK4-3w/s1600/IMG_2176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlKEiyR0Dz8/Vvca05Du5FI/AAAAAAAAB2M/4zO0yxKA8HQV4xvutHsnv9YakCgqK4-3w/s640/IMG_2176.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic shot of the sailing area; the shore runs straight and is distorted by the panoramic feature, a very nice venue!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1Z9MmEBEj4/VvcawdnhF4I/AAAAAAAAB2E/1_zEVlR1L98AerdRmF59DbKGUBbJH0lJg/s1600/IMG_2177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1Z9MmEBEj4/VvcawdnhF4I/AAAAAAAAB2E/1_zEVlR1L98AerdRmF59DbKGUBbJH0lJg/s640/IMG_2177.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too windy for the A-rig, but got a few races in; everything stayed tight & dry in the overpowering conditions, a good test!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFdYoxl2jVY/VvcavgCehDI/AAAAAAAAB2A/oT4YtnW5qJ46yGBwU909gLU3ZNWtT6Dmg/s1600/IMG_2179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFdYoxl2jVY/VvcavgCehDI/AAAAAAAAB2A/oT4YtnW5qJ46yGBwU909gLU3ZNWtT6Dmg/s640/IMG_2179.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running upwind in a blow; note the swing-rig angled off to dump to speed and keep her feet up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzgCienaYXg/Vvca0TEUlZI/AAAAAAAAB2I/FVm0zvxgH7oAftsbsC4vTSgKHLnZsd45w/s1600/IMG_2180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzgCienaYXg/Vvca0TEUlZI/AAAAAAAAB2I/FVm0zvxgH7oAftsbsC4vTSgKHLnZsd45w/s640/IMG_2180.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roo skippering PeckForce, he pulled a 2nd right of the bat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f89F_o9j_Qc/Vvca1W1v3GI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/tmKnhauZs30O_6U1ixeV1sj32YLWdJn_g/s1600/IMG_2181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f89F_o9j_Qc/Vvca1W1v3GI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/tmKnhauZs30O_6U1ixeV1sj32YLWdJn_g/s640/IMG_2181.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mauricio heading in to the control area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8HhG6uPK5g/Vvca6DRKnvI/AAAAAAAAB2c/v8sRNndM-QoeytRSJMZ53aVxTnnzPER2w/s1600/IMG_2182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8HhG6uPK5g/Vvca6DRKnvI/AAAAAAAAB2c/v8sRNndM-QoeytRSJMZ53aVxTnnzPER2w/s640/IMG_2182.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quite a few boats out today; some skippers swapping boats!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CGlCH6PZ4DI/Vvca5woH8KI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/iX4R-ZQDRDoywxkuyuoE_j74riMtvJOaw/s1600/IMG_2183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CGlCH6PZ4DI/Vvca5woH8KI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/iX4R-ZQDRDoywxkuyuoE_j74riMtvJOaw/s640/IMG_2183.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice venue, good sight lines & wind, plenty of room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-1750689247883297432016-03-13T21:49:00.002-07:002016-03-13T21:52:48.534-07:00More Reader Built Boats!<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px;">
I received this message from reader <span style="background-color: white;">György in New Caledonia (the internet makes for a small world!) I'm glad to say reading my blog encouraged him to build his own Blue Splash RG-65...his note and pictures follow:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px;">
<i>Hi Christopher,</i></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px;">
<i>Just a couple of pics of one of our saturday mornings of regatta. As you can see, Xtasy the blue splash is in good position, ahead of different rg 65 and others, it’s honestly the case most of the time (as far as I’m not too stupid). You can recognise 2 goths (violet and white) a Palo de agua (red) and behind the last conception of a good friend: a trimaran (first time on water).</i></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px;">
<i>I’ve almost finished a new boat: MaLi, deutsch slim design, I’m gona take pics and will send them to you. It’s very different, I will let you now if it can be a good alternative to Blue Splash that I still like at the moment, but can’t stay without building something different so...</i></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T3Kr7kcQvGo/VuZCZvT-HqI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/TnviX4ngZHAZ2s1T9SuMMioEv6L3apYQg/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T3Kr7kcQvGo/VuZCZvT-HqI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/TnviX4ngZHAZ2s1T9SuMMioEv6L3apYQg/s640/Unknown-1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Extasy</i>, an ERC Blue Splash kit with fractional rig...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pEwMoqy4sk/VuZCZyJmGtI/AAAAAAAAB1U/a7SFcDv-UZYDm9gsho5KzCQMIljQlOcpw/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5pEwMoqy4sk/VuZCZyJmGtI/AAAAAAAAB1U/a7SFcDv-UZYDm9gsho5KzCQMIljQlOcpw/s640/Unknown.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...it leads the pack!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px;">
Thanks for sharing <span style="background-color: white;">György, good luck!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-66941101957530647232016-03-13T13:05:00.001-07:002016-03-13T21:39:05.941-07:00Texas DragonForce Series #3, Back to Houston...I began the third of the Texas DF series by driving down to the Houston regatta with Chuck LeMahieu of Dragon Sailing (USA) with our boats, and several boxes of Dragon Sailing deliveries to the Houston guys, including two new DF95 boats and Chuck's own DF95...a tight squeeze! We left in overcast rainy weather at 6:30am to make the 11:00am start time. For my European readers, Texas is a big state; driving Dallas to Houston is a greater distance than driving (if one could!) from London to Paris! Suffice to say, Texas alone supports a very robust DF65 (or for that matter RC sailing itself) community. After some re-routing due to road construction and traffic, we arrived right on time for the start of the day's racing...and what a day, the weather cleared beautifully with nice wind (A-rig all day), blue skies, and 26 competitors!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GSBGglCl38/VuWRxCgMYxI/AAAAAAAABzw/V3lQX2J_ibgLSDa7oCAq782V0g9vejzwA/s1600/IMG_2126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_GSBGglCl38/VuWRxCgMYxI/AAAAAAAABzw/V3lQX2J_ibgLSDa7oCAq782V0g9vejzwA/s640/IMG_2126.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The venue; perfect for sailing R/C boats!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxlgyyFNaDU/VuWRz1VJUVI/AAAAAAAABz8/nIUFDtT8VxEdhS9b4xhRmGkPtNnlS971Q/s1600/IMG_2125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxlgyyFNaDU/VuWRz1VJUVI/AAAAAAAABz8/nIUFDtT8VxEdhS9b4xhRmGkPtNnlS971Q/s640/IMG_2125.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hosts arrive for the day's event!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The venue, while perfect in nearly everyday, was slightly disfavored by the wind angle; some reaching a difficult port tacks; but improved slowly through-out the day...no impediment to good racing! The fleet itself ranged from novice to expert; with all 26 boats racing in one heat, which generally worked, but led to some hair-raising traffic at the marks...<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EprpuBYRWIM/VuWRyrY3FXI/AAAAAAAAB0E/Igonu99eRPE_C29NupP77z1MdT8wfEQ3Q/s1600/IMG_2127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EprpuBYRWIM/VuWRyrY3FXI/AAAAAAAAB0E/Igonu99eRPE_C29NupP77z1MdT8wfEQ3Q/s640/IMG_2127.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucy the dog ate my old racing hat, let's test the luck of the new one!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqPe0vle1r0/VuWR1ROC5jI/AAAAAAAAB0E/EoFqytQ_ZXgNdj8SpNT5JeeE26j8C5yhw/s1600/IMG_2128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HqPe0vle1r0/VuWR1ROC5jI/AAAAAAAAB0E/EoFqytQ_ZXgNdj8SpNT5JeeE26j8C5yhw/s640/IMG_2128.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>PeckForce</i> sallies forth; determined to do well and avoid another foundering!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
My day...<br />
<br />
I finished, I believe 7th out of 26 boats, which puts me 6th in the state series (out of, I'd guess, approximately 30 potential boats). My finishes were: 3-22(dropped)-5-6-18(dropped)-12-13-12-10-10-3-7-8. As I have mentioned before, I need to work on my consistency...it's tough to follow a 3rd with a 23rd! Fortunately, as I sail more this year I am seeing some improvement. Anyhow, for me:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Boat rig, tune, and speed were good. The times I was up with the leaders I did not want for speed of pointing ability (though in smaller boats like these, low and fast is almost always better than high and slow). No breakdowns or leaks;</li>
<li>The down-wind sheeting angles are fixed, though I think my jib may still be a shade tight up-wind;</li>
<li>Generally good starts; which is saying something with 26 boats on the line!</li>
<li>Generally good course selection;</li>
<li>I need to improve my ability to sail clear, a right-away is of little use when boats are cracked-up in a rounding, or they (or me!) are uncertain as to the right-away. I need to remind myself more forcefully that sailing with more room in clear air is <u>always</u> a better alternative;</li>
<li>I need to take better angles downwind and quit over controlling so much; and</li>
<li>Room, room, room! I need to take and give more...</li>
</ul>
<br />
Observations...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>18 boats at CSC were manageable, my opinion is 26 boats were simply too many. The Texas Series is continuing to grow, and some fleet racing system may have to be adopted. I think HMS is too much for such a casual affair, but I'm sure there will be discussions and something worked out. My opinion is that a simple red-white-blue system would be best; again, for this regatta series simplicity is the relevant factor in my opinion. I look forward to seeing what develops;</li>
<li>Collision avoidance...sometimes it seems people almost want a collision to prove their right-away, I think the fleet should be encouraged to avoid this; it is always faster to avoid the collision and protest, especially when the avoidance is slight;</li>
