ARPEX

Anti-skid

2012-02-02T17:43:00.000-02:00

If everything works as agreed, Valmir should be fairing the hull by now. He will deliver is faired, painted and decked with anti-skid surface. He brought me samples to choose from, as seen below. I chose the smaller pattern grid, since it had considerably better grip.

Beauty before the storm

2012-02-02T00:30:00.002-02:00

Máximo Silêncio - Praça Paris

2012-01-30T22:02:00.001-02:00

I recommend a visit to the installation by Giancarlo Neri, on Praça Paris. It will stay until the 4th February. The 9.000 light globes slowly change colours in a variety of patterns and combinations. A mesmerizing spectacle, in acharming setting. Watch the video on the bottom of this post.

Steering console and other jobs

2012-01-29T14:50:00.000-02:00

Good progress was made this week on several fronts. Firstly, I have installed the steering console. Before actual gluing I had to prepare the inner structure, which will stiffen the console and supply a point to support the steering mechanism (see bottom picture). The fileting of all parts inside will not win beauty prizes. It was a bit akward to work inside, due to the limited access.

Some thought also had to be invested in the top of the console. It is not glued on, but it is removable, in order to allow access to the steering cables, and eventual maintenance. And the top had to be built in a way as to avoid water ingress.

The other front I managed to bring forward, was the steering mechanism itself. It will be built of a stainless steel axis, with a nailon cilinder, which will receive the spectra cables. I was talking to Valmir, who has already helped me in different tasks, such as priming the hull, when I mentioned the difficulty in producing the parts for the steering, since I lack the adequate tools and skills to work with steel. Just when I said this, he laughed, and said my problems were over, because Tavares, a chap which works with stainless, was just comming around the corner. Few moments later, we managed to discuss the job at hand and agreed that Tavares would produce what I need. By next week I will know whether it will work. I'm not all too sure. But I'm taking the risk, since I really feel I must advance with this steering project.

My conversation with Valmir was also fruitfull, because we agreed on him finishing the ama. He will deliver it faired, finished and painted. Hopefully in about two weeks.

Inspection day

2012-01-23T19:50:00.000-02:00

Yesterday was inspection day in the boatshed. The Admiral, Mrs. Arpex, came to survey the works on her fleet's soon-to-be new vessel, to be called Arpex. I'm happy to report that the inspection was a full fledged success, and that Mrs. Arpex was pleased with the accomodations which will be provided to her comfort.

Despite the limited spacious capacity, the ergonomic proportions and arrangements make for a pleasing environment, she says. And she says it looks pretty. And that is a more positive feedback than I could ask for.

In my opinion she displayed a tremendous amount of goodwill, since the copious heat and lack of a sea breeze, transformed the cabin in a very hot place to spend much idle time. Or maybe I was just sweating because I was nervous?

Incremental steps & Mental vision

2012-01-22T20:03:00.001-02:00

To a few of you readers, it might seem that progress in the construction is painfully slow, and any advance reported every week is only incremental. And so it is - in the short run. In the long run, everything is possible. And as long as you persist, things do take shape afterall. You just need to keep on going, and do.

I can confirm what is written in the books; Inspiration is worth nothing without plenty of perspiration.

Despite all perspiration, the most rewarding experience during this project, is to see the result of 4 years of focussed dedication be awarded with a result which matches your initial mental vision. And if you reach that, I guess, that is something to be happy about. ... But I'm not quite there yet. But on a good way towards it.

Two days consecutive work

2012-01-22T10:52:00.002-02:00

It is surprising to see what difference it makes when you can work with continuity. I mean, when you can work for two consecutive days. Things just go double as fast! Who would have thought that...

We had a holiday on Friday blessed by hot and sunny days. I managed to make good headway in ways of painting the cabin. Which is now almost completely painted. Almost. These still is some varnishing of bright wood to do... And... well some spots would well deseve a second coating. The job might look decent on the pictures, but as I have mentioned before, it is less than perfect when seen in place.

The entrance, "companionway", washboards, and flanges to keep them in place are fitted to place, and all works fine. The flanges might be screwed on, in stead of glued on. I'm still pondering on the pro and cons. The console for the steering wheel is one step from being glued into place. Its front panel is epoxi coated.

Inside the cabin I have cut the passage for steering cables through the entrance step-board. Whatever proper name you'd give for that. I order to protect the cables, a box will be built around them. A mock up of that can be seen on the second picture from top to bottom.

As you can see, it is many things that make a boat. Building a hull or two is not enough. It is the little bits and pieces which will make the boat work properly. Some work and thought must go into those.

Praia Vermelha - Balenabilidade

2012-01-21T09:41:00.000-02:00

Rio de Janeiro is famous for its many lovely beaches. Copacabana, Ipanema, Barra da Tijuca, all of them fabulous beaches, which receive many people very day, looking for refreshment from the heat, some fun and relaxation. Among the less known beaches is the Praia Vermelha, which lies right under the Sugar Loaf. Which is also why I find it one of the most scenic beaches. And many people agree with that.

But when it comes to bathing, opinions are less clear, since this little beach is often considered unsuitable for swimming. And that is a quite wrong evaluation. With regularity the water quality is evaluated as being good for swimming, contrary to many other beaches along our coastline.

My Uncle Roland, on a recent visit, during which we went for a walk along the beach, was also surprised, when I told him so. But maybe the data below might convince him.

As it happens, yesterday Roland had his birthday, which every year occurs on the day of the foundation of Rio de Janeiro - which is why we had a holiday, and I could go build my boat on a Friday.

Cold day???

2012-01-20T22:00:00.002-02:00

Did we have a cold day in mid summer, in Rio? Or why else would I be using a long sleeve shirt? Well, not quite. The day was sunny and rather hot, allright. And inside the cabin, with limited ventilation, it was hotter still. So, why the long sleeve? I've learned that I'd rather sweat for one or two hours, than spend a whole day and night itching and scratching myself. Which is what happens when you sand fiberglass whithout skin protection.

This is when my old office shirts come in to their new glory. Their agreeable cotton fabric soak up the sweat and make the sweaty work quite bearable, while my skin is protected from the galssfiber dust. I love to use them for sun protection as well. ... I had to do the sanding of my last weeks lamination, in order to do the painting. It has been a long while since I wanted to paint the cabin's sides. And I'm happy to see the result.

Of course the finishing is very imperfect. Don't let the pictures deceive you. But hey! Remember? This is an experimental boat, a prototype. Perfect finishing is not among the design briefs... so I'm happy enough with the way things look right now.

Gaia's Dream shunting

2012-01-20T08:47:00.000-02:00

Above is a fine video of a 71 foot proa shunting. The shunt is executed by two people, which is not bad, considering that this is, afterall, a 71 foot long boat! The wing mast slides on a track, to move its position. Its movement is executed by an eletric motor.

Inigo has built his big proa, called "Gaia's Dream" in a very impressive short time. He built it as a long range environmental expedition vessel. Below you can take a tour of the boat.

Blacked out

2012-01-18T21:23:00.002-02:00

This blog is blacked out in solidarity.

It is not a Brazilian law that threatens to impose rules and limitations on the internet. However, a great part of all internet traffic and content goes over, and is created on US servers. Therefore the proposed law affects also this blog and its holder. I'm against it. I'm against censorship. Be it in the US, China - or Brazil. Just as I am against piracy and unallowed use of content.

LP covers

2012-01-16T21:06:00.002-02:00

Lovely LP covers, pictured on an exposition showed during the Rio Fashion Week.

