Friday, January 6, 2017
How about portable boats?
Well, its cold and full of snow here. A couple years ago, I came across the site PortableBoat plans by Ken Simpson's of Arizona. |
| 1-Sheet Wedge |
So, I think, just for fun this winter, I may just build the 1 sheet wedge that he has...could be fun to go fishing and go through the canals around here.
His plans comes with tuns of fun options...you can even increase its length for a second occupant. You could row it, use a trolling motor and even create a sail version.
Check his stuff out, he has a lot of neat stuff and he uses a very cheap and proven building methodology. No epoxy here.
I'll keep you updated!
Cheers!
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Living the Vendée Globe through The Godforsaken Seas
As the Vendée is in progress, I am also reading one of the best book documenting the 1996 Vendée Globe race.
This not something I would do, for me sailing is about visiting places, and racing is usually in teams, more fun to me.
Regardless, I admire the people that have the guts to do it and the stamina as well.
This is a great book about the process of many people going around the world alone. It is also a book for anyone, no need to understand sailing, everything is very well explained.
Cheers!
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Its not a drag: the foiling craze is officially upon us
It started innocently enough, 20-30 years ago, it was proven that boats could move faster and with less power with foils. This was first and still is applied to many ferry crossing boats (I think of the ones in the greek islands).
But as far as foiling with wind power, this is relatively recent.
The Moths, starting about 10 years ago, I want to say 2015, have done more for foiling that any other boat. And made wind geek like drool of envy.
Then, America's Cup of 2013 made it legit and mainstream, and I admit much more interesting than keelboat racing.
Finally, now it appears that there is a boat for the rest of us, the Waszp! Definitely on my toy list!
Do read here for actual good and fail history of foiling with wind.
Fair winds!
Thursday, November 24, 2016
She's got the legs and knows how to use them!
No kidding! |
| Leggy Lady! |
I dont know how I came across this, the wonders of the interwebs...well it turns out a Kiwi company make boats with legs. We heard of amphibian, but they usually look like cars. This is a boat that grows and retracts legs as needed to launch or when done.
I have no affiliation with this company, just impressed, also check out the youtube videos, fun to watch too!
Neato!
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Homemade houseboat crossed the Atlantic
An interesting story really. A houseboat crossed from Newfoundland Canada to Ireland. |
| Rough looking, but strong enough |
There are a lot more details here and here.
The question is whether the builder Rick Small was in it. No one's sure. But his creation was strong enough to make it across, pretty amazing, really.
I suspect we'll find out soon.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Before the flood - quick review
Leonardo DiCaprio took three years to complete this documentary called Before the flood about the alrady ongoing climate change crisis.
It is actually quite positive as it shows the various problems and also, as opposed to doom and gloom also shows positive. Best example is when he visits Elon Musk's Giga factory and is told that 100 of these would provide all the power needed for the planet. And it's and his reaction is "That's it". It is doable!
You can watch it for free on YouTube and other services.
Thanks Leonardo!
Monday, October 24, 2016
Tiny boat crosses gulf stream to Bahamas
I have this secret dream about voyaging the ocean on a tiny boat, frankly not sure I would have the balls to actually do it. But it can and is getting done. So, I always enjoy reading about small boat travels. |
| Dave's Paradox 14 |
One blog I follow and really enjoy is called Graduating to a smaller boat, the author Dave last year has sailed around the Hawaii islands, sounds easy, but it is not.
This past Saturday, he posted about his crossing of the Gulf stream from Key Largo to Bimini on his Paradox 14 (4.2m designed by Matt Layden) that he himself built. I love the Paradox 14 for a single handler (I even have the plans), but if I ever see one close by, I'm buying it!
Anyways, believe it or not, he is not the first one on such a small boat. Many have done the crossing to the Bahamas, most notably Dave Bolduc on his 3.6 meter ENIGMA (also designed by Matt Layden).
Congrats guys, well done!
