Going 3D

   In PDR terms 3D means the hull is now assembled to the point it resembles a hull. In my terms it means I've gotten bored and rendered my boat in Bryce 5.5 to examine what the inside looks like. The Typesetter and I were over at the Blue Flowers winter home taking things apart and making plans for the future. We uncovered some pretty interstng stuff in the process.

    In this photo the Typesetter has decided to take a nap. He is in fact looking forward under the front deck to figure out how things on the boat are built. The reason is I plan on brightworking and painting this spring and knowing how it comes apart now will have great dividends in the future. Pat P. built her well and it's been a fascinating process seeing how my boat came together. So in between bantering about what to do with the sail rig we have uncovered what must come apart to turn this boat into a show stopper.

    Here you can really see the workmanship put into this boat. The pegs on the floor are the current mast position. Looking forward you see the jib boom attachment and beyond that the second mast partner. If I wanted I could turn my boat into a cat boat. And beyond that you see the reinforcement for the stem and dolphin knocker. Both of which will be brightworked.
    The interior is a much different matter. I'm thinking bright seat and duckboards. How to accomplish this I hadn't a clue so I rendered it in Bryce 5.5 to take a look. Should be noted my boat has curves that the landscape rendering program was not designed for but it does give the impression I wanted. And I think it looks wonderfully nautical.

       I figure if the weather holds I can start cutting the planks next week and at least get them fitted. It might be cold but no reason work can't continue. Looking forward to a great 2012.

Seasons End?

S/V Blue Flower ready to get under way with The Typesetter and S/V Pica in the background

 It's been a busy few weeks here at the IP&NCo. A hitch has been installed on my 1970 VW Beetle and I've been heading out to the local scum pond every chance I get. There has been an awful lot of sailing going on. And one minor mishap bur more on that later. Seze has been everything I hoped she would be. A boat that is enough of a challenge to keep my interest but not enough of a challenge to not want to push her limits. I've continued to explore how the gaff rig works and have enjoyed every minute of it! I don't have a lot to report save for some wonderful pictures I've taken along the way.

Doing about a knot or so.

Running wing and wing

S/V Pica with her full 67sqft

Following a swamping at dock. Just like the square riggers of old she's vulnerable with no ballast!

Two beautiful Teals

So far there has only been two nagging issues and they are kind of related. I was having a block hang up on me which prevented rapid movement of the boom when I most needed it. This was a contributing factor in what was my first and so far only knock down. I was running in heavy winds and she just death rolled and submarined on me. I am pleased to report a Super Teal floats relatively high and dry for it's class and can be rescued in warm water with with a close shore by one person! Those air boxes, although not air tight (yet) do the job of making the craft not sink.The water was warm and while I can't say I fully enjoyed the experience the knowledge gained makes up for any loss of comfort during the event! The block issue was easily tackled, no pun intended, and the fix of turning the troublesome device ninety degrees seems to be work well.
 I've been in email consultations with Dave at Polysail and I think the Blue Flower will be getting some new sails this fall. It only seems fitting. I just hope I get a chance to try them out!
So sailing will continue until I get bored or the pond freezes up. Great times had by all. Well most of the time!

Little Details

Need some more line to finish this right but that looks pretty good.

Favorite Sailing Picture So Far