Amazon files - Rio Negro

2012-01-15T19:07:00.001-02:00

Here I was, paddling happily away on the Rio Negro, on my borrowed three plank canoe. It was 2005? Life was good. I was spending two sedate weeks on a river yacht, with family and friends. Days consisted of contemplation, eating simple good food, conversation - and paddling. The paddle, I still keep. I stands in my living room, and reminds me of the good days.

Different projects

2012-01-15T11:08:00.003-02:00

The inside of the boat is slowly being finished. It is a step by step thing, since everytime I use epoxi, or paint, it needs time to cure, and dry out properly, and I also avoid working inside because of the epoxi fumes.

So I'm working on several projects in parallel. Like the deck locker hatch, and now the console for the steering. The wheel is quite a bit samller than I would wish for. But it is a standard wheel, and that's what I have. It will work fine. Maybe sometime in future I could find a slightly larger one. About 10 cm more diameter would do.

I also started in deciding on the smaller bits and pieces for the entrance wash boards. Testing the set up showed a satisfactory result. The top end of the top washboard still needs to be adjusted. But I'm waiting to have everything definitively in place, to cut it to the apropriate size.

What I did also, was to laminate glass on the inside of the hull, on the area of the cabin pod. This is not to strengthen the hull, but rather to protect the hull skin from damage. Should a tool be dropped or a knife, or another piece of heavy equipment, the hull would be rather vulnerable. Now I feel better about this fragility, and can paint it over.

Rio de Janeiro from above

2012-01-15T07:59:00.000-02:00

Flying from São Paulo to Rio is allways a joy. It offers plenty of views of our beach sprankled coastline and dramatic mountain ranges. And the approach to Rio is unique. Check out this picture taken by Christian Gaul, on his flight today. Click on the image if you want to get a better view.

Around in 45

2012-01-08T10:42:00.001-02:00

45 days. That's what it takes to sail around the world on a 40 metre trimaran.

Congratulations to Loic Peyron and his crew!

Back to work

2012-01-07T21:31:00.001-02:00

Somtimes work advances painfully slow...

Quality time on the water

2012-01-04T21:47:00.000-02:00

A sailor who is building his own boat lives a cruel dilemma. On his free time he must decide whether he wants to have fun on the water, or whether he wants to have fun working hard on his boat. And usually, if he does not focus clearly on the building, and makes his peace with this decision, the construction project is clearly threatened. Which is why I have been sailing very seldomly, not to speak of time spent othervise on the water.

But some invitations are just unresistable. Like the calls from Eduardo, to sail on Cairu II.

And so it came, that on the last day of my vacation, I received a kind invitation by Andy Dierberger, to transfer his currently engineless Chestnut Tree from its current mooring to another location. I didn't think twice, and aceppted the call.

Chestnut Tree was designed and built by the Italian shipyard Sangermani, in 1965. After being abandoned, by 1998, Chestnut Tree was in a seemingly hopeless situation. But a lucky star let Andy Dierberger recognize its value. He had the energy and drive to save the boat and bring it back to a pristine condition. Just spending some time on the boat was just irresistable proposition. And to cheer the day, the sun also came out after weeks of humid and rainy conditions.

To top it off, the transfer would be done by tow. And the towboat would be Andy's other boat, the mighty Froya II. Froya is another classic gem, with an interesting history. Built in 1965 as Froya II the yacht soon sailed under the famous name "Saga", and had a sucessfull racing career. It last sailed as "My Hobby", but had lost its shine. Andy and two partners aquired the yacht and gave it a very thorough refitat the renomed Kalmar shipyard. They also gave the yacht its original name back, which suites her handsomely.

Getting some time on these lovely boats, which can stand proud by international standards, was already great. But having ample time to chat to the man who became passionatly involved in their history, and brought them back to life was greater still! Andy has acquired a deep knowledge about everything involving these boats, and is a driving force behind the upsurge of the recent classic boat movement in Brazil.

Lovely End to a Vacation

2012-01-03T22:21:00.002-02:00

My vacation came to an end with a lovely afternoon on the water. And not only that. Following an invitation by the proud owner, Mr. Andy Dierberger, I had opportunity to be introduced to two of the most outstanding Brazilian Classics, the mighty Froya II and the gracious Chestnut Tree. Both held in pristine condition after very thorough refits. Pictures of the boats will follow.

Paraty continued - And let's all have a good 2012!

2012-01-03T09:57:00.003-02:00

Closing the year

2011-12-31T13:24:00.004-02:00

Despite the activities of the year end, I still managed to get some painting done, yesterday. With that, I finished the forward and rear compartments in the "wings" of the boat. With only little more, I'll have the whole cabin painted and finished.

Hanging out in Paraty

2011-12-30T21:17:00.002-02:00

Paraty is among our favorite destinations. It is becomming a tradition to spend a few days there every year.

The mix between the colorful colonial architecture, the high mountains covered in deep rainforest, and the lovely secluded beaches, in a clear watered bay, sprenkled with islands, wins me every time.

This year we managed to charter a yacht for a day. And luckily we found a lovely yacht to spend our time on. "Kiwi" is a 41 feel yacht designed by Herreshoff. And I suppose that would be Halsey Herreshoff, the grandson of the famous Nathanael Green Herreshoff. It is not quite a wooden classic, but rather a fiberglass classic. We were rather pleased that the sky was overcast, and we, thus, didn't need to hide from the sun. We had a relaxing time, sailing in light winds.

The boat is owned by Dinho, also owner of the famous Dinho's Bar. Dinho is a gracious host, not only on the water, but also in his bar, which regularly hosts famous jazz musicians. It really is the best place in twon, to hang out and have a beer or two, while enjoying good music.

We also had a brief stop for lunch on Catimbau Island, where the retaurant Eh-Lahô provides fresh fish meals, and great views.

Merry Christmas to y'all

2011-12-22T19:06:00.001-02:00

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

For the saltiest Santa's, go visit the Horse's Mouth.

Deck compartment

2011-12-22T18:58:00.005-02:00

Arpex will also have a deck compartment, which will come handy to store things that need to be close at hand, when on deck. Not that anything will be too far off. But anyway, the space is there, and it is nice to have. I'm building a little hatch for it, in order to maintain the stuff dry. The next step will be to glue all the parts together.

Creaming

2011-12-21T22:40:00.003-02:00

Another hot day, used for good measure.

White out

2011-12-21T09:20:00.002-02:00

Yesterday, in blazing heat, I've started whiting out the forward compartments. That meant work in the so called "rat hole". This was hot hot and sweaty, gruelling work. And I've got three more of those compartments to paint.

Car Proa or Tacking Outrigger car?

2011-12-18T09:12:00.001-02:00

Every now and then, a discussion turns up in "proa" oriented discussion groups, which tries to define sailboat types. Specifically those in focus of the group; proas, tacking outriggers and the like. It seems to be tremenduosly difficult. Not because the people involved are not clever enough, or lack specific knowledge. It is just that the different factors involved impose complexities which make the matter hard to get hold of. And then, one needs to think about the useabilty of a definition. What is it good for, and how will it help me to understand a matter at hand. Sometimes definitions create more confusion.

While others might try to define, and establish the differences between proas and tacking outriggers, or maybe come up with other terminologies, I'll just keep on referring to my boat as a "Tacking Outrigger".

In that sense, I will hold it like the american judge who stated: "I can't define pornography. But I know it when I see it."

In the picture: Asymetric car, designed by Carlo Mollino, for the 24 hour race in Le Mans, in 1955

Vacation

2011-12-16T00:02:00.001-02:00

I'm on vaction. I'm looking forward to some rest, peace and quiet. The wheather is likely to be rainy. As it has been lately. As it was in Búzios. And I didn't mid at all. If I can I will go sailing. And hopefully I will build on my boat. And be together with my girl, my family and friends. And get out of town. Even if not too far out.

