Rio Boulder

This image is inspired by some other artists work. I can remember his name, nor where he was from, or was it she?, nor find anything on the internet. I think the series was called "Boulders", which is very appropriate. This is how I would call this, also. So, this is the "Rio Boulder".

I might want to produce others...

Furniture

Winter has come to Rio. It is wet and cold, about 17 degrees Celsius. I worked on some furniture, which I need for home. I love to build my own things...

What I need is a sunny day, to go back to building my boat. I need to get it done.

But of course I know it is not the sun that I need. What I need is an action plan. After the near completion of the beams, I ran into a situation where I have no clear plan. I have several activites, many of them interdependant. Which is why, I think, I feel unconfortable in committing. Gluing the deck on, for example, will mean that any work inside will be made greatly more difficult. I know that there are some minor things to finish inside to bow, but they are not of much relevance, why I keep postponing them. And not having them done, keeps me from gluing the deck, which keeps me from laminating, finishing and painting the decks... Of course the rear deck depends on finishing the steering mechanism, which reminds me that, afterall, I should build the rudder first...

I guess you catch the idea. Only a well developed action plan can help me out of that. Come sun, snow or come rain. And in the meanwhile I build furniture. Sometimes it is all wrong, and we know it...

Nosy Be, Madagascar

Here is a place I'd really like to go, one of these days: Nosy Be, on Madagascar. Some time after finishing my own boat. Madagascar seems to be a place where not many people find their way to. That in itself is a good enough reason to go and see what is there. And see what the people there are like; what they think, what they eat ...

But it is also the exuberant nature, landscapes and the many endemic species. The lemurs, the chamaleons the lovely birds... And yes! all the sailing canoes! Look at this ~40ft. canoe towards the end of the video! About 15 people are pushing it into a shed.

Rain day...

We had a week with lovely weather. And, I was actually determined to go back to serious work on the boat today. But surprise. I didn't count on the weather. A bad rainday is again spoiling things. Let's see how it goes and what I make of it. Not much, I fear. Not being able to glue and coat with epoxi, due to humidity, is allways a mood spoiler.

Maora

Here is a production tacking outrigger from Brazil. After seeing the South African Ninja, I was surprised to find that there is a local version, built by Estaleiro Multicascos, in Maceio, in the Northeastern region. It is offered in a trimaranversion, and a so called "Prao" version, and it comes with a rather interesting rig too...
Find more about it here.

If you wonder what the hell is going on. If you wonder anout the progress on my boat. Just don't. I guess I need a break. I'll be back on track soon.

Birds

Saíra-de-sete-cores e Saíra-de-pescoço-vermelho

This weekend has yelded sightings of lovely local birds...

Gaturamo

Rio Motor Boat Show

I admit. I went to see the Rio Boat Show again this year. Like almost every year, I found it dreadful. About 98% of boats on display were powerboats. But that is not actually the problem. The problem is the atmosphere, which I can't really describe. A mixture of pretentiousness, arrogance,... and ... oh whatever! Every year I swear I won't go back. I hope next time I keep to it.

Only three boats, really were worth seeing. One is the Brazilian built Kalmar K8. Which is the lovely, open boat, in classic style, which you see in the picture. The other is the French Tofinou. And there was also an interesting 30 feet catamaran, which is built in the Brazilian State of São Paulo. Nice and unpretentious boat, with a good, simple finish. And I had the nice surprise to find a friend, promoting the boat. A highlight

Walking on the line

There wasn't the slightest flex...