Month: November 2007

  • Rhodes Bantam
    Specifications

    Sometimes I can
    be really dense.  I had the sail plans all along, in the packet Mr.
    Broten gave me.  I am posting them here for anyone else who might be
    Google-searching for specifications on Bantam sails.  After all, the
    Internet can be useful for other things besides p o r
    n.


    Rhodes Bantam
    Specifications
    Notice to Builders and
    Sailmakers
    Revision — 1987
    (DRAFT)

    The RBCA will not issue a measurement
    certificate on any Rhodes Bantam on which the royalty or number tax has not
    been paid or which was not built by a recorded owner of the official Rhodes
    Bantam plans.  (This is a moot issue because there *IS* no
    RBCA anymore. –
    Devich)

    Plans

    Plans
    are transferrable only in accordance with the terms and conditions of the
    notice thereon.  (I don’t think Mr. Broten sent this paper
    with the plans he gave to the NY sailing club.  And thank goodness, or
    I wouldn’t have the sail dimensions at all! — Devich)     
    Plans and specifications are subject to revision only as provided in the
    Constitution and By-Laws.  The responsibility of keeping advised of
    any revision rests with the purchaser of the
    Plans.

    Royalties

    A
    Royalty or number tax must be paid to the RBCA on each Rhodes Bantam
    built.  A royalty must also be paid by the sailmaker on each sail
    made.  (TO WHOM?  The RBCA doesn’t exist anymore! –
    Devich)

    Protection of Name
    and Emblem

    No boat may be properly sold or
    entered in any race as a Rhodes Bantam nor at any time may it display the
    Rhodes Bantam insignia upon its sails unless the number tax or royalty on such
    boat has been paid to the RBCA by the builder or woner [sic] thereof. 
    For the benefit of owners, the RBCA proposes to take any steps necessary to
    protect both the Rhodes Bantam name and insignia from unauthorized use.
    (I remember our club sailed our Rhodes Bantam in the 2001 Whale of a
    Sail at Lake Carlyle, and we paid no royalty tax.  We won the race,
    too. “Unauthorized use,” be damned. –
    Devich)

    ARTICLE
    I

    General


    Specifications,
    however complete, cannot anticipate every situation which may arise. 
    If a point is not covered herein, or the meaning is not clear, a ruling may be
    obtained by writing to the Chief Measurer.  In interpreting these
    specifications the Measurement Committee shall consider the intent rather than
    any technical interpretation which might be misconstrued from the wording,
    kee@ping [sic] in mind the principle as defined in ARTICLE IV of the
    Constitution.  These revised specifications supercede all previous
    specifications.

    Requirements and Weights

    Measurements
    and weights shall be in feet, inches and pounds in conformance with the
    standards set by the United States National Bureau of
    Standards.

    Materials

    The
    materials from which the Rhodes Bantam is constructed are optional except where
    stated in these specifications.  The hull may be of wood, fiberglass
    reinforced plastic, foamed plastic or other material. (What about
    steel?  Ferro-cement?  Laminated cardboard? –
    Devich)

    Official
    Number

    Each boat’s official number, issued by
    the RBCA, shall be burned, carved or moulded in the starboard side of the
    centerboard case in firgures [sic] two inches high.

    ARTICLE
    II

    Hull
    Construction


    The constructytion [sic] details
    shown in the official plans are obligatory onlyuy [sic] as regards the shape
    and dimensions of the hull at its outside surfaces, and as further set forth herein. 
    The “outside surfaces” of the hull shall include all outer hull
    surface form [sic] the sheer line downward and from the top of the transom
    downward.

    Minimum
    Weight

    The completed boat, including hull,
    centerboard, rudder, mast, boom, and all rigging, but excluding sails, shall
    weigh not less than three-hundred and twenty-five (325)
    pounds.

    Manufactured
    Hulls

    The design pof [sic] all hulls to be
    commercially manufactured from molds must be approved by the RBCA Measurement
    Committee prior to being marketed as a Rhodes
    Bantam.

    Weight
    Distribution

    The completed hull, including
    centerboard, but excluding rudder, mast, boom, rigging and sails, when
    supported bottom-up by an athwartship fulcrum located at station No. 6 and
    resting on the gunwhales [sic], shall have a weight at the stem of not less
    than eighty-five (85) pounds.  When this weight is recored [sic], the
    top of the stem must be at the same height as the fulcrum, and centerboard must
    be fully within the centerboard.

    Main
    Thwart

    The main thwart shall be centered on
    station No. 5 and fastened securely to each side of the hull and to the centerboard
    case.  The thwart shall not be less than 7 & 5/8 inches in
    width:  otherwise its shape and dimensions are
    optional.

    Mast
    Thwart

    A mast thwart shall be fitted and
    extend completely across the hull and joined to the sides of the
    gunwale.  Dimensions optional except as follows: that portion of the
    mast thwart within 3 inches either side of the centerline shall conform with
    the official plans as to its location fore-and-aft and vertically as follows:
    after edge located 21 & 3/4 inches forward of a plane vertical to the
    LWL and located at after surface of the cneterboard [sic] pin.  Top
    surface of mast thwart at its after edge shall be 19 & 3/4 inches
    vertically above the outer surface of the bottom of the hull at that point.