Shades for Arpex

2011-12-14T22:21:00.002-02:00

Another step forward done last saturday was the sourcing of the 6mm policarbonate for the cabin windows of Arpex. It was a good opportunity. Valmir, one of the workers in the Club had half a sheet as a leftover from another job, and was very happy to sell it to me for half of what I would had paid for it otherwise.

It does seem rather dark. But the intention is to really reduce the incidence and intesity of light inside the cabin.

Dwellings on a rain day

2011-12-11T09:54:00.001-02:00

As meteorologists predicted, the day was full of drizzle and light rain, with occasional more intensive showers. Painting and gluing was out of question.

Thus restricted to work with wood, I started the small deck hatch project. It is a hatch of 30 by 60 cm, which is situated right in front of the cabin entrance. It is not very exposed, and occasional water ingress is not a problem. Small openings on the floor will make sure that any ingressing water will drain out. An opening in the rear in-side will provide access to one of the bolts which will attach the rear beam.

The top picture shows the work of last week, when I painted the "galley" space. It looks nice with the two "bird nests".

The image below shows the mess which is sometimes generated when working. I need to give the inside of the boat a little bit of tender love and care. A cleanup would be a good start.

Future crew for Arpex in training

2011-12-11T09:19:00.001-02:00

Last weekend I had the pleasure of watching my nephew and godson Lucas come back after sailing in his Optimist. He made a fine figure, and I'm very proud of him. He will make good crew on my boat, I guess.

Classic Power Boats

2011-12-11T09:07:00.001-02:00

In general I'm not much of a friend of power boats. They are loud and noisy, and their wake is annoying. Also todays plastic aestetic, is dull. Power boats from yesterday, however, often show hulls with gracefull lines, and elegant looks. Like the two examples pictured here.

Arpex model

2011-12-09T20:49:00.003-02:00

From last week’s posts, one could conclude, that this blog is drifting off from being a construction blog of a truly un-classic tacking outrigger, to a blog dedicated to classic yachting.

I can assure you, this is not the case. Sure, I love classic boats, and love the opportunity to sail on one. Even more so, when in company of nice people and other classic boats. But still, my main focus is on building Arpex, and the construction is going on and well. Like I say to many: Slowly but steady.

However, the weather has not been very cooperative. Meteorologists say that this is a “La Niña” year. Which really means that we have humid, rainy weather. And, as you know, humidity is not very beneficial to work with either resins nor paints. Which are both materials which I need to use a lot. So when I have a rain day, my whole activity schedule suffers. And thus, progress on the construction is scant.

When I do have a rain day, which is likely to happen tomorrow again, I try to get other activities done, like sourcing of materials, or development of other parts like the steering mechanism.

About two weeks ago, I had a meeting with Ronaldo Fazanelli, the engineer of the boat. The objective was to discuss the akas and their attachment to the main hull and ama, and the rudder. As a result, he has recommended a 1,5''in rudder shaft, instead of the 1''in, which I have used. I will, therefore, have to redo a few items. He also advised to the use of a NACA 0012 profile for the rudder blad, and will provide the templates for construction.

Spero origins

2011-12-08T20:45:00.004-02:00

A friend, Gustavo Pacheco, came up with a link, which brought up old pictures of Spero, from her English origins. The site also informs, that Spero was sailed across the Atlantic, to Brasil, by Mr. Crocker and Ursula. The first picture shows Spero sailing under full sail, in the Solent.

Thalassa 21 from Vitória

2011-12-04T11:24:00.002-02:00

Thalassa, from Vitória, is a lovely example of a Class Carioca. Specially its rig shows how radical this boat was for its time. It carries a full battened main, and a distinctive, wooden forestay foil. Interestingly, it works also as support for the mast, acting to hold the mast standing without a backstay.

The Carioca is a very light boat, with a very shallow draft, as can be seen above. It is equiped with a centerboard and lifting rudder. Considering that the design was created in 1938, one should acknowledge the advanced design features. Being a very light boat, the Carioca had a tough standing in the 25 knots of wind we had in Búzios.

Sunrise at 06:47 am

2011-12-04T11:16:00.001-02:00

It has been a while, since I've last posted a sunrise picture.

Arpex

2011-12-03T23:11:00.001-02:00

Last week I managed to meet the naval engineer who designed the plans and specifications for the boat. The main reason was to talk through the attachments for the beam attachments on the main hull and ama. But also details of the rudder and overall structure. Thankfull all my choices have been approved so far. Except for the rudder shaft, where he recommended 1,5 in., instead on 1in., which I have used. Sadly, this means I have to change many things, I already had booked as "done". But it is for a good reason.

Support by Unkle K

2011-12-03T23:03:00.001-02:00

I'd like to mention, that Unkle K supported the Classic Boat Regatta. "Unkle K" is a fashion brand, which designs and markets bags and purses. Each crew member received a very practical and good looking, robust bag. It works perfectly to carry my boat building project documentation. Thank's Unkle K! L'Occitane also sponsored. Which was welcome just as well. It made my girl very happy. Thank's for that too!

Brazilian Classics - continued

2011-12-03T22:51:00.003-02:00

The light blue colour suits the 42 ft. Cangrejo. It is not a traditional colour, though. Apart from originality, it it makes a fine looking boat. In combination with th black carbon sails, she was a strange mixture between classic and new. Can't say she didn't look nice. The decksweep is enhanced by the lack of lifelines. ... I'd like to encourage you to see the images full size by clicking on them.

Chestnut Tree in action in a strong breeze.

Chestnut Tree lying alongside The schooner Dalia.

Chestnut Tree fit nicely in the coastline of Búzios.

Lady Lou gives Cairu II, in the backround, hard competition in the beauty contest. It`s dark blue colour with a fine yellow stripe, and varinshed wood as a caprail to the teak decks is striking.

The open whaling boat Teimosa, with Admiral Bernardo José Pierantoni Gambôa on the helm, is from 1915. She runs fast with a vast amount of sail.

Brazilian Classics

2011-12-02T20:10:00.001-02:00

Eduardo Hamond Regua steering Cairu II, a Class Brasil, designed by Sparkman & Stephens. I participated on the Classic Boat Regatta in Búzios following his invitation. Cangrejo, another Sparkman & Stephens design is sailing in the backround.

Thalassa - A Carioca Class in prime condition, with a lovely wooden cabin.

Cairu III, designed by Sparkman & Stephens in 1953. She is an example of th great genious of Sparkman & Stephens. The boat is a brave and prized participant on many regattas.

Chestnut Tree was built in Italy, in 1965, to plans by Sangermani. She was brought back to life after almost going beyond repair.

Chestnut Tree

Dalia is actually not a classic but a 2003 recreation, according to plans from 2003. She is a shooner.

Froya II - The gracefull yawl, which has been just re-launched last month. It was her first outing, and she looked superb. She was built in 1965, to a design by Phillip Rhodes, as a bermuda yawl. She was built in Norway, and has a colorful story. She has also carried the names Saga and My Hobby.

Froya II

Lady Lou, Torben Grael's lovely boat. She is a Cal 50. The teak deck was added during a recent, thorogh re-fit at the renomed Kalmar yard. The additions make the fine lines looke even better, and she is in prime condition.