<li>Fleet composition for the series is good, with a few top skippers to gun for, a few new folks learning the ropes, and a vast and competitive middle to make for some fine racing;</li>
<li>We need less talking at the starts; 26 skippers chatting in the wind makes it hard to hear, or perhaps a louder clock, lol...</li>
<li>As mentioned previously a fun series to participate in; next time we'll be off to Austin</li>
</ul>
Of course some photos, courtesy & copyright of Mike Biggs; see there full gallery <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHskwrBDJr" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3HVxYEpTN24/VuXFNfJQkkI/AAAAAAAAB0U/foeFncSLL5Uo1WltJ2dXVz9QXEEgsiQ5A/s1600/25111971424_aed70972aa_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3HVxYEpTN24/VuXFNfJQkkI/AAAAAAAAB0U/foeFncSLL5Uo1WltJ2dXVz9QXEEgsiQ5A/s640/25111971424_aed70972aa_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>PeckForce</i> holding off regatta winner Macaluso with a tight mark rounding...Chuck just ahead! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aEBTcLQxQYI/VuXFNnVajNI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/9sdmeB0mNPQ3Nltk7e_sg6rGiqKH5yDUQ/s1600/25441638680_f65191d977_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aEBTcLQxQYI/VuXFNnVajNI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/9sdmeB0mNPQ3Nltk7e_sg6rGiqKH5yDUQ/s640/25441638680_f65191d977_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">21 of the 26 boats in this picture give an idea to the busy starts...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LEQ3hVIaf-0/VuXFNeeIo8I/AAAAAAAAB0Q/oZjKCeEQs5wB5xgP9Y-LJinF1CW082SVA/s1600/25441678470_6cddd234ea_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LEQ3hVIaf-0/VuXFNeeIo8I/AAAAAAAAB0Q/oZjKCeEQs5wB5xgP9Y-LJinF1CW082SVA/s640/25441678470_6cddd234ea_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One bad tack, and Chuck edges me for 2nd!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwnKUxVxUCU/VuXFOTUhOWI/AAAAAAAAB0c/gsHEVPE3e3Isolncnx9sSxTyS2Bqi8yiw/s1600/25441749480_21abcb6eb8_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwnKUxVxUCU/VuXFOTUhOWI/AAAAAAAAB0c/gsHEVPE3e3Isolncnx9sSxTyS2Bqi8yiw/s640/25441749480_21abcb6eb8_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great start for <i>PeckForce</i>, which he held until the last leg, finishing 3rd...consistency needs work!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwWbLURicW8/VuXFPWs07BI/AAAAAAAAB0g/O0tUPzgTKUsPu_78MpV4r8gEB-JiHRASQ/s1600/25627620322_a040a163a7_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VwWbLURicW8/VuXFPWs07BI/AAAAAAAAB0g/O0tUPzgTKUsPu_78MpV4r8gEB-JiHRASQ/s640/25627620322_a040a163a7_h.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another busy start.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qZl2UUHNPGQ/VuXFPgu07-I/AAAAAAAAB0k/1int23BkA3MINx54Qgzf54kwdek5PX5WA/s1600/25653529441_8733818c6f_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qZl2UUHNPGQ/VuXFPgu07-I/AAAAAAAAB0k/1int23BkA3MINx54Qgzf54kwdek5PX5WA/s640/25653529441_8733818c6f_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A portion of the fleet beating upwind.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B-ftpzc4rmI/VuXFQaQCJaI/AAAAAAAAB0o/eWd5Tf3Dnz0CEC8wLtOjwO4otCkcMO_tQ/s1600/25722313406_c7f1818ff6_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B-ftpzc4rmI/VuXFQaQCJaI/AAAAAAAAB0o/eWd5Tf3Dnz0CEC8wLtOjwO4otCkcMO_tQ/s640/25722313406_c7f1818ff6_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice view of skippers area at this venue.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_prQEffsK80/VuXFRDUBZUI/AAAAAAAAB0s/mdHkZCbM5qYijBktPd_MYokp2TLmS1Kpg/s1600/25742197805_34ef621531_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_prQEffsK80/VuXFRDUBZUI/AAAAAAAAB0s/mdHkZCbM5qYijBktPd_MYokp2TLmS1Kpg/s640/25742197805_34ef621531_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>PeckForce</i> charges towards the line in one of his better finishes, just behind Mauricio and Macaluso.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NKnEL15LDI8/VuXFRgpzW_I/AAAAAAAAB0w/273HLuwH2LghFcrg4Ly8Rz0N9pj9c5QEg/s1600/25742520225_f42db5d916_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NKnEL15LDI8/VuXFRgpzW_I/AAAAAAAAB0w/273HLuwH2LghFcrg4Ly8Rz0N9pj9c5QEg/s640/25742520225_f42db5d916_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearing the start, <i>PeckForce</i> aiming to go low and fast...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zsMvCAZh7ys/VuXFSKLIIWI/AAAAAAAAB00/abuthMswOW0NKynDkrSL4CLUBKfeQxurg/s1600/25742810375_44695bb829_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zsMvCAZh7ys/VuXFSKLIIWI/AAAAAAAAB00/abuthMswOW0NKynDkrSL4CLUBKfeQxurg/s640/25742810375_44695bb829_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicely powered-up for the first beat, you can see the sail's curve generating some power here...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7FASt_qBM0s/VuXFS9blpQI/AAAAAAAAB04/qmkqZ6iiJA4DFbxGbuo-u4f2wCwhTUEvQ/s1600/25743140055_07b80301a4_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7FASt_qBM0s/VuXFS9blpQI/AAAAAAAAB04/qmkqZ6iiJA4DFbxGbuo-u4f2wCwhTUEvQ/s640/25743140055_07b80301a4_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Btv_nuhpsgQ/VuXFTItMWhI/AAAAAAAAB08/tud1y3FerU8-0sPawOYDvmzf8YoGXCwhQ/s1600/25748570175_670f27034e_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Btv_nuhpsgQ/VuXFTItMWhI/AAAAAAAAB08/tud1y3FerU8-0sPawOYDvmzf8YoGXCwhQ/s640/25748570175_670f27034e_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good day! PeckForce crosses on starboard on his way to a rounding.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-89081716042688878952016-02-29T18:32:00.003-08:002016-02-29T18:32:52.392-08:00A picture is worth a thousand words...when tuning sails!I've built two RG-65's; both <i>Blue</i> <i>Splash</i> designs. The first, <i>Peck</i>, is a trial horse of sorts, and has raced reasonably well in past competitions. It belongs now to my son Andrew. Now, I've completed my own boat, the <i>Mustang</i>, and I'm getting it worked up to form.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I took the <i>Mustang</i> sailing this weekend, and except for turning it on and putting the drain plug in, sailed remarkably poorly. Of note, some geometry errors in the sheeting system led to binding so that the swing rig had quite of bit of trouble getting out in wing-on-on scenarios...I think I have that fixed now. Also, the rig was wildly out of tune; to wit, see below:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eJrPtQoOwvM/VtT7gtD0wGI/AAAAAAAABzU/32bcfj9OQQg/s640/blogger-image-1914334482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eJrPtQoOwvM/VtT7gtD0wGI/AAAAAAAABzU/32bcfj9OQQg/s640/blogger-image-1914334482.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I see a few things wrong here on the starboard tack; first the luff curve of the jib is dumping air into the leach of the main causing some back-winding. You can see the disturbed air "ruffling" in the main just below the second panel seam near the mast down to the national identifier. The jib geometry looks wrong; the head of the jib looks to far to starboard, and the slot looks to wide, probably why I was usually first to tack in the shifts as my jib fluttered before everyone else's. Lastly, while not visible here, the jib itself is high, I need to lower the jib boom in relation to the swing-rig fore strut. Maybe too much jib luff too...what do you see?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Anyhow, I made some adjustments, and went out again on the next day to test the new running rigging and trim; as seen here:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WBGn53rI1yk/VtT7ejSRNYI/AAAAAAAABzQ/pfOEAUOJw3A/s640/blogger-image--436037793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WBGn53rI1yk/VtT7ejSRNYI/AAAAAAAABzQ/pfOEAUOJw3A/s640/blogger-image--436037793.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Here, the main looks pretty good, powered-up with a nice curve, and smooth without any sign of back-winding. Note the head of the sail is not twisted-off, to give some power in the light air. The jib geometry looks a bit better, and the slot has been closed up some...but I wonder if it is to far forward of the mast? Also, here you can see. Jib is still high and needs to come closer to the deck. It seemed to sail better, so I am making progress...what do you see? Feel free to post your comments!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
As an aside, the swing rig really does get you moving in light air as the video below shows...what do you think of the sail shapes?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/w0sbqTU_rYI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w0sbqTU_rYI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Sometimes you just get lucky; after some late afternoon testing, the sun beautifully illuminated the sails on the way home...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aTlFUPNnmFE/VtT_LauoXrI/AAAAAAAABzg/dfpA6eieA5c/s1600/IMG_2067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aTlFUPNnmFE/VtT_LauoXrI/AAAAAAAABzg/dfpA6eieA5c/s640/IMG_2067.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-40428036002900384402016-02-14T08:40:00.001-08:002016-02-17T07:23:02.589-08:00Texas DragonForce Series #2, White Rock Lake...ObservationsAfter our DragonForce RG-65 "<i>PeckForce</i>" had its spectacular near sinking in the first Texas DragonForce series of the year in Houston, it was time to try again yesterday in his home waters.<br />
<br />
