Performance Review - Ease of Handling

 Performance is generally expressed in numbers, like speed and sailing angles. But safety and ease of handling is also an important aspect of performance, and is difficult to put numbers on.

Arpex had clear performance targets. I wanted to achieve a decent upwind angle, and sail at about 80% of wind-speed, so that I would sail at 6-8 knots, in our 7-9 average wind conditions on the bay and around. Another objective was  ease of handling, with single hand command given at all times, while giving undisturbed comfort for a passenger. Undisturbed from maneuvers and weather - while still integrated with the helm person. At the same time, it should be a well mannered boat, with safe handling.

As described in other Performance Review articles, the speed and upwind sailing objectives were met. Just as the ease of handling targets.

Sail controls to Arpex come together at the helm position. The mainsail sheet sits right next to the helmperson, on a camcleat. It can be let go in a split second. Even from inside the cabin, it can be easily reached, at an arms length. At the same time, the sheet has a convenient reduction, so that no excessive force is necessary to bring the sheet in, in stronger winds. The jib sheets is right on the middle beam, and one can comfortably control it from the helm position, by holding it in hand, or by standing up, on the stable wooden deck.

Another safety factor, is that Arpex self steers without any problems. So, I can leave the helm, and do whatever I need to do. The boat won't breach, nor have any other abrupt attitude. At the same time, Arpex is fun to steer, and very reactive to the wheel.

The boat is also unsinkable, which helps to instill confidence. The ama has several watertight compartments, and the main hull has bulwarks, which divide the internal volume. Not having through hull fittings, also eliminates the risks of leaks.

Main Sheet

Today I managed to return to my maintenance tasks. Going sailing would have been better, but the weather condition was volatile, and I preferred to execute a few tasks, which have been lingering on my To-Do-List.  One was an improvement to the main sheet. It is a sliding friction ring, which will allow the main sheet to have its purchase point off center, like on a traveller. I suppose this will allow the main to set slightly better. I am quite happy with how it looks.

I also took the time to change the rope of the boom downhaul (burro). Since I had a good rope which would be happy to work as a main sheet, at home, I decided to use it as the former main sheet on the boom downhaul. 

Little jobs, but good to do them... Next time, going out sailing will be better still.

New Torqueedo Shaft Bracket

Arpex is equipped with an electric power engine, produced by the German company Torqueedo. The Travel 1003S provides about 3hp, which is just enough to maneuver the boat, and bring it home to the mooring, should the wind fail on the last mile or two.

Torqueedo provides a good quality product, which has never let me down. Also the service is very good. After contacting the client service regarding oxidation on the shaft bracket and the engine mount, they decided to provide a new part. I would like to thank Mr. Reinhard, who has provided an efficient and objective service.

I'm just not sure what to do regarding my product's serial number, which is bonded to the old part. The one which has suffered aluminum corrosion. If I change that part, the engine will not be identified any more. Does someone have a suggestion? What have others done? 

Arpex

Mancave

In any condition Arpex is a comfortable mancave. It gives me refuge at any time. The other day I spent a few hours on the mooring, while winds of >40 knots ripper through our harbor, and the rain poured down in buckets. After closing all hatches, from my comfortable bunk I followed the show, and took a nap, until conditions settled down, and I could make my way home safe and dry.

Greta van Fleet | Live at KCRW 22/6/18

Lotsenschoner No.5 ELBE kehrt zurück nach 120 Jahren

Arpex Review - Lateral Plan (update)

The sailing capability of Arpex is determined by the sailplan and lateral underwater plan, like any other sailboat. Arpex has never had never in mind to explore great competitive advantages, nor was it designed to sail regatas at all. Even if, I wouldn't mind to do so. I have sailed against monohulls, and had a creditable result. And Arpex has sailed at nice speeds, as shown in this video, as of 1 minute and 10seconds... But that was not in my mind, so I didn't care about measurements, or classes, or whatever. I cared about simplicity of construction and ease of  handling during operation. I was designing a boat that should be comfortable, and easy to sail. And it should be unique, and different.

For the propulsion, I choose a wharram style softwing sail, with a wooden, hollow, round mast. A sturdy rig. It survived the failure of a shroud, with injuries, but it is now stronger than ever. The mast is keel stepped, which gave enough support to save the mast, when the shroud broke, in 20 knots of wind. Acknowledging that my configuration was different that the Tikis, on which this rigging is usually used on, with its wide beam, to serve as a wide traveller, I added a boom to the mainsail. I also produced a slightly longer gaff, to optimize sail area. And I built it lighter than specified.