Froya II velejando em Búzios

2011-12-01T21:28:00.001-02:00

Crewing on Cairu II

2011-11-30T21:11:00.001-02:00

This is the lovely Cairu II, the Class Brasil 40, which gave us crew formidable sailing, and provided gracefull competition on the field. On the second day, when we had sorted some problems out, Cairu II was flying on the beam reach.

I find it particulary pleasurable to sail on such a yacht. I'd say there is a parallel to the saying that one eats with the eye. On also "sails with the eye".

Owner Eduardo Hammond Regua, was having great fun on the tiller. Eduardo's sailing career started on the regular tonner classes of the 70'ies and 80'ies regattas. Eduardo later pioneered the racing, cruising an building of multihulls. He still owns a fast catamaran. As patrner in a boatyard, he produced a few of the most advanced trimarans in Brazil. His calm command makes for happy sailing, even in stressfull situations.

Classic Boat Regatta in Búzios

2011-11-29T21:11:00.001-02:00

The weather last weekend was rainy, windy and wet. This came in very conveniently for me, because I didn't need to feel guilty for skipping boatbuilding in favor of sailing. And also for sailing the weather was fine. With winds gusting up to 25 knots, crews had their hands full. And breakages spoiled the fun of several participants. Also on Cairu II.

During the second regatta, on Sunday, while Cairu II was sailing fast on a beam reach, and in excellent position compared to the oposition, we discovered a bad crack along the hull, right under the short bulwark, under the shroud attachments. We immediately tacked, to release the pressure from the shrouds, fearing that the mast could come down, and ripp off the deck in the process. The boat will have to go to the yard to be examined and repaired. The cause for the failure failure is not yet quite clear.

Coincidently I was just filming moments before we discovered the failure. You can see it in the video below...

The crew was obviously disappointed. We were beautifully positioned against a strong competition, and we were eager to show a nice figure. But this was not our day, so we headed back to port.

Spero - A 10 Metre by William Fife

2011-11-23T22:04:00.002-02:00

I had the chance to go back to the Polo Náutico, and take another look at the beautiful classic, which I saw there back in August. I also got more information about it. It is a classic 10 Metre Yacht, designed by William Fife. It was built in 1909, on a yard in Scotland.

At first I thought it might have been built, maybe, at Alexander Robertson & Son's yard, just as the Cisne Branco, ex Tritonia. But that would have been too much of a coincidence. After a little research at the good Wikipedia site, showed that this was not the case. Eventhough, they are boats of the same golden yacht era, built in the same region.

The good thing is that the yacht is being worked on. The layer of glassfiber, which had puzzled me during my first visit, was applied to protect the wooden hull, to help it maintain its shape, while it waits for restauration. It will later be removed.

Unfortunately, I'm not aware whether the current name is the original one. I'd sure like to know. It is good to see such a boat slowly comming back to life. It even has a well preserved wooden mast. Not the original one. But one which was built in 1930. A hollow pine mast.

News from Cisne Branco

2011-11-22T21:04:00.001-02:00

During my search for Cisne Branco, I have contacted many unknown, but very helpful people. These folks have really kept their eyes open, and have involved their own contacts to help in this quest.

And some of them have come up with important leads. First one was my friend Joel, who has asked a another friend, who eventually did find Cisne Branco sailing in Salvador da Bahia. They even produced a photographic evidence, which can be seen above. Sadly, the yacht seems to have suffered significant modification, and its elegant 15Meter class lines are barely recognizeable.

Then came Bruno, who identified the elegant 15 Meter class lines in a yacht located in Paraty. He also produced an image. Thank God for ever present digital cameras! However, the yacht, again, seems to have suffered in time. It shrunk dramatically! And no wonder we couldn't find the yacht. It is carefully stored behind glas.

Still inside

2011-11-19T18:46:00.001-02:00

It is amazing how long it is taking me to finish certain things. Sometimes it seems to me, that I'm almost done. But when I sit down, and think I can paint it all over, and call it finished, then I start seeing many other details which need to be done before painting. Usually it is a matter of filleting and glassing on really difficult places, and takes up much time.

Today, I had to fillet and glass the rear side of the rear bulkhead, seen on the picture below. A task quite similar to the one done in the rathole, a short while ago.

And I also gave the built-in "sink" a cover of glass, and a top board, to increase its "freebord". The "sink" can be seen on the picture above, in the lower half of the image. Beware of believing, that I will be washing dishes in this sink. It is rather thought as the preferred space to leave an empty cup, or a used knife, or spoon, until it is washed in a bucket, outside. Or to temporarily dump wet swimming gear, after changing into something dry. The sink will drain outside, via a simple opening, above the waterline. Conveniently this will also drain any water which might ingress through the beam opening.

Above it, is a small cupboard, which is allways a good thing to have. If it weren't for the crossbeam, which will stick into this space, it would actually be quite usable.

Abstract

2011-11-15T09:45:00.001-02:00

People often ask, what I am producing in terms of art. And I usually reply, that I'm not producing much at all. No drawings, paintings, nor mobiles, nor any other objects... But wait! No objects?! Yes, there are objects. A big one at that. It's got 30 ft. in lenght! You just can't hang it on the wall.

As a matter of fact, I do see boatbuilding as a creative form of expression. Artistic expression, the urge to create,... just anything; Ideas, thoughts, objects, whatever it is, is something I can't think out of my life.

But I do also produce digital images , like the one on this post. Be that either based on photographic images or not. Once it is on the screen, I find ways to bring it to paper, or any other medium. I have great fun, from developing these, and also from looking at them afterwards.

Alignment test

2011-11-14T09:01:00.001-02:00

This weekend I tested the alignment of the structural parts. The main question was whether the beams would fit into their slots on the ama, once they were positioned correctly in the main hull. Gladly all distances fitted.

I'm also trying to get in touch with the naval engineer who specified the plans for the construction, to check on the fixation methods However he seems to be busy otherwise.

Carioca style

2011-11-12T17:51:00.001-02:00

The Carioca Class followed the proposal presented by the Jollenkreuzer, a German design, developed in the 40-ies or 30-ies. Being light, and equiped with a daggerboard, which allowed easy beaching, it adapted perfectly to the generally light conditions of the Guanabara Bay and surroundings. Is fractional rig and fully battened main was a radical development, in its time.

The sails you see in these pictures, were abandoned in front of my box, when I first moved into it. You might remember seeing the red spinnaker covering my boat. In never thought someone would use it still. I actually had in mid to use the carioca sails somehow, for art develpment. But now they are going back to their owner. He will hopefully use it on a Carioca. He said he received an old Carioca as a gift, which is kept in the neighbouring club - Clube Carioca.

With or without you

2011-11-12T17:25:00.001-02:00

Outstanding basejump

2011-11-12T08:48:00.001-02:00

I Believe I can Fly ( flight of the frenchies ). Free segment from sebastien montaz-rosset on Vimeo.

VOR going on

2011-11-11T22:17:00.001-02:00

The VOR is going on again. It is allways good for suprising records, and stunning images.

Leads to Albatroz - aka Cisne Branco

2011-11-07T21:44:00.000-02:00

The search for the yacht built as Tritonia, and which later became the first Brazilian school ship called "Cisne Branco" is ongoing. She is proving to be an elusive animal.

I have contacted a great number of people. I have found ex-crew members. I've talked to the Naval School, who kept the yacht after the Navy, and who named it "Albatroz". I have asked experienced big-boat skippers. I wrote e-mails to yacht clubs to find regatta records. I have posted in social networks... But haven't found much.