It was a beautiful day for sailing with sun and the temperature slowly rising to the high 60's and the winds building from about 8mph up to nearly 15mph, with plenty of drastic shifts in direction and velocity. Fortunately the wind steadied somewhat near the later part of the day and good racing ensued. As an aside, though the shifts were frustrating and difficult, I actually don't mind...that's why I sail rather than use a powerboat ;-) Besides, those that read the tricky weather well were rewarded...I had moments of both, and more than once sprinted to the first mark before struggling with a unexpected wind shift! At any rate with 18 boats and 12 races, it was a brisk day of sailing!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IvNq53hgwpw/VsCvcyWeWLI/AAAAAAAABy8/YQmLng7UvY4/s1600/IMG_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IvNq53hgwpw/VsCvcyWeWLI/AAAAAAAABy8/YQmLng7UvY4/s400/IMG_2013.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice day for a sail!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My day...<i>PeckForce</i> finished 6th of 18, which I am quite content with, and I generally had good starts and was in the hunt. I had a first, and nearly another, which was awarded to Mauricio by literally the length of the bow bumper, and generally avoided catastrophe. In a fleet this large, sometimes you can't help getting tangled in the pack, which started happening to me about mid-regatta...just when I started to think I would let myself get dragged down into the fleet I remembered my own advice...sail clear. There was a lot of traffic at the mark roundings, and the shifty weather lead to some real pile ups, but by remembering to sail clear I started overstanding the mark and just rounding around the mass...it got me back on track for the last few races, where I went from 13th and 12th to 1st and 2nd. I was happy with my sail trim, I have sails from Eric Rosenbaum, and they went quite well...they are the only non-stock thing on the boat as the <i>PeckForce</i> goes for simplicity; he uses the original radio gear and transmitter, along with 4AA batteries for power (lasted all day). In chatting with Eric (who won the day) I agreed with his observation that many boats were sailing to "tight", sails to flat, too much backstay, and to tightly sheeted in. Especially in the lighter air at the beginning of the regatta, I kept sheeting in lightly to build some speed, and slowly cranked in as I built up some momentum...seemed to work pretty well. Consistency is king, as always, and while I have improved there, I have a ways to go...Eric is a good example; Bob Piper almost won more races than Eric and Chuck LeMahieu combined (4 to 5), but finished third...Eric's steady performance, of not always winning, but never having a meltdown won the day...a good lesson to emulate!<br />
<br />
Other Observations...this is a fun fleet, with widely disparate skill levels. Protests are mandatory in the Texas Series, you are protested, you turn, that's it...no hearings, counterclaims, etc. Given the wide experience disparity, a brief "post action" after the regatta might be a good idea. Port-Starboard, Windward-Leeward and such are generally well understood, but the interplay of many rules at starts and mark rounding is challenging at times for the most experienced...perhaps a 10 minute "post-regatta" discussion, led by some old hands, would help educate folks and encourage fleet wide improvement. I think I finally got down the rules and tactics options regarding heading back up wind into the fleet on port and starboard (respectively) after a lead-bottomed dance with Bob Piper and careful explanation by Eric Rosenbaum...glad to have acquired some new knowledge! Another observation...the boats are quite similar in speed, which is good for a one-design class, and small and precise adjustment can still give some boats a bit of extra performance, as it should be. Lastly, as always the case with smaller boats...keep moving! Going anywhere is faster than luffing out.<br />
<br />
The Series #3 Regatta is back to Houston, where I will try to build on this performance and avoid sinking again!<br />
<br />
(All pictures below by Chuck LeMahieu and Theresa Gardner...the full series can be seen <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/63629329@N07/sets/72157663961087999/" target="_blank">here.</a>)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-20IIwyugbIk/VsCpTIVlLbI/AAAAAAAABxw/HjF1-qIAn-0/s1600/24389231584_739d41c57d_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-20IIwyugbIk/VsCpTIVlLbI/AAAAAAAABxw/HjF1-qIAn-0/s640/24389231584_739d41c57d_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even in deceptively flat water, the White Rock chop can wreak havoc on RG-65's, even a relatively heavy DF; Bud Garcia goes airborne here...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gEr3Vtv-xNI/VsCpTOOZCWI/AAAAAAAABxo/hqhTAxEwVaw/s1600/24389231844_c03955124f_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gEr3Vtv-xNI/VsCpTOOZCWI/AAAAAAAABxo/hqhTAxEwVaw/s640/24389231844_c03955124f_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>PeckForce</i> powered up on the port tack...the shadows give a good clue to the generous amount of curve used.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IwTdHQ_XNdE/VsCpTc47pgI/AAAAAAAABxs/mQzok3lrFT8/s1600/24389233614_4cd133b44d_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IwTdHQ_XNdE/VsCpTc47pgI/AAAAAAAABxs/mQzok3lrFT8/s640/24389233614_4cd133b44d_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off to a nice start, high on the course near the pin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGnZOjQKV4o/VsCpVGU-DGI/AAAAAAAABx0/rrLSw_oJdFw/s1600/24389236574_5615d66349_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGnZOjQKV4o/VsCpVGU-DGI/AAAAAAAABx0/rrLSw_oJdFw/s640/24389236574_5615d66349_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavy traffic near the middle of the start line...choose a course carefully to avoid fouling or being over too early. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5TszYeUEEro/VsCpWQfSoPI/AAAAAAAABx8/o823KgwH7jQ/s1600/24392995853_3238d43c1d_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5TszYeUEEro/VsCpWQfSoPI/AAAAAAAABx8/o823KgwH7jQ/s640/24392995853_3238d43c1d_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chuck's (#09) turn to go skyward, note #76 ahead on the downroll...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vMDm8uW2Vnk/VsCpWVGy0nI/AAAAAAAABx4/idOU0PICsnw/s1600/24393007423_9429b9d939_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vMDm8uW2Vnk/VsCpWVGy0nI/AAAAAAAABx4/idOU0PICsnw/s640/24393007423_9429b9d939_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading for a finish under loose sail and in good company with Bob Piper (#465) and Eric Rosenbaum (#11) just ahead...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lri8LLb-hE4/VsCpWjMz4fI/AAAAAAAAByA/nZdEEDhdy2s/s1600/24652211969_10c655df17_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lri8LLb-hE4/VsCpWjMz4fI/AAAAAAAAByA/nZdEEDhdy2s/s640/24652211969_10c655df17_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>PeckForce</i> heading downwind...I suspect I need to get his sail setting out a bit more on this track.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BjMFJf2Y7NQ/VsCpX9o4KsI/AAAAAAAAByI/WIYUnfUpEvU/s1600/24724303560_25e024eb07_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BjMFJf2Y7NQ/VsCpX9o4KsI/AAAAAAAAByI/WIYUnfUpEvU/s640/24724303560_25e024eb07_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tight traffic heading to the windward gate, Chuck on my starboard side.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKMgYMBaSMw/VsCpYjwQZlI/AAAAAAAAByM/pY8AY2OAb0o/s1600/24724305280_98a1730494_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jKMgYMBaSMw/VsCpYjwQZlI/AAAAAAAAByM/pY8AY2OAb0o/s640/24724305280_98a1730494_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hip-to-hip with Mauricio's #71...carefully maneuvering required in these close quarters; I'm on starboard and leeward, but need to give him room to avoid and room on a starboard mark rounding.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z7d8Hyduuq0/VsCpY45iLWI/AAAAAAAAByQ/1wup0bmELKk/s1600/24724307310_0952ff9e4f_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z7d8Hyduuq0/VsCpY45iLWI/AAAAAAAAByQ/1wup0bmELKk/s640/24724307310_0952ff9e4f_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where <i>PeckForce</i> took his bullet...passed Eric with more pressure on the last downwind leg, and split with Mauricio for the port mark on the gate, nice win!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jF0uGs5CFjw/VsCpa9AkgZI/AAAAAAAAByc/UlD_qcDK968/s1600/24901804902_c5beecb1b0_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jF0uGs5CFjw/VsCpa9AkgZI/AAAAAAAAByc/UlD_qcDK968/s640/24901804902_c5beecb1b0_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy starts, and my best of the day...<i>PeckForce</i> is high and ahead, he will run down the starboard tack near the marks, back to port near the offsets while still ahead, and on to the layline and rounding ahead of the fleet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E3J5q2UJfuM/VsCpcLSOdpI/AAAAAAAAByk/aylhfzvEgUw/s1600/24926531771_d11ec85513_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E3J5q2UJfuM/VsCpcLSOdpI/AAAAAAAAByk/aylhfzvEgUw/s640/24926531771_d11ec85513_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>PeckForce</i> rounds the offset marks...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UwgmgxnIs4/VsCpct0apBI/AAAAAAAAByo/tXP_MW3_Kds/s1600/24993500086_54d3308491_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8UwgmgxnIs4/VsCpct0apBI/AAAAAAAAByo/tXP_MW3_Kds/s640/24993500086_54d3308491_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High traffic, looking to play the right shifts for the finish. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_BdVJAh-m8/VsCpdLhM5dI/AAAAAAAABys/0RpGj3GNYvw/s1600/25019832545_ae658e14f1_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_BdVJAh-m8/VsCpdLhM5dI/AAAAAAAABys/0RpGj3GNYvw/s640/25019832545_ae658e14f1_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Congrats to Eric and #11 on a consistent day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-31763295616894751922016-01-17T13:53:00.000-08:002016-01-17T13:53:37.447-08:00PeckForce Lives!Just a quick video about the miraculous survival and resurrection of the DF RG-65 <i>PeckForce</i>...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XwC-Y96t3mg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XwC-Y96t3mg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Roo should be sailing this boat at the next club regatta, we'll see how he holds up!