The lateral plan is also conservative. I wanted structural stiffness, ease of construction, and directional stability, and forgivingness. I am sure, that a deep daggerboard would provide better upwind performance. However, the construction would be a nightmare, not to speak of the structural implications. Therefore I settled for a compromise.

The keel draughts a max 80cm. I was looking for the possibility to come right close to the beach, and actually beach the boat. The keel is built of solid wood, in layers. It is fixed with stainless bar, and screws. The wood is protected by fiberglass and epoxi.

I am happy with how the boat sails. I love its directional stability when sailing. I can leave the helm unassisted for long periods, and movements of the boat are very predictable. In this concern, Arpex is a very safe boat too. And I can single handedly operate the boat, without sweat.

But this comes to no penalty in the regards of maneuverability. Arpex reacts well to its helm. However, you do need to be in motion. As any multi, Arpex is a dog to steer in close quarters, at low speeds. You do have to act with foresight. On the other hand, since the boat is light, and easy to move about, One can fend off easily, in case of a close, drifting encounter. It has happened, and it is documented in videos that I have posted. I will admit it, but I will not link to it, though. The rudder is a wooden blade, manually shaped to form.

Another interesting point regarding the handling, is that when steering under power, you do have to take into account, that the engine is not central, nor in line with the rudder. So, certain movement can be cumbersome to perform, specially if a breeze is blowing, and windage is an issue. In this case, however, it is easy to help the boat, by using the engine to steer together with the helm. By doing this, I can maneuver without problems.

Rio de Janeiro: Afternoon on the Bay - 2018

Arpex Review - Upwind Performance

Here is an objective analysis of Arpex'es Upwind performance. The graphic analysis is focussed o that specific item of performance, because it represents a benchmark, which anyone can relate to. Even though, I believe that it is not the most favorable scale for Arpex.

I do like to record parts of my sailing afternoons on video. Generally, I try to equip my videos with information about tide and wind conditions, which is very useful for posterior analysis. Which is the whole idea why I do it, in the first place. So, I am pleased with that.

By using the plotted course of a few upwind leg as a reference, copied for the recent video "Bumpy Ride", I get to the conclusion that Arpex tacks through approximately 110 degrees - which makes 55 degrees for each leg, in theory. However, I suppose there is a positive bias towards the tack when the ama is to windward.  So, maybe it is more like 52 vs. 58 degrees.  ... I might produce more data on that in the future.

Optimizations could improve the sailing angle to at least 105 degrees, maybe 100. A better jib could produce that, along with improvement on the sheeting points.  And, I admit, that I am not a very skilled helmsman. I suppose that a more skilled person could improve those figures.

But Arpex loves to bear off a bit, and see the water rush by in a quicker pace. The top speed recorded was 11,9 knots. Speeds of 13 to 14, or 15 knots seem feasible in stronger winds. But spped of 8-9 knots are quite usual during our average conditions.

The sailing movement of Arpex is very agreeable. There is no hobbyhorsing, or other vicious movement. Also behaviour in waves is pleasant,I suppose the difference in hull length and volume has a positive effect.

Distant Cousin

Now here is something funny! Look at the boat I found, while surfing the net! It is a catamaran with a pod. It is called S-22, and it is produced by S-Boat, downunder, in Australia.

Se that the mid pod closely resembles the shape of Arpex'es main hull. I was tempted to say it's like Arpex, except with three hulls. But this is wrong, since the "main-hull" doesn't even touch the water. And the amas are way bigger. It is a catamaran with a mid pod. 

And I like it. A slightly larger cabin and windows would make it better. ;-)

New sail for Arpex

I have been pondering about a new fore sail for Arpex. Its objective is to provide more sailarea in conditions of light wind.It should be a loose sail, to be hoisted without a forestay,... like an asymmetric. However, I would prefer this to be a very flat sail, for upwind angles.I am not sure how this works. I am trying to find out. Comments and advice would be welcome.

Arpex Review - Sailing Performance

The objectives regarding sailing performance for Arpex, were to obtain speeds under sail, in a range of 80-120 percent of the true wind speed. Considering an average sailing condition of 8-10 knots, this translates into 6,4 to 9,6 knots of speed.

I would consider this achieved. Such a range of speed corresponds to my perception of average speed. Arpex will als chieve speed of over ten knots. I have achieved 11,9 knots, which I saw on the GPS as a 3 minute average speed. And my impression is that we have also sailed faster than that. Maybe 12,5 to 13 knots. But the condition was not stressed. I suppose that a potential 15 could be achieved. To achieve that, Arpex would need a consistent 15-20 knots of wind.