The only lead I have yet, is from an ex-crew member who states that he sailed a regatta circuit in Florianópolis in the year 1983, on the yacht which was still called Albatroz. And famous sailor Lars Grael says he saw the boat in the same circuit, but in year 1985. I'm not sure whether the missmatched dates are due to a confusion from one of both, or whether the boat attended on both years. I hope that regatta records from the organizing club gives us some clues, and leads to the fate of the yacht.

What bugs me the most, is that the Naval School doesn't know what happend to their asset. They don't even seem to know until when the yacht was under their guard. At least that is the information I have now.

Painting the inside

2011-11-06T12:08:00.000-02:00

Despite a rather short day in the boatshed, I managed to get some things done. The painting of the internal roof-rim, fileting of some corner areas, some glassing of the mini "sink", and a cupboard. Which besides stiffening a structural area, will also be handy for the miniature "galley". See this in the bottom picture. After completing these tasks I hurried away for a later feijoada lunch, with friends.

One could actually hardly call it a galley. Only the space to gather a gas-burner for hot water, place to store provisions, and prepare a sandwich, and the above mentioned mini-sink. The whole space will, however, compete with the rear beam, which will be attatched with bolts to the rear frame.

There goes Gary on his Va'a Motu

2011-11-03T19:57:00.002-02:00

Gary Dierking has launched his Va'a Motu a short while ago. And now we are starting to see what the canoe really can. In lovely conditions Gary has achieved 9.8 knots, whithout much effort it seems. Gary thinks there is much more in her, and says he is aiming at 12 knots. And I'm sure this is a fair aim.

Va'a Motu looks really nice. She moves very gracefully through the water. And the scenery is, again, stunning. What a lovely place to sail!

The Mistery of the first Cisne Branco

2011-11-02T12:28:00.009-02:00

What is it, that certain boats have, which makes them stick out of the ordinary? What is it that makes them special?

During their lifetime, due to their very purpose of being, some boats acquire stories, they go through adventures, actually share adventures them with real people. And that seems to give them a soul, which gets nobler once their shell acquires a patina which dignifies their existance. They might even become part of history.

Not all boats go through that path, but wooden boats are allways special candidates. Wood is such a magic material, in the sense that it is so vulnerable, yet so enduring and strong. Some wooden boats get to sail sucessfully in their hundredst year. A long lifespan, which is often not achieved by boats built of supposedly tougher material, such as steel.

This post brings you such a piece of maritime history. It is the story of the boat built as "Tritonia". It was designed by the famous Scottisch designer Alfred Mylne, according to the 15 Meter Rule, and built in 1910 by Alexander Robertson & Sons Ltd.

Tritonia had a successful racing record in its early years. Through a series of owners, the boat then changed its name from the original Tritonia to Jeano, then Gerd II, Rinola and Fortuna II, while in German posession. Then its course took an interesting turn, when it was donated to the Brazilian Navy, in 1979, through a deal, which involved the holders of the boat owner's company.

By that time, Fortuna II, how it was then called, was carying a yawl rig. As seen in one of the pictures in this post.

The boat underwent a thorough refit, and was comissioned as the first naval school ship of the Brazilian Navy, called "Cisne Branco". Its mission was to bring a message of friendship to other nations. And so, in 1980, it did an extensive voyage across the Atlantic, to Europe and back.

After being decomissioned from its mission for the navy, some time after 1981, the boat was renamed "Albatros", by the then keepers, the "Gremio de Vela da Escola Naval". It is then, that the trace of the boat disappears.

Tritonia became to be the first Cisne Branco in a series of three - up to now. The boat is therefore also called "O Primeiro Cisne Branco", the First. The second Cisne Branco came from the United States, where it was sailed under the name "Ondine". It was a regatta oriented boat, built in aluminum. The third and current one, is a three masted tallship, which was purpose built in the Netherlands.

I would very much like to know what happened to the First Cisne Branco. Was it dismantled? Was it sold? Or maybe is it forgotten in some back-yard? Can anyone help to shed light into this mistery?

All pictures and content were supplied by Mr. Dave Hutchison , the grandson of the Alexander Robertson, who built Tritonia. Mr. Hutchison is keen to document the fate of about 500 wooden boats built at his ancestors boatyard. He has records for about 480 of them. See a Wiki page here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Robertson_and_Sons_Ltd_%28Yachtbuilders%29

4th Anniversary

2011-10-31T18:18:00.001-02:00

I'm not good at paying attention to dates. Which is why this date has escaped me in the last four years. For today marks the fourth year of existence of this blog. On the 31st. October 2007, I have posted my first post. In Portuguese, at first. Then a couple of posts in Portuguese, with an English translation... However, I soon realized that this was not a viable proposition, and settled to posting in English language only.

A good moment to make a short review, and a lookout to the future.

What has been started as a personal write up, a documentation of my boatbuilding and arts interests, for an imaginary public, has become something I have never really aimed for. What surprises me most, is the crowd that the blog attracts every day. Yes, you guys, who regularly drop in to check on construction progress, and what other stuff I have been cooking up. In these four years, this blog has been accessed almost 100.000 times! It'll be 97.700 hits sometime today, to be precise. Before the end of this year, I should greet the round number. More recently, the average has been around 70 to 80 hits per day. Sometimes even 100...

To be honest, I feel it as a great compliment. Your interest gives me motivation. And I often receive good comments, which help in the construction and in many ways. Therefore, I'd like to sincerely thank you all for sharing these four years with me.

I'm not sure what the future holds for this blog. For now, I have kept it as a very private affair, just as if it really still were my private documentation room. This means that I also have refused to install commercial advertisements, and other forms of income generation. I might not yet be ready for this, or maybe I just never found that this would add any value to the blog. Frankly speaking, I do sometimes reflect on the possibilities generated by the exposure of this space. Not financial ones, but rather related to the support of a different sort of project. Just haven't found the right model yet. And maybe I'll just stick to the current model. Or maybe all the posting will be over, once my boat hits the water. That will be the hit I'm really looking forward to. And I recon you guys do too.

Going classic?

2011-10-30T17:10:00.000-02:00

My sister Elisa, and Mauricio, my brother-in-law, have seen the light of double hulled sailing. After chartering a 40ft. catamaran, they say multihull is the way to go. I enjoyed their visit, during which Mauricio demonstrated the navigation apps, on the iPad. We spent a comfortable time sitting down below the soon-to-be-finished cabin.

The iPad is a wonderfull, and elegant tool. I wonder who would use anything else for coastal navigation? You can have everything you need, at the tips of your fingers. Position, distance, heading, weather forecast, tides, whatever.... Great thing.

Yes. And work on the boat? Yes I did work. I prepared a wooden pice for gluing, and I test-started painting some finishing details with epoxi paint. ... and I varinshed some panels, which I didn't manage doing last time. I think this cabin will look very attractive with dark green upholstery and cushions.

I love the perspective of making a crossover of a "modern", "radical" multihull, dressed up in a classic Herreshof faishon... While I really think there isn't much radical in my boat, just for the record. Nothing new. Just old style.

Meet Alex and Taru

2011-10-29T09:04:00.007-02:00

References to Alex and Taru's blog, The World Tour, have appeared in sailing oriented forums and discussion groups a while ago. The blog tells us the story of a couple who met, fell in love, and a year after, set off to sail around the world. The intention was to take a break of the fast, consumist world they were tied in. Alex being a sound engineer, and Taru a faishonable city girl, they both lived at a frentic pace, before they decided to change their way of life.

Now they sail the Caribean in style, on a 35ft. Halberg-Rassy. But they have just upgraded to a 43 classic, with awsome lines.

The nice thing about their blog, is that they make it all appear so simple, fun, relaxed and healthy. For a change, they blow a fresh, faishonable and sexy wind into the cruising lifestyle community. Check it out.