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHseXAaPPJU/VpwM5bUEnqI/AAAAAAAABxU/ZEJ-DT80AX4/s1600/IMG_1936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHseXAaPPJU/VpwM5bUEnqI/AAAAAAAABxU/ZEJ-DT80AX4/s640/IMG_1936.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sYF6hd2Oy4o/VpwM5S6gg5I/AAAAAAAABxQ/MPfs2zaNpbs/s1600/IMG_1938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sYF6hd2Oy4o/VpwM5S6gg5I/AAAAAAAABxQ/MPfs2zaNpbs/s640/IMG_1938.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r2-bD5oKiNc/VpwM177oq9I/AAAAAAAABxI/IhYT9xQyvv8/s1600/IMG_1940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r2-bD5oKiNc/VpwM177oq9I/AAAAAAAABxI/IhYT9xQyvv8/s640/IMG_1940.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-32783734231809224832016-01-10T15:37:00.001-08:002016-02-17T07:27:55.098-08:00PeckForce Down! Or...Adventures in the First Texas DF Series of the Year...The Texas DF Series is the reason we built the <i>PeckForce</i> DF RG-65 to compliment the <i>Peck</i> RG-65 (Blue Splash design), about 10 races per year attracting about 20 skippers is too good to pass up! I also figured it would be good for burnishing my sailing skills in general, as I hope to campaign my own <i>Mustang</i> rather heavily this year. So...I drove down to Houston with Chuck LeMahieu of Dragon Sailing, and big supporter and participant in the class. It was surprisingly cold, about 40º, and very windy...a steady 15 mph or so to start and building throughout the day to true C-rig weather. I only had a A-rig, and knew it would be challenging day...it turned out to be more challenging than I thought:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--G0wkXzI810/VpLhLQI1ZrI/AAAAAAAABvI/tc8JKd2CnIY/s1600/23987990360_5c46d12bc8_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--G0wkXzI810/VpLhLQI1ZrI/AAAAAAAABvI/tc8JKd2CnIY/s640/23987990360_5c46d12bc8_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>PeckForce</i> Down! <br />
He lost the main deck patch and began to founder in the high winds...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMyUc18E1Gw/VpLhLZcA8RI/AAAAAAAABvM/PFcM8OOc6CI/s1600/23987992760_c9c4423051_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMyUc18E1Gw/VpLhLZcA8RI/AAAAAAAABvM/PFcM8OOc6CI/s640/23987992760_c9c4423051_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfless skippers snagged the <i>PeckForce</i> to keep her afloat till rescue could be had...Well done!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So this is what happened.<br />
<br />
After the first four races it became clear that the A-rig I had was hopelessly overpowered in the existing conditions; while I could wrestle it upwind, it was hopeless with repeated pitch-poling downwind. On more than one occasion I was at or near the lead at the first mark, and last at the downwind gate due to uncountable nose-diving. I had a good opening run, finishing 2nd and 1st in the first two races, and probably should have called it quits as the wind just kept building. I rather stubbornly decided to try and nurse the boat through the rest of the regatta, figuring I could save a bunch of points by avoiding all those DNS's. Sailing to stay upright rather than win, I was able to string together some finishes near the middle of the 20 boat field...so it seemed like it was working.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, about midway through the regatta the continued submergence must have weakened the main deck hatch enough to have it give way on a mark rounding with the deck rail buried, and in poured the water! <i>PeckForce</i> immediately started to founder, and the water knocked out the electronics. He quickly sank until only the bow, with a trapped air bubble, stayed afloat. Alert skippers immediately snagged the rapidly filly vessel, risking their own boats being dragged down with it, until it could be recovered. My thanks to everyone!<br />
<br />
Surprisingly, after drying everything out, only the sail servo seems to be malfunctioning, amazingly the rudder servo and receiver still work fine...so, a few rigging repairs and a winch replacement, and he will back for the racing in the February series.<br />
<br />
There are a number of lessons here; build-out all your rigs, and bring them no matter the forecast, learn to recognize when too much wind is REALLY too much wind, and check adhesive hatch covers frequently. Also, a boat that is well built without extra hull openings, can sometimes survive on a trapped air-pocket...so be sure to keep those hull openings at a minimum!<br />
<br />
Below, are a few photos (courtesy of Check LeMahieu) that show PeckForce before his unfortunate attempt at bottom diving:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0g4hnp-S6GM/VpLoT_NdNXI/AAAAAAAABvg/vzDoyMY1gFc/s1600/23656758823_fcb7fe6850_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0g4hnp-S6GM/VpLoT_NdNXI/AAAAAAAABvg/vzDoyMY1gFc/s640/23656758823_fcb7fe6850_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>PeckForce</i> on the uproll, putting in a good finish early in the day...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UlWYLgRSblk/VpLosybUbVI/AAAAAAAABwQ/vnT8Br0vPxc/s1600/23669673144_e700a51b6b_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UlWYLgRSblk/VpLosybUbVI/AAAAAAAABwQ/vnT8Br0vPxc/s640/23669673144_e700a51b6b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High winds flattening the fleet, <i>PeckForce</i> in the hunt, but struggling with his A-rig.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZC9cxcCJDE/VpLo0pB_-fI/AAAAAAAABww/k9ZhmIiuYxw/s1600/23671120663_97086c4cd3_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZC9cxcCJDE/VpLo0pB_-fI/AAAAAAAABww/k9ZhmIiuYxw/s640/23671120663_97086c4cd3_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early in the day, the manageable winds put him in the hunt!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tO3nkwjYpmg/VpLobGQK0sI/AAAAAAAABwA/2lbHqQ1msb4/s1600/24189765422_cfca4c28e7_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tO3nkwjYpmg/VpLobGQK0sI/AAAAAAAABwA/2lbHqQ1msb4/s640/24189765422_cfca4c28e7_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third at the rounding...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXg6BmkSPME/VpLo516x1II/AAAAAAAABw4/hsrmQKZ4ET0/s1600/24215467821_424eaf36d6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXg6BmkSPME/VpLo516x1II/AAAAAAAABw4/hsrmQKZ4ET0/s640/24215467821_424eaf36d6_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5YudIO5u39k/VpLovCP8a7I/AAAAAAAABwY/hCpPk3fm2BE/s1600/24271854786_4cde41b99b_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5YudIO5u39k/VpLovCP8a7I/AAAAAAAABwY/hCpPk3fm2BE/s640/24271854786_4cde41b99b_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-start maneuvers...I had pretty decent starts for the most part.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOhflXlrQWU/VpLow99rRuI/AAAAAAAABwg/hSGhc9oMqdo/s1600/24271922616_e208ff0c37_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOhflXlrQWU/VpLow99rRuI/AAAAAAAABwg/hSGhc9oMqdo/s640/24271922616_e208ff0c37_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was able to hold on here, but the 20+ gusts buried me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cne97-23w_k/VpLoysUX3JI/AAAAAAAABwo/tDagP2YZUTE/s1600/24271925906_78ac2ab106_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cne97-23w_k/VpLoysUX3JI/AAAAAAAABwo/tDagP2YZUTE/s640/24271925906_78ac2ab106_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OyBhsQzOx-I/VpLoW-B_0II/AAAAAAAABvw/EifMoEVfE6s/s1600/23930112989_4c1dca5577_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OyBhsQzOx-I/VpLoW-B_0II/AAAAAAAABvw/EifMoEVfE6s/s640/23930112989_4c1dca5577_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The penguin looks sharp on the rounding!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
That's all for now, but I'll have some more thoughts on sailing the DF soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-49832203148950589792016-01-03T22:26:00.004-08:002016-01-03T22:29:16.702-08:00New Year's Club Race; "PeckForce" competes for the first time!The TRYC kicked off the New Year with its somewhat annual New Year's Day sailing, and raced RG-65's in cold conditions in about 8 mph of wind and generally good conditions. While I am very excited to campaign the <i>Mustang</i> (USA-62) this year, it was a good opportunity to test out our latest acquisition the DragonForce (DF) RG-65 aptly named "<i>PeckForce</i>".<br />
<br />
The DragonForce is the latest rage in the RTS (Ready-to-Sail) market, and I discussed the boat in some detail when it first came out. A basic kit is under $200 and includes a radio and useable sails (though skippers often replace both). <i>PeckForce</i> is completely stock expect for the sails, which while useable as provided, I find rather ugly. The kit provided radio works well enough, although fine travel control and precise maneuvering are a bit more difficult. Nonetheless, the DF is probably the finest RTS boat ever sold in terms of fit, finish, completeness of presentation and quality sailing.<br />
<br />
