From last week.... no sailing today....

I really appreciate how Arpex is able to sail itself, while I tendo to anything else, or work the sheets, or halyards, or whatever else. 

I'd rather be with you.

Sailing with Andreas & Lucas

Arpex Sailing with James and Family

Lovely moments sailing with James Burwick and his children 

 

Rush - Tom Sawyer

Sailing with my sister

Yesterday I finally got the new asymetric out, and up. My sister and brother in law helped me, which was great. Many adjustments are still required. But it was great fun, and we sailed along nicely in very weak wind, which later died off altogether. Luckyly we decided to bring the electric engine along.

Preparations

In order to be able to enjoy my new asymetric light cloth sail, I had to make a few adjustments, or complementations to Arpex. The bow has received a "hornlet", which is there to avoid the spi sheet to fall into the water.
I also added a few lines from the forward beam to the bow, to help prevent the sail from going into the water. On port side I have also added such line. I should actually make it out of spectra. That would add a safety factor for working on the bow.

Also, I have been working on the spi's sheeting point. A carbon structure spreads the load conveniently on different hull points.

Coming up next

 

Magic moment

 

The new sail coming

I have ordered a new sail. A light asymetricnylon sail, as a big light foresial for open angles.

The new sail will double the are at the fore-

triangle

Maintenance Day - Boom Repair

I made good use of a clouded, mostly windless day, with moderate temperatures, to do some repairs on the mast, and boom end. At the boom, some wood rot had installed. So I cleaned it out, fitted and laminated a new piece of wood, as a scarf. All that I laminated with a new layer of carbon. In the process I have fitted a double block, to be able to better handle the mainsail's outhaul.

Previously I had one friction ring there. HAving both, the outhaul and reefline going through there, added too much friction, to make adjustments during sailing a reasonable possibility. The other end will also be improved, and a reduction will be installed for the outhaul.

whi

I had a spare double block, which fitted nicely, after a bit of adjustment with the saw, and reinforced all with carbon. I was fairly satisfied with the result. The cabin received a bit of cleaning and arranging things. 

Here is a shorter version

Arpex sailing around Ilha do Pai

Here is a long video of yesterdays sailing... Sorry, my editing skills are poor, I know. But I produce these as a memory log for myself, so if you get bored, you might just move fast forward.

With a favorable wind condition Rogério and I left the mooring without the engine. We didn't bother mounting it, and later we picked up the mooring under sail, too.

This was one of the most memorable and perfect sailing days. Beautiful sky, lovely temperature, and a pleasant moderate wind between 8-14 knots. With occasional lulls, where we fell into a wind hole. we used the opportunity to refresh in the water. But when  the wind picked up, we made up to 10 knots, with long stretches going 8-9 knots. 

A perfect day, with lovely sailing and stunning views of Rio de Janeiro. 

 

Black Crows

Sailing in memory of Wilfrid, father of Kiko and Guy.

Wilfrid was the father my good friend Kiko, and his brother Guy. He succumbed to Covid, and found his piece. His sons spread his ashes in the park looking over the bay, and towards the Sugar Loaf. We continued to cherish his memory and think of the good times together, while having a few beers, sailing Arpex on a wonderful, beautiful afternoon. A good way to let the breeze take the sadness away.

Rush! Love this album. Rembemer well when I bought it in 1991

Cabin Fever