Sailing in style II

2011-10-27T20:11:00.002-02:00

A stringent beep brought me back from my reverie.

Minutes before, I was enjoying the gentle, rolling motion of Cairú II. About a meter below the water surface, deep in the wineglassed-shaped hull, the world was good to me. Lying in the leeward bunk of the main saloon, I was in the center of the motion`s vectors, and feeling safe and mellow, like in a giant wooden womb. The creaks and groans of the wooden structure at first attracted my attention. But now, the sounds that alarmed me at first, were falling back, into a backdrop curtain of sonoplasty.

Following the captain`s recommendations I was trying to get some rest, to be fit for a night, which promised some hardships. The wind was on the nose, and Cairú was slowly working his way to windward. The clouds were flying low, and rain was an imminent possibility. The deck was cold and wet, from the slashing into the large, 3 meter rollers. And what would usually be a 12 hour crossing from Angra to Rio, was now estimated to transform into a 40 hour torture. Which is why I considered that the suggestion to get some rest was a quite reasonable one.

But now a second beep, and the following hoarse groan from the starting engine, made it clear that the regatta had just ended for us. Cairú II, and his crew, were turning back, into the safe port of Angra dos Reis.

About 5 hours earlier we had made a thrilling start, together with about 15 other boats. However, none within our class. The other 2 classic boats did not make it to the starting line, due to the adverse conditions. The wind was blowing at about 15 to 20 knots, exactly from the place we were going to, Rio de Janeiro, at a heading of 090^o. Waves and current were against us. Admittedly, not the best conditions for a classic, wooden boat, built in 1949, in the town of Florianópolis.

The long keeled boat, designed by Sparkman & Stephens crawled its way to windward – steady, but slowly. The more modern, fin keeled racers, were soon sailing away in the distance. I bet they were not enjoying the gentle motion, and the style of our wooden ship. But they were off and away. But that didn`t matter, we were not competing against them. And from a generous point of view, afterall, we were leading our class.

So we pressed on, all packed in our olies, and enjoying the wonderful scenery, and the wild clouds wrapping around the steep hills of Ilha Grande. Just watching the beautiful boat do its job was rewarding, with decks awash, and water sheets flying to the lee. Grand sailing.

But the cold and the waves took their toll. After 2 hours, with only a short warning, the first crew member hurtled to the lee-rail, and then paid his tribute to the sea. And another 2 hours later the second crew member calmly directed himself to the lee rail, looked down to the bottom of the ocean, and parted company from the contents of his stomach. … that second crew member, I humbly admit, that was me. What I have to say in my defense, is that I was not actually sick. I just didn`t want my lunch any more. And right after the unfortunate presentation, I was quite happy again.

I was still in good operative condition. However, I was warned, and therefore accepted the commanders advice to get some rest, so that I would be fit for the coming night. So I made myself comfortable in the saloon and started listening to the work of the wooden structure, with special attention to the sounds of our wooden mast. After some getting used to, I thought it would hold without problems. It had done so in the past 62 years, so why worry now?

But my rest was not long lasting, due to the decision to abort the regatta. I was not too sad about it. I was actually looking forward to the prospects of a lovely sail, downwind now, into the chariming light of a setting sun, through the breathtaking tropical scenery. I never get tired of it.

The captain was a bit frustrated over his decision. But the rest of the crew seemed to enjoy the ride back to the Yacht Club.

Later, sitting comfortably in the veranda chairs, eating a tasty steak, we were informed that many boats had taken the same route as we did, back to the point of departure. So we cheered to a caipirinha, and enjoyed the impressions of a lovely day out sailing.

Sailing in style

2011-10-25T21:00:00.001-02:00

The sailing in Angra dos Reis, on the classic Brasil 40 Cairú II, was really nice. I enjoyed the sailing and the company. I should write up an report on the regatta, but I don't seem to find the time. Maybe later this week. Just hang on in there for a little longer...

Cairú II sailing into the sun

2011-10-24T20:12:00.001-02:00

Cairú going to windward - Regatta Angra - Rio

2011-10-23T20:12:00.001-02:00

Cairú working his way to windward, decks awash, right after the start of the regatta. The breeze was moderate, at maybe 15 to 20 knots true. Great 2-3 meter rollers , and the apparent wind, gave the scene a dramatic touch, which spiced the start of the regatta. The conditions did not provide a positive prospect for the next 60 miles to come, right into the teeth of the wind.

Gone sailing

2011-10-21T06:30:00.002-02:00

Everything going right, I'm going to sail a regatta between Angra do Reis and Rio, on Cairu II.

Broadside

2011-10-17T21:27:00.000-02:00

Bad rain day

2011-10-16T10:05:00.000-02:00

The day started with rain, and things looked dark and sad. It went on with a permanent drizzle rain, and ended with continuous rain.

As usual, the climate has dampened my construction mood. I drove out to the boatshed, despite all the water and humidity. But, unable to paint (as was planned for today), nor glue (allways on the plan, there is allways something to glue), I ended up doing pretty much nothing, really. On those days, I end up comming home feeling frustrated.

But I did one good thing, that brought me forward. I used the rain day to go search for the material to build the steering drum. Nylon will be used to receive the cables. My fine drawing of the steering drum was well appreciated, to discuss the construction with the guys at the club, mainly Ivan and Mr. Palma. They gave me a couple of hints which will lead to changes in the project.

Arpex'es scale model sailing

2011-10-14T20:37:00.000-03:00

The Yahoo discussion group proa_file has had some lively debate about several aspects of proas. Most of them were related to - Distribution of weight vs. buoyancy- Usage of unstayed vs. stayed masts- Usage of water ballast- Usage and working of a leepodand to a lesser extend- Forms of steering I have followed the discussions here and there, because all these are issues which also regard my own boat, even if it is a tacking outrigger, and not a shunting proa, which is in the center of the discussion of the group.Specially the working of the leepod and usage of water ballast interest me much. Therefore the experience brought in by people who have sailed boats with these traits adds to the discussion. When I was designing Arpex, before I started building, I tried to gain an impression on the dynamics involved, with the use of a scale model. The model was scaled 1x10, and made for an visually impressive instruction. At least, that is how I felt it. When working with models, one must allways remember that it is a model, and that several aspects of this modelled world do not actually scale. So things need to be taken with a grain of salt.Still today I enjoy looking at these videos.

Wing plans

2011-10-12T16:42:00.001-03:00

My current plan is to build a true Wharram Softwing rig. However, I often catch myself dreaming up some modifications for it. First, because I'd like to mave a mast which is as short as possible. But I want a high aspect rig. Both items are a bit incompatible. Which is why I keep pondering the possibility to have Wharrams top yard a bit longer and steeper, but still equip the whole thing with a fat top main. Just as if the top part were a windsurfer rig.

Amateur Boatbuilding

2011-10-12T09:03:00.000-03:00

The video by Sean Walker talks about the benefits of amateur boatbuilding. In a very laid back style.

Carretel do Leme

2011-10-10T20:26:00.000-03:00

I finally produced the drawing for the drum, which receives the steering cables. Everything becomes easyer once you have a drawing. Quite obvious. But not quite evident when you are building a boat without detailed plans. So, it is tempting, sometimes, just to "save time", to actually skip the drawing part, and try to assemble things by just doing. And this approach is sometimes quite successful.