From 18-20 knots, that it is where I start to think about reefing the main.

But in general, I feel Arpex lacks a little bit of sail area. I suppose the mast could be about 50cm taller. As a matter of fact, I could gain 100cm, if I stepped the mast on the deck. This could increase my sail area by about 4-6 square meters, between 13-20 percent. This would give higher speed.

But for now, I am thinking about options to increase sail area, without having to invest into major structural changes. The easiest way would be to produce a bigger fore sail. A large genoa, which would come from the bow. It would also increase about 4-6 square meters.

But the architecture for the foresail has not yet been defined. My first thoughts went into a asymmetric nylon sail. However, I feel that Arpex actually seldomly sails at large angles, which would profit from a light nylon sail, for beam reaches. Maybe a more genoa stlye would be the better solution for this boat.

Volle Fahrt! :-)

Apresentação da AVU

We have been working on this...

Arpex Review 2 - Project Objectives

The chapter of my new series, which has the intention of making an honest review of Arpex’es performance until now, starts with a review of the very objectives of the project. Only looking at those first can we evaluate how the project performes.

Any person who is considering to own a boat, carries with him an extensive list of requirements. The better these requirements are clearly formulated in the beginning, the more likely it is that the boat owner and keeper will be a happy man, or woman.

My list was organized in the categories Sailing Performance, Livability and Creature Comforts, Maintenance Effort and Cost, and other General. Luckily, this list did not change throughout the project. I believe this is an important factor for the overall success of a project, and a cohere end product.

In terms of sailing, the requirements were guided by my overall objective of having a fun platform for experimentation, and relaxed sailing. I never looked at sailing performance in perspective of participating in regattas or any competition. As I am not keen on internal combustion engines, I wanted a boat on which I could maximize sailing in our moderate local conditions, taking advantage of a capacious deck, to enjoy the benign weather, and lovely views of Rio de Janeiro. The idea is to daysail in the Bay of Rio and around it, with overnighting capabilities for a couple, in comfortable and dry camping conditions. In the list of ambitions was also the capability to do the 60 mile crossing to Ilha Grande and back, under sail or engine, to spend a long weekend there.

In terms of creature comforts and cabin shelter, the idea has always been to keep things simple and light. But nevertheless comfortable and a good place to spend time. The simplicity also included the decision not to install any toilet or hydraulic arrangements and through-hull fittings. For urgent needs a bucket has been doing the job quite efficiently. A newly purchased propane camping cooker will provide ability for a hot drink or meal. I plan to purchase those solar bags, which can make it possible to have a hot shower at the end of the day. In general the big windows, which provide ample visibility have proven to be a success.

In general maintenance has been reasonable, in terms of effort and cost. I think Arpex has resisted quite well to the inclement exposure to sun, wind, salt, and general abuse.

In the next few posts I will look into those categories more deeply, preferrably illustrating with images and video. 

Arpex Sailing Review - First

The construction of my sailboat, Arpex, was a delightful process. But how is it to sail and keep the boat?

Right from the start of my boat building project, my intention was to document and comment the construction here, on this blog. The idea had two aspects. First to purely document, for my own future benefit. The documentation process would also keep me motivated to structure my work, and keep a sort of  "watching external eye" on the progress of the project. ... The external eyes being you, honoured reader of this blog. For all of what I know, this has worked out like a charm.

The other aspect was a true sharing spirit. Before construction had started, while I was designing Arpex, I have benefitted immensely from reading other construction and sailing accounts, from other boatbuilders. I delighted when I saw videos from Russ Browns proa, JZerro, and Gary Dierkings canoes, and the flying Toroa, built by Harmen Hielkema, in New Zealand....  Equilibre in the Caribbean, Janusz's pacific proas in Poland, Peter in Australia, Michael in the US, Yann in France, and so many others. At that time I followed and contributed in selected proa discussion groups. From there, direct contacts developed, I made new friends, which have supported with information, advice, and encouragement. And I thought it would be just fair to retribute in the same way, passing along my own experience.

During the construction phase this blog had up to 150 readers per day. Which I found very surprising. Nowadays, the access to this page has dwindled. Around 5-10, sometimes 15 people visit this page per day, more or less. ... At least I hope you guys are people, and not robots. :-) ... This decline is, not last, caused by my neglect, and irregular updating of posts.

As planned, the focus of this blog has now shifted from the documentation of the construction, to the documentation of my sailing, and general use of the boat. I say it purposely like that, because Arpex is much more than just a boat for sailing. Inserted and deeply rooted in the Urca Beach area, Arpex is an open door to the sea lifestyle, a platform on the water, a place where I meet friends, or where I can be alone, or in selected good company.