<i>PeckForce</i> went quite well, no surprise in this tightly controlled One-Design, I was able to sail against two open RG-65's which were very fast (as I well know with the <i>Mustang</i>!) in the prevailing conditions, and several other DF's including that of DF guru Chuck Lemahieu. In five races I had three firsts (DF scored separately) with very rudimentary tuning. I'm traveling to the first Texas DF Series next weekend, so by then I should have a pretty clear idea of how fast I can make this boat go...until then, here's a few pictures:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAdwC2RBzQk/VooP2shbO0I/AAAAAAAABuo/nNQ1Q3g2LUg/s1600/IMG_1904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BAdwC2RBzQk/VooP2shbO0I/AAAAAAAABuo/nNQ1Q3g2LUg/s640/IMG_1904.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>PeckForce </i>finishes way ahead of the pack...and just behind the open RG-65's...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t23nhOXOEBM/VooP3CNE-tI/AAAAAAAABuw/hoSwo9dljlo/s1600/IMG_1905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t23nhOXOEBM/VooP3CNE-tI/AAAAAAAABuw/hoSwo9dljlo/s640/IMG_1905.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out to race in company with Chuck LeMahieu's <i>Atomic Annie</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EZP2_5y3lG4/VooP0B8IZHI/AAAAAAAABug/rgVflC_aPng/s1600/IMG_1906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EZP2_5y3lG4/VooP0B8IZHI/AAAAAAAABug/rgVflC_aPng/s640/IMG_1906.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peck the Penguin, visible on the side of the boat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WGGHu-MiXsg/VooP33dcb8I/AAAAAAAABu4/6AZHpubVyCE/s1600/IMG_1908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WGGHu-MiXsg/VooP33dcb8I/AAAAAAAABu4/6AZHpubVyCE/s640/IMG_1908.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good first day with the new boat, I need to finish marking the sails!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-17219619855828603812015-12-06T19:08:00.001-08:002015-12-06T19:08:05.674-08:00DragonForce...Peck Style!We've T aken the DragonForce plunge; I figure the Texas DragonForce series will be a chance for some good racing, so we built a boat to go with <i>Peck</i> and <i>Mustang</i>; welcome the <i>PeckForce</i>! Just a few pics for now, but I'll add something more substantive later...<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yBPVu9BcBF0/VmT4EsTFtuI/AAAAAAAABuI/2v2VvjUbgDo/s640/blogger-image-1522450684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yBPVu9BcBF0/VmT4EsTFtuI/AAAAAAAABuI/2v2VvjUbgDo/s640/blogger-image-1522450684.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OTIvAbkEeS0/VmT4BgJOvvI/AAAAAAAABt4/M_dTV8uKrKY/s640/blogger-image--137449029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OTIvAbkEeS0/VmT4BgJOvvI/AAAAAAAABt4/M_dTV8uKrKY/s640/blogger-image--137449029.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MjFU2LjRjno/VmT4DqNoUvI/AAAAAAAABuA/Mt2OXbX0-9s/s640/blogger-image-220094542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MjFU2LjRjno/VmT4DqNoUvI/AAAAAAAABuA/Mt2OXbX0-9s/s640/blogger-image-220094542.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-26058594334693548352015-09-21T07:16:00.001-07:002015-09-21T07:18:32.716-07:00Post Captain; and 38 gun Royal Navy Frigate, circa 1813In addition to building, sailing, and racing model yachts I also enjoy miniature naval wargames. Recently, I had the chance to work on a rule-set called "<i>Post Captain</i>" by Old Dominion Gamworks...<i>Post Captain </i>is a tremendous game, great if you want to take to the seas as Horatio Hornblower, Jack Aubrey, or command Old Ironsides running the British blockade, among other possible situations.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mIawcEtCDZw/VgAPvins2YI/AAAAAAAABs8/H0ANS0m4NQw/s1600/packages-0738934001433605494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mIawcEtCDZw/VgAPvins2YI/AAAAAAAABs8/H0ANS0m4NQw/s400/packages-0738934001433605494.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Post Captain is available from ODGW <a href="http://www.odgw.com/home.html" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been busy using some time between yachts and racing to build some miniatures, an exacting but enjoyable task...here's my 1:1200 scale 38 gun Royal Navy frigate, just about complete!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JQoU-UL0kUM/VgAQuGMfeiI/AAAAAAAABtI/J9b10jrBGlc/s1600/IMG_0837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JQoU-UL0kUM/VgAQuGMfeiI/AAAAAAAABtI/J9b10jrBGlc/s640/IMG_0837.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not bad for a first attempt, learned a ton, and my next ship (40 gun French frigate) should look even better!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-86853941326210997142015-08-02T14:33:00.004-07:002015-08-02T14:33:51.165-07:00A quick look at Mustang sail testing...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wZe5rRXxHEI/Vb6MiiHhgBI/AAAAAAAABsU/FRpE2CKhOrg/s1600/IMG_0444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wZe5rRXxHEI/Vb6MiiHhgBI/AAAAAAAABsU/FRpE2CKhOrg/s640/IMG_0444.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Red working up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Just a quick video of the <i>Mustang</i> trying out some revised sail rigging and controls (and a new sail winch arm!). Note how she handles the big gust on a practice rounding near the end; she's pretty flat, but moving well and under control. Of note also, a bit to much jib sag, which is easy to adjust out...we'll keep testing her like this and make incremental improvements...then her and <i>Peck</i> can start an intensive two-boat work-up!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AkoZhXFO05g/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AkoZhXFO05g?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-42677698021378358752015-07-31T08:45:00.001-07:002015-07-31T08:45:46.631-07:00How to Point, Foot, and Shift Gears<a href="http://www.sailingworld.com/how-to/how-to-point-foot-and-shift-gears?KMEjqWo7RREc1xAm.15">How to Point, Foot, and Shift Gears</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-473058307374215422015-07-25T13:25:00.000-07:002015-07-25T13:25:49.337-07:00Launch Day! Blue Splash RG-65 "Mustang" takes to the water!<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><em>"May this boat sail straight & true, and may her hull keep out the water!"</em></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Launch day arrives, and the <i>Mustang</i> takes to her home waters for the first time...unfortunately Roo was out of town visiting his grandparents, so <i>Peck</i> wasn't there to pace her, and he wasn't there to run the camera...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyhow, I used temporary patches on the deck, so you can see white tape lines, when I'm satisfied with everything I'll use semi-permanent adhesive vinyl and the deck will look very clean. Otherwise, flying red and blue bunting, I rigged her up at the lake and christened her with a bottle of Texas-brewed Shiner Bock. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She sailed fast...thank God! I took the chance of canting her swing rig a degree or so forward, hoping to minimize the weather helm <em>Peck</em> exhibits. This allows me to add mast rake that matches the sail luff curve, properly opens the top of the mainsail, and generates just a touch of weather helm. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First race was a respectable 2nd, and the second 4th, but with a penalty turn at start, she ran down the fleet and was within two lengths of 2nd again. Brought her in for a quick check, no water, a good sign for hull integrity! Noticed the jib luff was a bit excessive, and released the topping lift a bit...good adjustment! In the third race she went a rocket upwind with a touch of weather helm helping me get in a good groove. This design is always quick downwind, and I was first to the mark and ran away downwind...I had a massive lead rounding the last mark; 15-20 boat lengths, when the winch arm broke free of the winch fitting...a simple enough repair, but finished me for the day.<br />
<br />
So...happy to be sailing her! Here's my quick observations:<br />
<br />
1) Arne Semken did a good job designing the Blue Splash, and Eric Rosenbaum's rigs and foils result in a boat that is quick, handy, and blazes downwind. <em>Mustang</em> is no exception here!<br />
<br />
2) The hull was completely water-tight;<br />
<br />
3) Electronics installation, servo throws and controls are spot on;<br />
<br />
4) Rig fittings allowed for fine and accurate control; <br />
<br />
5) Good speed upwind, devastating speed downwind; and<br />
<br />
6) Several minor nominal improvements made on the basis of sailing <em>Peck</em> for a year worked well.<br />
<br />
And the bad:<br />
<br />
1) Sail control arm came loose from the servo fitting, and splintered on attempted repair. I'll have to build a new one, minor problem, but it stopped racing for the day;<br />
<br />
2) Standing rigging lines fray too easily;<br />
<br />
3) Like the <em>Peck</em>, the jib boom should be shortened a bit; <br />
<br />
4) Totally dissatisfied with the running rigging lines, too fine and stiff, doesn't slip easily enough and increases friction. Will replace; and<br />
<br />
5) Need to complete the bow bumper.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YbPoAlr0ens/VbPL2jOEvdI/AAAAAAAABrE/_bh98afcNcg/s1600/IMG_0392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YbPoAlr0ens/VbPL2jOEvdI/AAAAAAAABrE/_bh98afcNcg/s640/IMG_0392.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Streamers & Bunting!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gtSx9qgP0es/VbPLzbm3FaI/AAAAAAAABq0/nM5WvnalO-w/s1600/IMG_0393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gtSx9qgP0es/VbPLzbm3FaI/AAAAAAAABq0/nM5WvnalO-w/s640/IMG_0393.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A boat themed after a Texas High School Football team needs to be christened with an appropriate beverage; in this case Shiner Bock, brewed in Texas!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bvoVDyFtfFw/VbPLwiYBMqI/AAAAAAAABqs/CKSVqr9A5e8/s1600/IMG_0394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bvoVDyFtfFw/VbPLwiYBMqI/AAAAAAAABqs/CKSVqr9A5e8/s640/IMG_0394.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out from the dock, the Mustang gallops!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fGXJIi0Dx98/VbPL0bF7h-I/AAAAAAAABq4/Y0prvE832J8/s1600/IMG_0396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fGXJIi0Dx98/VbPL0bF7h-I/AAAAAAAABq4/Y0prvE832J8/s640/IMG_0396.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Streamers flying, heading out to race...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X24eVR-ip9I/VbPL3URgQBI/AAAAAAAABrM/Dl4oScfB6po/s1600/IMG_0397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X24eVR-ip9I/VbPL3URgQBI/AAAAAAAABrM/Dl4oScfB6po/s640/IMG_0397.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A brief debut, but she dialed in her speed fast...she had a big lead in her last race!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-86959627056839183262015-07-19T22:22:00.002-07:002015-07-19T22:22:32.746-07:00Swing rig; spar completion and main sailThe A rig came together today, as depicted below...the whole assembly is light weight and rotates with very little friction. Be sure to give a light sanding to the areas being epoxied, they'll hold much better if you do!<br />
