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Posted

I'm guessing that wide transom is for lift on planing. Is it going to be costly when sailing heeled? I understand the buoyancy of a wide stern will cause the bow to dig in as a boat heels.


Posted

Graham, that looks to be a real beauty; however, it will probably be going too fast for us to get a good look at it!

This is a pretty nosy question (but I'm gonna ask anyway), given the rules for the EC, are there any concerns that this boat may be getting out of the "envelope" of what the EC rule-makers want to see show up at the start? Please, understand I'm asking in ignorance of what other kinds of entries were contenders last year. Since you shattered the course record so thoroughly last year, do you anticipate any grumbling?

"'S'not fair! He's a designer! His boat's too fast! ... Psst! Hey, buddy? Where can I buy the plans?" 8)

Anyway, can't wait to see this rocket go! Maybe a paintjob like a P-40 Warhawk....

Posted

It seems to me that anytime you have a cool idea for a race, it isn't long before people start designing equipment specifically to win this race. If this were not so, would Indy cars exist?

Posted

Yes, this year there is an arms race. There is a 24' resin infused carbon fiber trimaran and a several other new large multihulls.

This race is a lottery, having the right boat for the weather. If the weather is light with headwinds then the 26' Houki which paddles at an easy 6 knots will be a threat. XLS is no mean paddler as he just made it into the Guinnes book of records for the fastest 24 hour paddle, just over 150 miles.

The crew must be able to drive hard for several days and make no large mistakes and have the boat hold together for the race.

I would not put money on anyone.

Posted

The good news is that sailing in this venue is open to development, unlike most organized racing events. This encourages people like Graham (and everyone else) to keep raising the bar...which is good for everyone.

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Posted

And the other good news is that they still have other classes that can be run with a production kayak or canoe.

Everybody gets to be happy except the organizers who have to get the checkpoints open in time for the fastest boats and still keep them open a reasonably long time for the rest of the boats.

Posted

It sounds like the race is going to become like one of the many marathons or road races where anyone can compete but only a small portion of those running will have a chance. It will make for some exciting inovations in boat design though.

Posted

What are the actual rules for the "open" class" or whatever it is called that multihulls and mono hulls, paddlers and sailers etc all compete against each other in? The whole things sounds very intriguing, but without care in controlling how this event evolves it could get really silly, although maybe that is part of it.

I lost interest in sailboat racing quite a while ago. I don't much care for how it has evolved over the years, not that anyone should be concerned with my opinion. But one class of boat sparked anew my interest. Dodson's where I work is a sponsor in a Mini 6.5 that has been campaigning all last season to qualify for the 2007 Mini Transat Race in September. That I have been there for the building of the boat and gotten to know the designer and skipper probably plays a part in my intrigue. http://www.teamacadia.org/ Enough Hijacking......

From what I have read here it seams like this race is something that would be fun to campaign for such as you are doing Graham, or even just to follow like most of us will be doing. It will be interesting in the least to see what happens this next year and how this event progresses.

Posted

While I have no interest in around-the-buoys type racing, I find these kinds of events (EC, Raids; etc.), fascinating. I understand that there's a lot more to it than technology, I thinks that's why we were all so impressed by the skill involved in the Challenge.

I would feel very proud of myself just to FINISH an event like this.

Posted

There are four classes. The first two are for canoes and kayaks, solo and double which can carry limited sail but no lateral plane. Class three can can carry more sail but spars must stow in boat and can have lateral plane. Class four is for all sail boats, the only filter is that they must launch off the beach and fit under the bridges about six feet and between the bridge pilings about 11 feet. There is no separate class for multihulls

For more info try www.watertribe.com

Posted

Graham is right. It all depends on weather.

You have to launch from the beach and you have to take whatever gear you used to launch with you. You have to get under the bridge that Graham mentioned, which means that you have to strike masts and sails. You have to get through the shallows of Florida Bay. You have to navigate through shallows, wave-battered passes with contrary tides, and open water. You must have propulsion for when there is no wind.

The race has been won by a Laser, a Paradox mini-cruiser, a Texas Water Safari canoe (in terrible weather with below freezing temperatures in the 'Glades and winds over 40 knots at times), a schooner rigged canoe, a NorseBoat, and the Core Sound 17. If you look at the top five or so, you will see an amazing assortment, including multi-hulls. Salty Frog, Riverslayer and Shar Chow are always near the top in off-the-shelf kayaks and kit stitch-and-glue kayaks, and they would have a tremendous advantaage in really bad weather.

If there is little or no wind, XLXS with his Huki wave ski will only be handicapped by needing to rest, though my bet is always on a tandem boat that can keep going 24 hours.

It's a lot of fun. Watch and see.

Doug (aka Ridgerunner)

Posted

If I still had my CS17 I'd be in this event. The Chief goes to great trouble to not refer to this "Challange" as a race. (It IS a race.)

Doug is right, however, this is a race for just a few.

It's kinda like hiking the Applachian Trail. Just doing it is it's own reward.

I'd probably be sailing alone. However, with the modifications I have in mind, I could, of course, be well ahead of Graham when I decide to anchor and catch some sleep.......

Posted

Ray

I was building the Core Sound 20, but my shoulder got progressively worse and it was operated on December 1. I get out of the sling next week, but there is no way to have the boat finished on time. I will be in front of Graham at every checkpoint, but only because I will be working as a volunteer checking in the front runners.

I hope to have the Core Sound 20 in the 2008 race, and it may be ready for the Cedar Key gathering in May.

Doug

Posted
Ray

I was building the Core Sound 20' date=' but my shoulder got progressively worse and it was operated on December 1. I get out of the sling next week, but there is no way to have the boat finished on time. I will be in front of Graham at every checkpoint, but only because I will be working as a volunteer checking in the front runners.

I hope to have the Core Sound 20 in the 2008 race, and it may be ready for the Cedar Key gathering in May.

Doug[/quote']

The Cortez show will be April 12-15 this year. There is a campout that takes place on that thurs. if I recall correctly. Its more in line with an in water show, all day, boats sailing in and out at will from the cove. All classes are represented with races and dinner on friday night and sat night is on tap. There is camping on the property. Last year the folks from Cedar Key made the best clam chowder and served it in the parking lot for one and all.

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