Creaming

Another hot day, used for good measure.

White out

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?

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

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

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

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

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

 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

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

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

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

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

Arpex

 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

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

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

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

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