But for more complex parts, specially when involving work by third party, then it is difficult. Producing the drawing becomes necessary. And that, of course, is not just a question of paper and pen, it is a matter to fully understand how something should be assembled and engineered. This is the hard part. In the case of this drum, it was a challenge. The mechanism looks simple enough to think, why was it so difficult? But one still needs to get there somehow. Since I lack an education as an engineer, there was lots of learning involved. Mr. Palma, and the guys in the club helped me by talking through it, many times.

A day in the rathole

2011-10-09T09:56:00.001-03:00

My back hurts. My arms are heavy. My neckmuskles are sour, and my legs are weak. Yes, that's what happens, after a day of working on your boat, if you strech its construction time for too long. After four years of building, I guess I'm aging.

That wouldn't have happened before. Sitting crouched, sweating in a hot, cramped space. Sanding, cleaning, and then filleting, and finally glassing, for hours, in an overhead, odd workposition, would not have bothered me much. I'd be fresh as new after a good shower.

Well. Not anymore.

But at least now I can say I made my first step. A job that I have been dreading for a long while, is initiated and well under way. I guess I can finish it in another 1 or 2 workdays. Another day tucked up inside the rathole, is not something I look forward to. But there is no way to avoid it. You can see the rathole in the picture below, under the "navigation table". The pictures above the the inside perspective, and some of the fileting.

The task is to finish the underside of the deck area, in front of the cabin. It needs finishing and painting. I'm not quite ready yet. Some minor fileting and then painting is still needed. Maybe a patch of glass reinforcement here and there.

I also sanded and applied a coat of varnish on the cabin sides and front "table". Also not an easy workpostion. I have used a varnish with UV protection, for I have often seen epoxi receive a yellow stain and cracts when exposed to UV light.

After varinishing I called it a day, at around 5:30pm, because I couldn't raise my arms, and my legs didn't want to carry me up to the boat any more.

Exposed

2011-10-09T09:11:00.000-03:00

Carlo Borlenghi is one of the most talented marine photographers. His website is very much worth a visit. Over the years, he has been allways improving his artistic drive, and the creativity to show new angles, and ways of looking at sailing sport. The image above is one of the most amazing I have ever seen.

Rudder doubts

2011-10-08T08:52:00.002-03:00

The construction of the rudder is bugging me these days. The reason is that I have not yet developed a good plan on how to actually shape my ruder to an appropriate hydrofoil shape. Not to speak of the issue, that I have no clear idea of which shape to use altogether.

The usual would be to choose a NACA shape. The "National Advisory Commitee for Aeronautics" develops tables of airfoil shapes. Since aerodynamics are very similar as hydrodynamics, one can use these as a reference.

But how to pick one from the variety shapes available? Ok. Speed criteria can be defined. I would need a foil to perform in speeds of between 5 and 15 knots. But how would I find something suitable, the right one? And then build it? Not to speak that the project specifies a rudder shape. And I would have to adapt the profile to the shape, which has various chords along its lenght (see image).

Until now, my somewhat vague idea was to build a rude rudder block structure, and then shape it by hand, with the plane, the sander, and so on... But I know that the chances are, that I'll end up with a very poor rudder. The consequences can be flutter, vibration, cavitation and other nasty "ations".

The internet provides a couple of ideas. But none that has lighted my way yet. I know the whole thing should involve jigs, maybe routers, and what not...

And then you can ask yourself: "If he hasn't got a plan, why is he messing around with the rudder then?" Well, the reason is that I want to get some experience with it. I am playing around, to really appreciate and gauge the challenges involved. I might have to discard or redo whatever comes out.

Go dance!

2011-10-07T22:11:00.001-03:00

Madness looking good

2011-10-04T22:25:00.001-03:00

The proa Madness, built by John Harris, from Chesapeake Light Craft, is now rigged, and looking really good at anchor. The team around John is now sorting out the details, to get the boat up to speed, and sailing, anytime soon. The boat looks smart with its nice carbon rig. And she seems to float well above her line too, indicating that she is lightly built.

Due to the similarities in size with Arpex, I'm very curius of how the ramp up for sailing will go. hope all goes well. And also hope to see sailing pictures and videos in th next few weeks.

Va'a Motu does it Tahitian style

2011-10-04T20:06:00.001-03:00

Gary Dierking, in New Zealand, has finished his good looking Va'a Motu canoe, and has sailed her in his backyard. She looks really nice, indeed. And the stunning setting is simply jaw dropping. The combination is sweet. The video does not yet show real sailing action, but I'm sure we will receive images and information about the sailing performance anytime soon.

Fileted

2011-10-01T22:41:00.003-03:00

The inside panels, which produce the flanges for the windows are installed and now fileted. Funny how these aparently easy tasks consume time... But now it is done, and ready for painting.

Maybe you ask yourself; why I keep posting these repetitive images from the cabin. Well, it looks all the same for you, but not for me. I know the work which has gone into it, and do see the diferences from week to week. Maybe you can see it too, if you click on the picture.

Rudder

2011-10-01T22:35:00.001-03:00

Blinding light

2011-10-01T08:11:00.002-03:00

The sun is going up again, as spring takes place of winter. Compare the sun's position against the one on a picture taken about a month ago.

Soon the summer heat will be taking over again. It has been 4 year now, that I get to follow the position of the sun at sunrise, at a fixed time. Every morning, on my way to work, at 6:40 am, I get to see the sun rising to a new day. Hundreds of sunrises have been documented in pictures in that timeperiod. All take from the exact same position. I never seem to get tired of looking at them. Click on the Rio de Janeiro marker, on the right bar of this blog, to browse through many of those I have posted here.

Cabin

2011-09-27T20:50:00.001-03:00

One thing I wanted to achieve on Arpex, was a friendly cabin space. For now I seem to have gotten that one right. Just need to take care of good ventilation. For now I have the big main hatch, the big rear hatch, and two smallisch ones planned for the front. On the cabin top, and another facing downwards on the starboard "pod"

Often I ponder the possibility of keeping one of the large forward windows as on "openeable" window. But I recon that the only one eligeble for that, would be the starboard forward window. Because all others would possibly submerged in case of a lateral knockdown. Until the leepod does its job, the port sides of the cabin would need to be watertight. In any case, the hatch would need to be well thought out, since I count on lots of spray on the front windows.

Flange in place

2011-09-25T11:15:00.001-03:00

Working on the flange has been rewarding. The installation puts me very much closer to finishing the interior. And once this is accomplished, I'll be ready to close the fore deck. Which in turn will put me into a position to finish the decks. And then paint!!! Wow! I can't wait for that to be done.

It is funny that yesterday, Mr. Palma asked me whether I'll use policarbonate or tempered glass. For some reason I have never considered glass. I guess weight, fragility and simple lack of knowledge have kept me away from this option. Also, the thought of a glass window busting at sea was not too encouraging. But now, today, I was asked again whether I would be using tempered glass. I have also read an article about tempered glass equiped with a PET film ("Hurricane Window", on NatGeo). That stuff is incredibly strong against impact.

Of course policarbonate is very strong. You can hit it with a sledgehammer and it wont brake. But it is very sensible against fine scratch. One is advised not to whipe it with a rug. In time, the window will become all marked and opaque. It seems that tempered glass is easyer to the eye. My take is also that glass would be more expensive... But I might also be very wrong on that, I have, in fact, never quoted tempered glass. It seems to me, that I have reason enough to do so now.

Now all I need is a dry day, to allow me to do some final filleting, and then some painiting, on the inside of the cabin. I'm very happy to have this beatiful interior. The paintsheme will include varinished, aparent wood, bright white, and some sand coloured details, which I think will put some accents on the structure.

I'm allways very happy once I add another detail to the boat. The growing complexity seems it look more "mature".

