Aitsa 1 - Every good thing starts somewhere

[Willie van die Weskus]

I bought my Weekender plans early in 2005

On New Years day 2007 I finished Aitsa 1, as per photo; inspired by Bill Paxtons boat. (Thanks Bill)

Myself and my engineer friend, Theuns Smith are very excited about building Aitsa 2. We are planing to use a few modern techniques, about which I will report as we go along.

I live in Port Owen, a deepsea Marina in the Berg River on the South West coast of South Africa (Cape Province). A daysailer, with a little motor and a mast that can be dropped down, and a shallow draft, is ideal for my area.

St Helena Bay, into which the Berg River flows, seldom have waves worth mentioning and a (almost)constant, South - South Easter blowing 15+ knots, daily from 14h00 to sunset. The Beach goes forever from the river's mouth northwards and the Weekender can be beached anywhere along this lovely almost deserted white sandy beach. To the west the bay reached 25 Km to the Atlantic (propper) with variuos fishing villages along the coast.

We have summer, even in winter which makes St Helena Bay an area about which it can truely be said, "God must have thought - one day they will make Weekenders, in the meantime, I will make the ideal place to sail them!"

More later

Willie.

[capt jake]

That is a sweet model! I know from experience that (in my opinion) models take a lot more patience than the real thing does. Nice work!

[Frank Hagan]

It sounds like you live in a sailing paradise, Willie. Miles of beaches, a protected area with flat water, and a prevailing breeze.

You will enjoy the Weekender! It is a fun boat.

[Bill Paxton]

Anyone who can build such a nice looking model will have no trouble producing a first-rate boat. I hope you treat us to some progress photos as you build.

Enjoy the process!