The content of my current posts on this blog has been focussed on the documentation sailing videos. Having from 15 to 30 minutes they are a documentation of a days sailing. I enjoy these videos, which I produce and edit, not with entertainment in mind. It is really more a documentation for myself. I love to watch them, and remember. It is a way to sail again, on a rainy day, for example. However, I miss the exercise of writing a post. The effort to structure and transmit a specific message, is a good one. And I would like to return to this practice. And, yes, I realize that 30 minute videos are simply too long and boring for anyone else than myself. In these days, videos which last longer than a minute, tree to five, if much, will seldomly be watched.

A few weeks ago I first thought about starting a structured series of posts with an evaluation of the Arpex project. How does the boat stand up against the objectives it has been supposed to achieve? As designer and builder of the boat, I admit that it will be difficult to be objective. But I will try to be open, transparent and franc, when looking upon Arpex.

The series will be structured in five chapters:
1. Project Objectives
2. General Description - Deck, Cabin, Storage
3. Sailing Performance
4. Liveability and Creature Comforts
5. Maintenance and Cost of Ownership
6. Outlook and Development

Each chapter will include text, video and other image material, as seems fit for purpose. I might use new or old material, and will probably be narrating the video. This will be new for me, since I generally do keep myself more behind the camera, than in front. I'll see how this works out. As a new approach, I will try to pre-produce each chapter, writing the screenplay before starting. It will be a fun new project. I am curious to see where it ends. As a target, I will try to finish the first in about two weeks.

And hopefully you, reader, will appreciate this series too. You are welcome to comment and make suggestions, or questions.

Arpex Maintenance Log July 2018

I am organizing my work tasks on Arpex, including improvements and corrective and preventive maintenance. I plan to make regular reports on this, in order to make it more visible for myself. And I am happy to share it with others, who might take an interest in how much work a self build wooden boat requires to keep it going along time.

Bumpy Ride

Short Afternoon Sail

After discussing the trampolins and a potential light weight foresail with my sailmaker, I decided to go out for a short sail. The bottom was a bit fouled and the wind light. So,... the sailing was so, so... but it is ever worth it anyhow. The video brings a compilation f the images of the day.

Maintenance tasks

On the past Saturday I managed to work on several different items of my new maintenance To Do List. 

The new little table has been cut, coated and installed. And it proves to be really comfortable to use. A good addition.

I also cleaned and laminated the open gash, which had been caused by an unidentified collision on the stern of the ama.

I really enjoy any day on the boat. Be it sailing, or be it working hard to improve the useability and safety of the boat. So,... please forgive my repetitive posting of different views.

Trampolin or deck nettings

I have been tinkering around the trampolines which I want to have installed on the bow and stern sections of the deck. Considerable effort has gone into making a test, a template, with a cheap fabric. It was a good idea, since while doing the test, I realised that any efforts to design and build an included section of the tramplin which should harbor the anchor, chain and rode, are quite wasted.

What happened during the test, was that I realised, that in at least 80% of outings, I never use the anchor. I also realised that the closer to the main hull and center point of the boat the weight of the anchor tackle is located, the better for sailing performance and maneuverability.

So, while I saw the anchor there, I thought "why don't I keep it inside the cabin?" Afterall, when stored under the main cabin sole, it will be readily at hand, in the blink of an eye. It would be safe there, and ideally located. And if I need to use it, I can deploy it at the stern of at the bow in equal agility.

So instead of producing a trampoline with more complex structure, I will produce a simple and handy bag, in which to keep the anchor tackle. It will be ready to place on the tramp, or under the cabin sole.

Developments

Recently, I have posted my thoughts about a review of Arpex'es performance, as experienced in the last 4 years of use. The thoughts around that, have made me take joy in the prospects of several little development ideas, which will bring Arpex to develop more of its potential, and actually implement ideas which are part of the concept from the beginning.

The development projects can be listed as follows:

1 - Sailing Performance
   - Optimize tack point for jib sheet
   - Purchase Large Code-0 type sail
   - Adjust length of reefing lines
   - Implement in-haul for jib sheet
   - Add more cleats to deck (for spinnaker halyard and "amantilho")
   - Adjust height of boom

2 - Creature Comforts and Liveability
   - Check electrical wiring and reestablish all functions
   - Reinstall stern bilge pump
   - Install new kitchen table
   - Purchase camping cooker (gas)
   - Improve grill arrangement
   - Purchase cutlery
   - Improve general organization (introduce nets and cupboards and tupperware containers
   - Create cupboards and nets for organized storage
   - Select required tools and determine fixed locations for them (marked on bulkhead)
   - Finish bed extension structure for double bunk capability
   - Finish templates/tests for trampolines (bow)
   - Finish templates/tests for trampolines (stern)
   - Purchase trampolines
   - Develop deck tend
   - Purchase foldable deck table