<br />
I had time to start rigging the main sail; and it's nearly finished. Just need to rig up the jib and the running rigging and it's time to launch! With luck, <i>Mustang</i> will hit the water with the TRYC this coming weekend.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-62gc53_AFRo/VayBin5ElhI/AAAAAAAABo4/o4RgACIbs3A/s1600/IMG_0358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-62gc53_AFRo/VayBin5ElhI/AAAAAAAABo4/o4RgACIbs3A/s640/IMG_0358.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mast extender and crane; pre-assembly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GoEKN_FuIDU/VayBiFgNwqI/AAAAAAAABo0/i1Updxn4jJE/s1600/IMG_0359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GoEKN_FuIDU/VayBiFgNwqI/AAAAAAAABo0/i1Updxn4jJE/s640/IMG_0359.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mast with aluminum tube insert; pre-assembly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dR6IcIlrdtA/VayBiKXtSLI/AAAAAAAABow/2MiY41LAuuc/s1600/IMG_0360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dR6IcIlrdtA/VayBiKXtSLI/AAAAAAAABow/2MiY41LAuuc/s640/IMG_0360.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swing rig cross piece, main boom, and jib strut; pre-assembly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DIyYRrY5wnQ/VayBohwIOlI/AAAAAAAABpI/EUQ1zD00v80/s1600/IMG_0361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DIyYRrY5wnQ/VayBohwIOlI/AAAAAAAABpI/EUQ1zD00v80/s640/IMG_0361.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All rig parts, epoxied in place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AVgg4NL-QpM/VayBpiMVGkI/AAAAAAAABpQ/FouNuoa2Dtw/s1600/IMG_0362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AVgg4NL-QpM/VayBpiMVGkI/AAAAAAAABpQ/FouNuoa2Dtw/s640/IMG_0362.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the slightly protruding aluminum tube, which rides on the ball bearing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvfkCsOmzGA/VayBrrHP9UI/AAAAAAAABpY/zAk_IG5ZBPM/s1600/IMG_0363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvfkCsOmzGA/VayBrrHP9UI/AAAAAAAABpY/zAk_IG5ZBPM/s640/IMG_0363.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mast extension with crane.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8JjJLPSVng/VayBsU4LuDI/AAAAAAAABpc/7S6HUg0xSC0/s1600/IMG_0365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8JjJLPSVng/VayBsU4LuDI/AAAAAAAABpc/7S6HUg0xSC0/s640/IMG_0365.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rig in place, riding on deck-level ball bearing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1gvNhcDYg-Q/VayBsxjfPiI/AAAAAAAABpk/8Gcnakbfx8E/s1600/IMG_0366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1gvNhcDYg-Q/VayBsxjfPiI/AAAAAAAABpk/8Gcnakbfx8E/s640/IMG_0366.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rig swings easily with little friction.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zu9fzEkPH_w/VayBx9elfkI/AAAAAAAABp4/cTCPq5ofxeo/s1600/IMG_0373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zu9fzEkPH_w/VayBx9elfkI/AAAAAAAABp4/cTCPq5ofxeo/s640/IMG_0373.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three-quarter view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UlK9B-UI92U/VayB1ZGqLSI/AAAAAAAABqA/wEZZ3ocAQl4/s1600/IMG_0374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UlK9B-UI92U/VayB1ZGqLSI/AAAAAAAABqA/wEZZ3ocAQl4/s640/IMG_0374.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roo posing & pointing out the motto on his team shirt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2vwEoCI37LA/VayB2hbO2xI/AAAAAAAABqI/gNrAOEwNHVQ/s1600/IMG_0375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2vwEoCI37LA/VayB2hbO2xI/AAAAAAAABqI/gNrAOEwNHVQ/s640/IMG_0375.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inevitable Peck photo bomb!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kIDabmwySLc/VayB3rSNJxI/AAAAAAAABqQ/0UPGwGer1ss/s1600/IMG_0376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kIDabmwySLc/VayB3rSNJxI/AAAAAAAABqQ/0UPGwGer1ss/s640/IMG_0376.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the narrow chord and height of the high-aspect A Rig.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-18195870718340958292015-07-18T15:58:00.002-07:002015-07-18T15:58:44.081-07:00Video Blog: Mustang Construction Update #6A quick update; all electronics and winches installed and working, will start the running rigging and rig construction this week...should see a launch and test sail in the next week! Exciting times!<br />
<br />
A brief note on the sail arm in this video, I have found this winch model, and a single purchase arm plenty strong enough in winds over 20 mph...so well different methods are available, this simple method does work. The same applies to the simple "push-pull" rudder system.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PycuEi8e5ng/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PycuEi8e5ng?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-35277303536184080012015-07-06T18:59:00.002-07:002015-07-06T18:59:43.981-07:00Video Blog: Swing Rig Construction Part 2In this video, the in-hull components of the swing rig are completed, and we take a look at how the rig fits on to them. I am aware some hold that the same mast location can be used for both fractional and swing-rigs, however I'm somewhat skeptical...the sail-plan to allow the swing-rig to be so far aft is not optimal my opinion...though opinions vary!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/T2SyX39R2c0/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T2SyX39R2c0?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-53924211636812569362015-07-03T08:23:00.001-07:002015-07-03T08:25:54.711-07:00Servo's for RG-65While there are many types of servos useable on an RG-65, I thought I'd share the information on the servos I use for sail and rudder control on <i>Peck</i>, and will be using on the <i>Mustang</i>. While, there are many options, these servos have performed reliably for over a year, and are a good value.<br />
<br />
I use an arm servo arrangement for sail control as opposed to a drum, though either is fine. I've had a lot of success with the Corona DS558HV from Hobby King:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E7dl98PQLYY/VZak8ETtDrI/AAAAAAAABnw/p6SQ2wys5nI/s1600/20574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E7dl98PQLYY/VZak8ETtDrI/AAAAAAAABnw/p6SQ2wys5nI/s640/20574.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Corona DS558HV Digital Metal Gear Servo 14kg/ 58g/ 0.18 Sec</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Model:</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: 700;"> DS558MG </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Operating Voltage:<span style="font-weight: 700;"> 6.0V / 7.4V</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Operating </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Current: <b>300mA / 400mA</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Operating Speed: <b>0.20sec.60º/ 0.18sec.60º</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Stall Torque: <b>12kg.cm / 14kg.cm</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Size: <b>20X40X38.5mm</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Weight: <b>58g</b></span><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Dead Band: ≤3uSec</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Operating </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Travel: <b>40º/one side pulse traveling 400us</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Potentiometer:<b> 5 slider/Direct </b></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b>Drive</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Ball bearing: <b>MR106</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Gear: <b>Metal</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Connector wire: <b>300mm</b></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><b>Operating Temperature Range: -20c+60c</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the rudder, I use the Corona DS929HV:</span><br />
<h3 class="productDescription2" id="productDetails" itemprop="description" style="line-height: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7sUd0ZQjM0/VZal46i_SkI/AAAAAAAABn4/Y8xckbzUGW4/s1600/19961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7sUd0ZQjM0/VZal46i_SkI/AAAAAAAABn4/Y8xckbzUGW4/s640/19961.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Corona DS929HV (7.4v) MG Digital Servo 2.4kg/ 12.5g/ 0.09sec</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
</h3>
<h3 class="productDescription2" id="productDetails" itemprop="description" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Model: <span style="font-weight: 700;">DS929HV</span><br />Operating Voltage:<span style="font-weight: 700;"> 6.0V / 7.4V</span>Operating Current: <span style="font-weight: 700;">200mA / 240mA</span><br />Operating Speed: <span style="font-weight: 700;">0.10sec.60º/ 0.09sec.60º</span><br />Stall Torque: <span style="font-weight: 700;">2.2kg.cm / 2.4kg.cm</span><br />Size: <span style="font-weight: 700;">22.5X11.5X24.6mm</span><br />Weight: <span style="font-weight: 700;">12.5g</span><br />Dead Band: <span style="font-weight: 700;">≤3uSec</span><br />Operating Travel: <span style="font-weight: 700;">40º/one side pulse traveling 400us</span><br />Potentiometer: <span style="font-weight: 700;">2 slider/Direct Drive</span><br />Ball bearing:<span style="font-weight: 700;"> MR85</span><br />Gear: <span style="font-weight: 700;">Metal</span>Connector wire: <span style="font-weight: 700;">215mm</span><br />Operating Temperature Range: <span style="font-weight: 700;">-20c+60c</span></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Both servos come with a variety of mounting and arm pieces, and will go easily into most receivers. I have found them to be powerful enough in the worst of conditions, and draw little enough power from the battery to be very energy efficient (One battery typically will last all day). They are also inexpensive via mail order at a whopping $11.00 and $8.00 respectively!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Here's mine mounted in a simple radio board on Peck, although, again, there are many possible permutations:</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W2QuS3ydu8w/VZanfWeMw3I/AAAAAAAABoE/fJFAE5klsec/s1600/IMG_1554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W2QuS3ydu8w/VZanfWeMw3I/AAAAAAAABoE/fJFAE5klsec/s640/IMG_1554.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking forward, with sail arm winch and rudder clevis.<br />
