Moving

Yesterday I was busy working in the office. So unfortunately I could not go to see Arpex. Nor could I even talk to Roger on the phone... But even if I am unable to be physically there on my project, I feel good about it, because it is moving on. Sitting on the spectator side of the boat construction is a different and interesting perspective for a change. Roger is very thorough, and takes pictures of things, and reports every evening. Which is excellent for me to keep track of activities, and still participate in a way. The picture above shows the wooden foothold, which he attached to the edge of the deck

It won't be long, and we will have to think about moving the hulls over, closer to the ramp, where we will put things together.

 The cleats have been attachedd with steel plate backings, and sikaflex to avid water dripping in.

Finishing things

Roger is finishing things up on Arpex. During the week has has attacked several of the tasks that were still pending, and has eliminated many items from my to do list. I'm loving to be on the spectator side, for a short while.

Every night we talk on the phone, to discuss what has been achieved, and the next steps, so that I can keep track, and feel like I'm participating.

Brazilian Proa "Meu Querido"

Today I found something surprising. I found out that a tacking outrigger, a proa, sailed in Brasil in 1995. "Meu Querido" was built by the boatyard "Bate Vento", in the northern State of Maranhao, a traditional "nest" for all sorts of lovely multihulls. 

The canoe measures 7 meters lenght and 60cm beam, and according to Sergio M Marques, its designer and builder, it left many other boats, monohulls and multihulls in its wake during regattas. He says the boat was equipped with a daggerboard, and no other boat could match its upwind ability. 

The boatyard Bate Vento, which has a rich history building several types of multihulls, continues to build very successful boats for the international market. check out the link to see their range of products.

Changing the game

From today, the construction of Arpex will accelerate significantly. My friend Rogerio will support me in finishing the boat. I'm very happy, because, Roger has accumulated great experience building a Tiki 30, TikiRio, and worked on many other boat building and restoration projects. His pragmatic approach will bring great benefits to the solutions which still need definition.

Today we had a day of looking into the remaining projects that lie ahead, to actually launch the boat. Electrics, beam attachment, deck arrangement... I have the impression that one of the main challenges, is to get the right sequence of actions defined. But we also did some actual WORK, besides the noble art of planning and discussion. Not much, I agree. But still... we coated some external accessories with UV Protective varnish.

I am very happy to have Roger on board, so that I can get my things organized, and get things moving again.  Arpex is now closer to the water than ever!

I thoroughly enjoy sharing the work, and working together with someone to change ideas and discuss proceedings. During construction of Arpex I have had support from people. From all of them I have also learned a lot about boatbuilding.

O Rappa - Auto Reverse

Getting organized

Started this Saturday getting organized. I have to get my mind back on track, in order to finish Arpex, and hit the water. My job has been very demanding lately, and I haven't managed to get back to work. So, I sat inside the cabin and managed to get a little organization in the missing tasks. This will help also in getting someone into the project to help me finish the boat. Let's see. we just need to align our agendas.

Kinetic Sculptures

Sorry no boatbuilding

Still too busy letting things hang loose for a while, during carnival, to go boatbuilding. I hope you guys, who want to see the boat in the water, don't mind. As soon as sobriety is reinstalled, I might go back to work.