3 - Maintenance 
   - Corrective
      - Recoat engine sledge
      - Recoat wooden deck fittings
      - Replace boom-wang rope
      - Install guardrail for dingy
      - Repair backside of main entrance hatch
      - Sand and paint boat bottom with antifouling
      - Repair paintjob
   - and Preventive
      - Develop maintenance checklists, calendar and cost log (routine)
      - Develop Boat-Log for regular performance records and KPIs
      - Develop regular reports

Improvements to Arpex

 After well using Arpex, and discovering its lovely characteristics, I am giving some attention to improvements. These have been actually planned since the beginning. But,... you know, I was eager to get sailing, and decided, that the finer adjustments to liveability and usability cou follow at a later stage. Also, decisions regarding the investment in time and money, would be equipped with better knowledge from actual use.

This strategy has paid out, in my eyes, at least. Arpex is all I ever thought it would be. And it can be much more.

Improving cabin comfort and organization can now be put in practice. Arpex should offer modest camping overnight comforts.Part of that is a small area, where to develop food and beverage. This is what I am producing now.

The anchor will be mounted on a short, almost mid boat mounted bowsprit,.... the chain and rode will be now placed more centrally, and close to the main hull. This will have positive impact on maneuverability and general performance. The use of the anchor will also be facilitated. But,... frankly,... and just between you and me,... Due to the rare use of the anchor, I am considering to  store the anchor inside the cabin. The weight could be placed ideally. Access would still be quick and unobstructed. I could launch it quickly in any direction. Well,... I will see. Important, is that the to be built trampolin will prove a great addition. I have sewed together a real life template, and testing model, using a cheap fabric.

Maintenance day

 Yesterday Arpex had a maintenance day.

First the mooring needed to be checked and the mooring buoy needed to be replaced. The diver, Marivaldo, checked the chain, bridles and the rope, and cleaned off all the barnacles. The rope felt really as if it was way too short. But it turned out, that the heavy barnacle grows was just weighting down on it. So, once all cleaned, and new buoy installed, the arrangement was ok again. Actually the new buoy works much better than the old one, and mooring will become easier now.

I started work producing a template for the netting. And also to try out the arrangement for the new anchor position. But besides this, also another few jobs are stacking up, so that the to do list is becoming longer and longer. Let's take a look:

Preliminary To Do List:
- Repair navigation light and top light
- Repair rear bilge pump
- Shorten reefing lines
- Exchange boom-wang rope
- Sand and recoat wooden external parts
- Sand and recoat outboard support
- Finish and paint the new anchor support
- Paint entrance step
- Sand and repaint seat locker hatch
- Repair backside of entrance hatch
- Install bunk grating support
- Develop and produce portable-cooker support

Dingy:

Time for a review

It has been a while since I have plans for producing a review of Arpex'es use, performance, wear and tear, and document it on video. I will start doing this in the next few weeks. Ideally I would also have finished the production of the trampolins, and new position for the anchor by then.

Yesterday I managed to advance on the production of a template for the tramp for the smaller part. I am still looking into producing the larger portion. 

I actually need to produce a to do list....

Regata - Taca Comodoro 2018

Yesterday I joined the crew of a HPE 30, hull number 04, for a regata around two islands outside of the bay, completing a track of 24 miles. The boat has ample sail area and a deep bulb keel and is has no cabin, worth speaking of. It serves only storage. It sails nibley to windward, but she comes really to life once you hoist the asymmetric spinnaker. Then the sledge ride begins. But you need an experienced crew, as things can go south quite quickly. 

We completed the course of 24 miles in about 3 hours, and sailed at up to 12 knots. 

A very pleasant ride, and I thank Claudio, very dearly, for the noble invitation to join his family crew. 

Maio 2018 com Adri

Sailing with Yann et Patricia 2018

Great set of multihulls, including Atlantic Proa "Lady Godiva"

Easter on Arpex - 2018

Regatejo da AVU 2018

Upcoming event

The construction of Arpex

Since Arpex featured in a video produced by Adriano, from the sailing channel #SAL, some have asked how Arpex came to be. This is a short video which gives an overview of the construction. It has been prduced before the boat was launched. So, it is not conclusive.

Rigging replaced

Using a fixed structure on the Yacht Club, we managed to replace all rigging without removing the mast. The operation took one hour.