No switch in this design, just plug/unplug battery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I order these through the folks at Hobby King, available <a href="http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/index.asp" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Check them out!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p1YJrrFN-7I/VZaoYUur7fI/AAAAAAAABoM/WVmrvP8M2G0/s1600/hobbyking-store-logo-724x138.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p1YJrrFN-7I/VZaoYUur7fI/AAAAAAAABoM/WVmrvP8M2G0/s1600/hobbyking-store-logo-724x138.png" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
</h3>
<h3 class="productDescription2" itemprop="description" style="line-height: 13px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">
<div style="font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div>
</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7dl98PQLYY/VZak8ETtDrI/AAAAAAAABns/gS57rfIVT4o/s1600/20574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7dl98PQLYY/VZak8ETtDrI/AAAAAAAABns/gS57rfIVT4o/s1600/20574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7dl98PQLYY/VZak8ETtDrI/AAAAAAAABns/gS57rfIVT4o/s1600/20574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7dl98PQLYY/VZak8ETtDrI/AAAAAAAABns/gS57rfIVT4o/s1600/20574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-91026377786946548072015-06-29T15:51:00.001-07:002015-06-29T19:54:34.819-07:00White Rock Cup ReportThe 2015 White Rock Cup is in the books, and here's the skinny!<br />
<br />
<u>Weather</u>: Bad thunderstorms the night before led to the run-off of branches, tree limbs, etc. being swept down the course in the morning by a north wind. Wave action was slight, but from this angle, the chop was bad, i.e. low waves with a short trough. Wind was generally 8-12 mph, with gusts above 15 and some lulls around 5. Fortunately by lunch most of the debris had cleared out and the course was fairly steady, if somewhat port favored.<br />
<br />
<u>The Fleet</u>: 17 boats (13 DF) for 21 races; three throw-outs and one mandatory redress for swapping duties as RD (which worked very well). Chris Macaluso took first in his DF, Eric Rosebaum second in his Wahoo, and Brig North 3rd in his DF. Prizes were also awarded to the top three DF skippers as a separate class.<br />
<br />
<u>How did <i>Peck</i> fare?</u> A somewhat disappointing 11th, though a few points improve the situation. Took a DNS on the last race which boosted my point total, and my redress score, probably cost me 10th, which I missed by three points. Average position (number of races actually sailed/total points of those races) was 9th (8.9 actually), which is not bad considering the level of competition. Sadly, at some point in the later racing (I speculate around race 18) <i>Peck</i> apparently struck some submerged debris and suffered significant keel damage (pictures below). The keel fin was badly twisted, and the bulb offset about 20º to port...not fast! Fortunately the hull and keel box remained sound and watertight, so it is a simple matter of replacing the fin & bulb with a new keel (about a weekend project). Otherwise <i>Peck</i> ran well, a bit too much weather helm, but he could really point up when the wind allowed, and was very fast on the runs.<br />
<br />
<u>Observations:</u> Skippers sailing the WRC should plan on dealing with some chop, even though it isn't always present, I've discussed some ideas <a href="http://modelyacht.blogspot.com/2015/06/video-blog-thoughts-on-rig-for-choppy.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://modelyacht.blogspot.com/2014/04/video-blog-rg-65-performance-in-choppy.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The competition at this regatta was pretty high-level, and while I had generally good starts and course selection, I needed to be a bit more assertive of my rights sailing; for example: a few times I let a windward boat pester me into tacking before I liked, or had room to do so. Boat trim was good, though it took a bit to work out some excessive weather helm...in these conditions high was not fast! I've made some notes on minor rig improvements to make on the <i>Mustang</i>, which I will detail in due course. Lastly, with my new boat, I need to race more often and hone my skills and sail trim...I'm much better than I was, I need to progress to the next level...and that means practice. With <i>Peck</i> worked up now, I 'll always have Roo to trial against! I'm definitely prioritizing rigs though at A, B, A-, and then we'll see about C.<br />
<br />
The Dragon Force's were not terribly disadvantaged in this regatta; they sailed in A the whole time with their lower-aspect rigs, which combined with their weight, helped them contend with the chop a bit better, though they too experienced some difficulties till the wind built. The other RG's had to chase rigs for a bit, when the weather oscillated on the A rig/B rig bubble, but in almost all cases had scorching speed down-wind (all were higher aspect swing rigs). A good strategy moving forward, since I sail with so many DF's, is to stay clear and close upwind, and hit overdrive going downwind!<br />
<br />
Photo's below are by Chuck LeMahieu unless otherwise noted, his extensive photo collection of the regatta can be seen in full <a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/63629329@N07/1CXH9Y" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Now, time to finish the <i>Mustang</i> and start working up for next year!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Im8o3cMcxJs/VZFA0mPlE9I/AAAAAAAABik/Ikmw-vnMjBI/s1600/18635367774_d14481e46a_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Im8o3cMcxJs/VZFA0mPlE9I/AAAAAAAABik/Ikmw-vnMjBI/s640/18635367774_d14481e46a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice study of <i>Peck</i> powering along on the beat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNGuOy3r4g4/VZFA3h6NtDI/AAAAAAAABiw/D_JknvyuK1I/s1600/18635743744_2dacab2eb1_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNGuOy3r4g4/VZFA3h6NtDI/AAAAAAAABiw/D_JknvyuK1I/s640/18635743744_2dacab2eb1_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chuck North's fast Little Best, at the finish.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKumrM59tb4/VZFBUy7gwZI/AAAAAAAABjA/mqVKmdhDEAw/s1600/18635800024_87b81debe4_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKumrM59tb4/VZFBUy7gwZI/AAAAAAAABjA/mqVKmdhDEAw/s640/18635800024_87b81debe4_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mauricio's own design, with spectacular, shiny, home-made sails. Also, note the partial chine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0N7tKWj3zNc/VZFBCqG4VaI/AAAAAAAABi4/0l_pfP8Qswc/s1600/18635847464_2d6a73d1cd_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="344" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0N7tKWj3zNc/VZFBCqG4VaI/AAAAAAAABi4/0l_pfP8Qswc/s640/18635847464_2d6a73d1cd_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy start! See <i>Peck</i> in there?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-69AX_WFG1X4/VZFBpqYi_KI/AAAAAAAABjQ/IFzIarhNsp4/s1600/18636024194_1affa6a639_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-69AX_WFG1X4/VZFBpqYi_KI/AAAAAAAABjQ/IFzIarhNsp4/s640/18636024194_1affa6a639_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fleet starts pulling away after the start, <i>Peck</i> looks in good position here...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WZzeI_gPB7Q/VZFCBsyzQSI/AAAAAAAABjg/9L2eAF43bnk/s1600/18637813443_3a119c2a7d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WZzeI_gPB7Q/VZFCBsyzQSI/AAAAAAAABjg/9L2eAF43bnk/s640/18637813443_3a119c2a7d_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Macaluso's tough to beat DF.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QoQqixhJLig/VZFCMzrUrII/AAAAAAAABjw/CNs8lHAVJu8/s1600/18637860503_864324d5a8_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QoQqixhJLig/VZFCMzrUrII/AAAAAAAABjw/CNs8lHAVJu8/s640/18637860503_864324d5a8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rounding at the leeward gate, note the height of the rigs on <i>Peck</i> (#50) and Eric's <i>Wahoo</i> (#11).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rEP6mM-DiW8/VZFCaBntkGI/AAAAAAAABkA/KGP6mMdMdw8/s1600/19070335480_e69147818d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rEP6mM-DiW8/VZFCaBntkGI/AAAAAAAABkA/KGP6mMdMdw8/s640/19070335480_e69147818d_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The White Rock chop...look at <i>Peck's</i> bow leaping into the air, in deceptively flat water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Pj6OXL90W0/VZFCLFifr_I/AAAAAAAABjo/_SlElKjAb2M/s1600/19070687760_2830be832e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Pj6OXL90W0/VZFCLFifr_I/AAAAAAAABjo/_SlElKjAb2M/s640/19070687760_2830be832e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chuck LeMahieu (#109) and Brig North (#34) running downwind.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BksGOr2M0dc/VZFCuFnCl_I/AAAAAAAABkQ/MvUxvmd-mX8/s1600/19070727128_bfe821cd1e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BksGOr2M0dc/VZFCuFnCl_I/AAAAAAAABkQ/MvUxvmd-mX8/s640/19070727128_bfe821cd1e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close racing was the order of the day...