ROBBO

Hi Wayne/Buck, and any other Kiwis out there, yes I'm up for it. Scheduling will be the trick but I'm sure that we can do it.

Finally I get to sit at my computer and add to this string (I feel a little respondsible). Firstly I would like to thank Wayne for all of his support and encouragement he is a wonderful friend. As you have all seen he is also quite adept with the camera. I was very focused on building and launching, it is fantastic that he is able to take that little step back and record the event. If it had been left up to me you probable would have received a post card three weeks from nest Tuesday. I also must comment on the amount of interest my little JEROBAOM generated. A large number of my friends and colleges as well friends and colleges of my wife Sharon, (That's the chick sorting out the fouled jib sheets) came to be part of my launching. (I suspect that some came in the hope of just seeing me get cold and wet, but that's such an Aussie/Kiwi thing.) Now than I have launched and seen the interest that has been shown here (Thank's again Wayne It would have taken me forever to make my report), I truly feel part of the Weekender Club. So many talk about it so few follow it through. Wayne says he probably would not have gone out in such conditions. I say that I never doubted that I would launch in those conditions. I would probably go for a sail in stronger conditions. The good news is how safe I felt and how much confidence I have in the design. I do have many years experience in sailing small dinghies. The very next it snowed here in Christchurch and given work and weather constraints I have not been out since. But as soon as I can I'll be there. Thank you to all.

Finally I get to sit at my computer and add to this string (I feel a little respondsible). Firstly I would like to thank Wayne for all of his support and encouragement he is a wounderful friend. As you have all seen he is also quite adept with the camera. I was very focused on building and launching, it is fantastic that he is able to take that little step back and record the event. If it had been left up to me you probable would have received a post card three weeks from nest Tuesday. I also must comment on the amount of interest my little JEROBAOM generated. A large number of my friends and colleges as well friends and colleges of my wife Sharon, (That's the chick sorting out the fouled jib sheets) came to be part of my launching. (I suspect that some came in the hope of just seeing me get cold and wet, but that's such an Aussie/Kiwi thing.) Now than I have launched and seen the interest that has been shown here (Thank's again Wayne It would have taken me forevere to make my report), I truely feel part of the Weekender Club. So many talk about it so few follow it through. Wayne says he probally would not have gone out in such conditions. I say that I never doubted that I would launch in those conditions. I would probable go for a sail in stronger conditions. The good news is how safe I felt and how much confidence I have in the design. I do have many years experience in sailing small dinghies. The very next it snowed here in Christchurch and given work and weather constraints I have not been out since. But as soon as I can I'll be there. Thank you to all.

Hi Buck, I hope all is well down your way (do you fancy the highlanders chances this season?) I have decided to stick with conventional wisdom and go with the pair of shrouds. I an going to use 3mm stainless that I can get reasonably cheaply from a supplier here in Christchurch. All is progressing well and i too am looking forward to adding my contribution to the Kiwi fleet.

I am about to set up my rig, the plans show two side stays. I wounder are they both necessary. If so is it for structural reasons, or are they prescribes for visual reasons. If not confirm that just having the rearmost pair would be quite sufficient for my mast to stay put. Thanks for your thoughts.

Buck, I'm on it, a little each day. But I'm sure that you appreciate life has a nasty habit of getting in the way of Wekender building. But I'm getting there, and am as anxious as ever to me and Jeroboam wet as soon as possible. Robbo

Hi Buck, the roster dude (who really does control my life) has not been kind in short term. My first weekend off is the weekend of 31 Jan/1 Feb 04. As luck would have I am also not working WE 7/8 Feb and not working 21/22 Feb. Next would be 6/7 Mar. Whenever you have a spare week I could explain my shift cycling to you. If anything could be available on these days It would be great and much appreciated. Robbo

Hi guys, what a great idea, I wish I could join you. However as the good people of New Zealand insist on travelling through the air over this particular weekend, I have to work. (It is part of the deal I have with my company. I work, they pay me, I can therefore finance my weekender building aspirations). I hope that you have a great day, and that I will soon be able to join in. ( I have already gone 3d) Cheers

Following in the footsteps of Buck and Wayne I have commenced construction of the third known New Zealand Weekender, here after known as JEROBOAM. I am sure that I am experiencing all of the emotions like so many before. It has been six months since I received the plans and finally I have all of my ducks in a row, so cutting has commenced. Not that I am one for omans BUT. About 1/2 way along my third stringer, my circular saw decided that instead of cutting, it would produce horrible noises, yes the gears are completely shot. And in our throwaway world it is cheaper to buy a new saw that to repair my old one (I hate the waste). So confined to the bin it is. Not to worry, despite this minor setback, which let's face it my credit card quickly overcame, work now continues. So I have to stop now as it is time to convert more of some wonderful New Zealand White Pine into stringers/saw dust. Cheers ROBBO

Hi guys, i'm from Christchurch, so not too far away. I am interested in a Kiwi messabout. I received my plans only last week so unless you are talking in terms of a long time lag I doubt My planned Weekender (Jeroboam) will be able to take any part. I hope this will come off.