domingo, 15 de fevereiro de 2015

The critical fix

As reported, Arpex is back in Ramos for repair and improvement. The fixation of the critical transverse beams requires repair and improvement. I was pondering for a while on how to do that. The challenge is to do it while the boat is in the water. Not to speak of a serious time restriction on my side, due to my job, which is quite demanding.

It seems that now I came up with a suitable solution. For one, I will build new beams. This is a solution for my time constraint, and for the problem of doing the repair while the boat is in the water. It solves the time constraint, because someone will do it for me. The is also a financial restraint. But I fear this is more elastic then the time constraint. Therefore this is how it will be. Building a new beam also gives me the opportunity to make a better one, and solve the issue for good. Hopefully. I mean,... yes, the critical point in tackers is the structural stress. So,... now that I have a better view on the requirements, I can build a better solution,

It is also a solution for the critical aspect of doing the repair while the boat is in the water, because the boat won't be left with one beam less for long time. We will remove the bad beam, and install the new one in one day.

The new beam will be better, because it will be longer, inside the boat, . Therefore, providing a better lever to withstand the pressure. Check the picture above for reference on how it will look like. The additional weight does not impress me too much. And, maybe it wont even be much heavier than the current beams, because I can do a better design, putting the material where it is needed. The drawing above is a first scetch which I will improve in the next few days.

I had a plan of doing these things during carnival. But we didn't manage to get the material purchased. Therefore we will rest, and put the time to good use by planning the job.

domingo, 8 de fevereiro de 2015

Sailing on Minna


Yesterday my sister Elisa and husband Mauricio took their new boat out for a first sail. A memorable moment, which, of course, I wanted to be part of.

Minna, a brand new Elan 400, is a great boat. She sails swiftly and hard on the wind. Being a performance cruiser, she offers all the comforts you can ask for, and a surprising turn of speed. Needless to say that the kids also loved the new toy.

domingo, 1 de fevereiro de 2015

Early stages of construction - From the archives

Do you not feel like going sailing?


Do you not feel like going sailing today? Then watch this video. It might change your mind.

Modern material and design has pushed the envelope of performance sailing. Added to this, sailing skill has evolved. And crews are bold enough to push to a level which was unthinkable 20 years ago.

This is not the regular sailing, done by average sailors. These are skilled regatta sailors. One thing is for sure, I would love to sail like this, even if only for once in my lifetime. If any of my super regatta sailing friends who read this are in a position to offer me a ride, please step forward. I would love to join!