Que país é esse?

2011-09-25T10:01:00.001-03:00

Red Hot Chili Peppers in Rio

2011-09-25T09:39:00.000-03:00

The most expected show on the Rock in Rio - The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Rock in Rio 2011

2011-09-24T23:02:00.002-03:00

Trying to build the rudder

2011-09-24T20:51:00.001-03:00

The morning saw me up early, eager to work on the boat, until my legs and arms were stone tired. However, this prospect was frustrated by a dead battery. My car refused to start, since its electric power-pack had packed. This held me up for a while. But luckily, I managed to get a replacement in one and a half hours time.

But the climate was not helping either. It rained in the morning, clouds were flying low and heavy. Precipitation was eminent. Gluing with epoxi was not an option.

To ge the best out of the day, I worked on the rudder. The challenge now is to fit the stainless steel shaft with the wooden blade. Jonas'es router helped a lot to execute this task. I am sure there are better ways to build a rudder, than the one I am following. But none of those I have found just seemed to fit me. And my way might not be the best one, but it will work.

During the job, I had the friendly help form a friend from the Club. Having a third hand was very helpful.

Arpoador

2011-09-18T21:43:00.002-03:00

Des Jours Meilleurs sailing

2011-09-18T07:46:00.003-03:00

Images of proas, tacking outrigger and the like allways attract my attention. Specially when the images show different angles and aspects of the boat. This one, produced by Proa Petrel, offers just that. A tour through one of the most successful proas sailing. Des Jours Meilleurs has crossed Oceans and sailed many miles.

Rudder

2011-09-17T20:55:00.000-03:00

Work on the rudder has already started. All steel parts are done. Now I'm working on the wooden parts. I still need to figure out how I will produce the rudder profile. A NACA type of foil would be good. My drawings do specify the overall shape, but not the foil section. Producing such a foilsection correctly poses a series of challenges...

Harryproa - Blind Date sailing

2011-09-15T20:38:00.003-03:00

This is an interesting video, featuring a Harryproa called "Blind Date". The images show the boat in various situations, from the inside, from the outside and also while shunting.

The boat shows a good turn of speed. The GPS shows speeds above 12 knots. At this pace, the bows throw up quite a lot of spray, which, however, is blown downwind. Occasionally the front rudder is washed by a wave, which causes some spray also.

I also like the deck, which offers comfortable working and living space, besides sheltered sitting positions.

Gluing the Flange

2011-09-10T20:07:00.002-03:00

Today brought steps forward in the assembly of the rudder. I managed to discuss the mechanism with Oliveira, who will produce the drum which will take the spectra cables. Oliveira also welded transversal bits, onto the rudder stock. These will hold the wooden rudder.

I also started to glue the inner flanges, which will hold the policarbonate windows. This took a lot of clamping work.

Brazilian Boats & Canoes

2011-09-10T08:58:00.001-03:00

Just today I "re-found" the lovely blog about Brazilian Boats & Canoe s. It documents a very rich selection of boats and canoes from all Brazilian Regions. Congratulations to Jan W. Aten, the owner of the blog for the documentation work.

Each entry comes with fascinating pictures, which Jan has collected from the internet or shot himself. One example is the amazing Canoa Taparica, built for river sailing, with its totally surreal rig. It carries a ridiculous amout of sail on a very slender canoe body. How do those guys handle the boat?

As a bonus the blog also offers pages about admirable sailing boats like Joshua Slocum's Spray and the Liberdade.

The lovely proa Pacific Bee (ex Cimba) under sail

2011-09-07T17:31:00.001-03:00

Pacific Bee is a lovely proa, designed by Russell Brown. It first sailed under the name Cimba. These are the first video images taken from outside of the boat, that I have seen of one of Russell Brown's boats. Cimba looks very elegant with its smart fat-headed rig.

An article about this boat that first sparked my curiosity about these different types of boats. The proas, shunting proas and tacking outriggers. You might observe some similarities to the boat that I have come up with.

Many thanks to Phillipe Guillard, who took these images during a French proa meeting, on the Atlantic coast. He sails the great proa "des jours meilleurs".

Phillipe has posted more videos on the proa_file.

ProaCat

2011-09-04T13:51:00.002-03:00

It is funny how things sometimes pass un-noticed.

I had seen the ProaCat blog before. But somehow, today, I felt really intrigued by the construction pictures of the ProaCat. This interesting tacking outrigger, has a hullshape wich is very similar to the one of Arpex. They very much reminded me of the initial stages of my own boat's construction.

The pictures were all taken from ProaCat's construction blog. The boat is being constructed by Lukasz Jeleniewski, in Poland. It's chined hullform is quite similar to Arpex'es. Proacat has a fuller mid section, and a finer stern.

When ready, ProaCat will display a very uncommon Crab Claw sail, which is cleverly adapted to a tacking configuration.

It is interesting to see that in Poland a really active polinesian sailing tradition is being carried on, and experimented with. Janusz O., which developed the shunting proa called, Pjoa, also sailed many miles on the Baltic, with an elegant crabclaw.

Cariocas for restauration

2011-09-03T08:40:00.009-03:00

My last visit on the campus of the Federal University, to check out the activity on the Naval Engineering/Construction Center, has also revealed two Cariocas, which seem to be prepared for a restauration project.
The planks are riveted on the very light frames. And both hulls seem to have some damage around the rivets.

I have no idea what the plans are for these boats, nor who owns them. Both are sanded and seem prepared for a restuaration.

Drua

2011-08-31T19:27:00.001-03:00

Drua Presentation

View more presentations from Bartelius

Invisible work

2011-08-31T09:34:00.004-03:00

During the last two days, I have been busy with some "invisible work". Like sanding the interior in preparation of painting. Or sanding and coating the inner flange panels again. I had two coats on it, already. And it looked good enough. But for some reason I decided that a third coat would do no harm.

An other area of activity were the structural elements for the beam attachment. I now have them 95% done. I have used lots of fileting epoxi and glasfiber.

Well, all this invisible work needs to be done also. Frankly, I do prefer those jobs that visibly tell me that I'm much closer to launching the boat. But what can I do? All the other tasks need to be done also. There is no way around it. Ok - Maybe I could have done without the third sanding and epoxi coating on the inner pannels. But why not go a little extra mile?

Aotearoa proa

2011-08-30T09:35:00.004-03:00

A new proa will touch Brazilian waters soon. The construction, which has some experimental character in the choice of metrials, has been described on the blog Aotearoa. A nice build, and I'm curious to see it sailing.

Find the link also on my blog n' roll list.

Cheers

2011-08-29T11:28:00.003-03:00

During my recent visit to the installations of the Naval Engineering Institute at the Federal University, I was pleased to discover, that a model of the proa "Cheers", and that of a traditional polinesian double hull, seems to be in use during instructions.

Madness close to hit the water

2011-08-28T08:28:00.002-03:00

The proa Madness, designed by John Harris is getting ready to hit the water. Her lines are a clear nod towards the proas designed by Russ Brown, like Jzerro and Simba. She is looking good. I'll be curious to see her sailing.

Inner Flange

2011-08-27T21:25:00.007-03:00

I have started to build the inner flange for the forward windows. I'm following the steps as indicated by Scott B. Williams, on his Element II Blog. The 6mm policarbonate windows will be glued on the flange within the frame. This method delivers a flush mounting, and avoids the rivets, which allways leak eventually.
Yesterday I've sanded the inner panels, which build the flange, and gave them a first epoxi coating. Today I sanded with a finer grain, and applied a second coat. The finish is certainly far from perfect. But it's not bad either...