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3XRql7SRIE/VZFC88Zke4I/AAAAAAAABkY/hsoQ0j0cXIs/s1600/19070873238_68525f0f00_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3XRql7SRIE/VZFC88Zke4I/AAAAAAAABkY/hsoQ0j0cXIs/s640/19070873238_68525f0f00_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Peck</i> in 5th on the beat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--AtFzPUrvo8/VZFCg3hLbAI/AAAAAAAABkI/cUpYnSoC88c/s1600/19072137689_5279aa4272_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="526" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--AtFzPUrvo8/VZFCg3hLbAI/AAAAAAAABkI/cUpYnSoC88c/s640/19072137689_5279aa4272_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chuck's DF <i>Atomic Annie</i> buries its nose on the down-roll.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wROp0HJWdTM/VZFDKuzzfbI/AAAAAAAABkg/EmMMSAmv2Gc/s1600/19072237149_e045f3cf04_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wROp0HJWdTM/VZFDKuzzfbI/AAAAAAAABkg/EmMMSAmv2Gc/s640/19072237149_e045f3cf04_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Peck</i> in good position, but pinching with a bit too much weather helm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1RJHyB43ME/VZFDwVpDcuI/AAAAAAAABk4/oGDZmYxnl2Q/s1600/19232080316_f0e7f97cb8_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t1RJHyB43ME/VZFDwVpDcuI/AAAAAAAABk4/oGDZmYxnl2Q/s640/19232080316_f0e7f97cb8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another example of the chop, flat looking water, but short wave action has <i>Peck</i> leap from the water.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e1M0qg9aVHM/VZFD3CiBgpI/AAAAAAAABlI/NOdvFaMbq94/s1600/19252156892_529fc89c26_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e1M0qg9aVHM/VZFD3CiBgpI/AAAAAAAABlI/NOdvFaMbq94/s640/19252156892_529fc89c26_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chuck North's Little Best, <i>very</i> fast!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-adZTavQ5_UQ/VZFESnCWLSI/AAAAAAAABlQ/XgRjwTT-ln4/s1600/19252447262_5c1b5458b8_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-adZTavQ5_UQ/VZFESnCWLSI/AAAAAAAABlQ/XgRjwTT-ln4/s640/19252447262_5c1b5458b8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Peck</i> cuts through the downwind boats on starboard, tricky business!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1JRk20CicY/VZFETr6E6OI/AAAAAAAABlY/eZW615raJyM/s1600/19258338755_e07f10c247_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1JRk20CicY/VZFETr6E6OI/AAAAAAAABlY/eZW615raJyM/s640/19258338755_e07f10c247_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob Piper (#65) and Brig North (#34) from the TRYC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Oc452-jBU0/VZFEXzoszNI/AAAAAAAABlg/yjuxFkUbKYI/s1600/19258439275_13dd73aa20_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Oc452-jBU0/VZFEXzoszNI/AAAAAAAABlg/yjuxFkUbKYI/s640/19258439275_13dd73aa20_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close action at the mark rounding.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-odzflPJADqA/VZFEyfiU5EI/AAAAAAAABlo/FVdKlZs5QJo/s1600/19261785831_53796990ef_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-odzflPJADqA/VZFEyfiU5EI/AAAAAAAABlo/FVdKlZs5QJo/s640/19261785831_53796990ef_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another example of the pitching motion prevalent.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rGdaeuGEBOQ/VZFE9_w9hZI/AAAAAAAABmc/neE7Gkx2LI0/s1600/19262275551_0604af6fe6_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rGdaeuGEBOQ/VZFE9_w9hZI/AAAAAAAABmc/neE7Gkx2LI0/s640/19262275551_0604af6fe6_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Peck</i> in 4th heading down on the run! The high aspect swing rig will power him up here...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJvPohCIAAc/VZFE4FJKHsI/AAAAAAAABl4/wuzFWVETilw/s1600/IMG_0299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJvPohCIAAc/VZFE4FJKHsI/AAAAAAAABl4/wuzFWVETilw/s640/IMG_0299.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Peck</i>...and <i>Peck</i>! My photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h1c7VJwwTX4/VZFE4m5ukfI/AAAAAAAABl8/crKooG1Wg9w/s1600/IMG_0300%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h1c7VJwwTX4/VZFE4m5ukfI/AAAAAAAABl8/crKooG1Wg9w/s640/IMG_0300%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fleet after start moving to the port tack. My photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kfp8QPS0a8c/VZFE-Y4GaRI/AAAAAAAABmY/ZD8snoMqmbk/s1600/IMG_0303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kfp8QPS0a8c/VZFE-Y4GaRI/AAAAAAAABmY/ZD8snoMqmbk/s640/IMG_0303.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric's <i>Wahoo</i> making time on the beat. My photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNgX99OBzi8/VZFE_i3DXeI/AAAAAAAABmo/_5MD_7ijH24/s1600/IMG_0304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lNgX99OBzi8/VZFE_i3DXeI/AAAAAAAABmo/_5MD_7ijH24/s640/IMG_0304.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fleet heads towards the offset. My photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74Lcskbp0WY/VZFFAtlI8SI/AAAAAAAABmw/2viZrbVh5b8/s1600/IMG_0309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74Lcskbp0WY/VZFFAtlI8SI/AAAAAAAABmw/2viZrbVh5b8/s640/IMG_0309.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Peck Wants You! Obligatory Peck photo bomb...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Evog0e7srY/VZFFE9nRUcI/AAAAAAAABnA/yylJy0DS-1w/s1600/IMG_0311%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Evog0e7srY/VZFFE9nRUcI/AAAAAAAABnA/yylJy0DS-1w/s640/IMG_0311%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me during a break...My Photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_NxDhjV5EY/VZFFGPiDhII/AAAAAAAABnQ/XA8BoHZtBhY/s1600/IMG_0315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S_NxDhjV5EY/VZFFGPiDhII/AAAAAAAABnQ/XA8BoHZtBhY/s640/IMG_0315.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and the keel damage, note the twist in the fin and the 20º skew...My photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DUy2HiVx_c4/VZFFFi7F43I/AAAAAAAABnE/xtGsMfy9l04/s1600/IMG_0317%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DUy2HiVx_c4/VZFFFi7F43I/AAAAAAAABnE/xtGsMfy9l04/s640/IMG_0317%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty bad, going to replace the fin & bulb. My photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-4887089041406843282015-06-28T07:57:00.002-07:002015-06-28T07:59:45.775-07:00A Reader-Built Blue Splash!<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Blog follower <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">György from New </span><span style="color: #222222;">Caledonia has been following the Model Yachting Blog for a while, and decided to take his hand at building a Blue Splash after following the construction of <i>Peck</i> and <i>Mustang</i>. He recently shared some photos:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iz6S2o8HFzA/VZAJKtsjM_I/AAAAAAAABiI/WOcM__xmu_o/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iz6S2o8HFzA/VZAJKtsjM_I/AAAAAAAABiI/WOcM__xmu_o/s640/unnamed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There are some interesting features in this picture, the sail servo is forward of the keel box, the rudder servo, receiver and battery aft; I wonder if this would distribute the weight better than my arrangement, which is all aft of the keel box. I particularly like the servo fittings, they look light, strong and simple. You may note that with a congenitally rigged boat, the raised foredeck is an option and it is visible here with below deck supports attached. The cut-outs marked in the deck save weight and give hull access, but add a potential water entry area if the patches aren't tight. Lastly, note how the sheer planks have been added to the hull, rather than the deck.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RVe922Yyt1Q/VZAJKX0EJFI/AAAAAAAABiM/zdxwcJVHEMQ/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RVe922Yyt1Q/VZAJKX0EJFI/AAAAAAAABiM/zdxwcJVHEMQ/s640/unnamed-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nice looking boat! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">György mentions it went well in a test sail against two Goth RG-65's with "</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">surprising" acceleration...Nice work!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-10027034552541894892015-06-27T19:32:00.000-07:002015-06-27T19:32:01.923-07:00Video Blog: Thoughts on a rig for Choppy ConditionsRaced in the White Rock Cup today, lots of stuff to report on for later, but here is some thoughts on optimizing a rig for the choppy water that is not infrequent at White Rock, and other windy venues...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ovg4XbtKwdY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ovg4XbtKwdY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6366741400705031924.post-46183346051119392052015-06-22T00:55:00.002-07:002015-06-22T00:55:41.157-07:00Video Blog: Building a Swing-RigAnother video, going into some detail on the construction of an Eric Rosenbaum designed swing-rig; in this case for the Blue Splash RG-65 <i>Mustang</i>. You can look over instructions Eric has done on the rig <a href="http://nebula.wsimg.com/3ef557235a1d0f7f9103eca6d10fd753?AccessKeyId=450B4B796CA50539E873&disposition=0&alloworigin=1" target="_blank">here</a>, and a good article he has written on the subject <a href="https://iomdesign.wordpress.com/rigs/" target="_blank">here</a>. Swing-rigs are a fascinating subject, and my interest in vintage vane sailing sees many similarities (sounds like an article I should write!)<br />
<br />
Briefly, my opinion is the swing-rig doesn't point quite as well as a Bermuda rig, but makes up for it with a disproportionate gain in speed, and is very fast running downwind. These advantages are more manifest in light air, though in almost any scenario the rig is a difficult beast on a reach.<br />
<br />
Anyway, starting on <i>Mustang's</i> rigs is a good time to share some building notes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wspSWImewaI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wspSWImewaI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15696968776392926551noreply@blogger.com0