    Gunwale

    Top
    surface of gunwale shall coincide with the designed sheer line of the
    hull.  Maximum width of gunwale shall be 5 & 1/2
    inches.  No minimum width.  No part of gunwale shall project
    more than 2 & 3/4 inches outboard of the outer hull
    surface.

    Transom

    A
    moulding or covering board may be incorporated in the transom top. 
    Maximum width shall be 5 & 1/2 inches, no part to project more than 2
    & 3/4 inches outboard of the outer surface of the transom. 
    Height of transom at centerline shall be as shown in the official plans
    (which are probaby stuck in a musty drawer somewhere in a NY sailing
    club — Devich)

    Chines

    Chines
    may be rounded to a radius no greater than 1/4
    inch.

    Stem

    Stem
    may be rounded to a radius no less than 1/8
    inch.

    Centerboard Trunk

    Construction
    of centerboard trunk shall be optional except as to its opening at the
    keel.  The opening at the keel shall comply with the official plans as
    to its width, length and position relative to the hull.  No gasket or
    other means of closing the centerboard slot permitted.

    Centerboard
    Pin

    The pin shall be 1/2 inch diameter and
    located as shown in the official
    plans.

    Centerboard

    The
    centerboard shall be of any metal, 5/16 inch in thickness.  The shape
    of the cneterboard [sic] shall comply with the official plans except that
    portion of the centerboard remaining within the trunk when the cneterboard
    [sic] is lowered 90 degrees to the LWL.  Pivot point must be located
    as shown in the official plans.  Edges may be rounded or chamfered
    (What is chamfering?!?!?!?  Ah, it’s beveling.  Why in the hell don’t
    they just call it “beveling”? K.I.S.S. — Devich)     but with
    such rounding or chamfering may not extend more than 1 inch inward from the
    edge.

    Hull
    Openings

    Openings in the outer surface of the
    hull shall be optional except for cneterboard [sic] trunk opening; latter must
    confrom [sic] with specification otherwise set forth
    herein.

    Hull
    Protrusions

    there [sic] shall be no
    protrusions from the outer surface of the hull except gunwale, stem fittings,
    setm [sic] band, mooring eye, centerboard, rudder and its fittings, and self
    bailing devices.  (That sentence had poor grammar. –
    Devich)

    Deck

    The
    boat shall be undecked except as provided under “gunwale” and
    “transom”.[sic] Breasthook may not extend more than 10 inches aft of outer
    face of stem.  Transom quarter-knees shall not extend more than 7
    inches inward from outer surface of hull.  Interior appurtenances such
    as thwarts, seats, tanks, etc., shall not be so constructed as to give the
    effect of decking and shall drain inboard the hull. 
    (Rant:  The lack of a foredeck is why I like the Bantam
    design so much.  Too many daysailors nowadays, such as the Vanguard 16
    and the Buccaneer 16, have those stupid, unnecessary foredecks, which prevent
    people from sitting comfortably in the bow.  The lack of decking on
    the bow of the Bantam design, also makes it easy to re-stow the jib/spinnaker
    while underway.  It also provides a nice, easily accessible place to
    put the cooler, so that it doesn’t shift around. One has to think of these
    things, people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! –
    Devich)

    Hiking
    Straps

    Hiking straps are
    permitted.  Trapeze, hiking plank or any other apparatus of the same
    nature for supporting crew outboard is prohibited.  (In other
    words, sit-ups were encouraged.  –
    Devich)

    ARTICLE
    III

    Rudder


    Material from
    which rudder is made shall be optional.  That portion of the rudder
    below the LWL shall be of thickness and outline as shown in the official
    plans.  Edges may be rounded to a radius of not less than 3/32
    inch.  The rudder must attach to the transom and the angle of the
    rudder blade in relation to the transom must be as shown in the official
    plans.  Kick-up type rudder is permitted but miust [sic] be carried at
    the above mentioned angle to the transom while racing.  The lower six
    inches of the rudder may be tapered in thickness, from a thickness of 7/8 inch
    thickness at bottom; minimum radius of bottom edge 3/32
    inch.

    Tiller

    Optional
    as to design and materials.  Hiking stick or extension
    permitted.

    ARTICLE
    IV

    Spars


    Spars may be made
    from Spruce or Douglas Fir or extruded aluminum.  The aluminum shall
    be equivalent in corrosion resistance properties to Aluminum Association
    Designation 6061. (?!!? –
    Devich)

    Mast

    Wood
    mast sahll [sic] confrom [sic] to Section 1 below. Aluminum masts shall confrom
    [sic] to Section 2
    below.
    Section 1 WOOD
    MAST

    Dimensions shown in the official plans
    shall be minimum as to cross-sections.  Length of mast shall be 19
    feet 5 inches, measured from top of mast thwart to top inner face of groove in
    halyard sheave or masthead tube.  Shape of masthead optional:
    “chickenhead["] permitted.  (?!!? –
    Devich)      A 1/2 inch width colored band shall be painted
    around the mast, it sop [sic] edge not more than 17 feet 2 inches below top
    inner face of groove in halyard sheave or masthead tube.  Sail may
    attach to mast with 5/8 inch sail track and slides, or a boltrope groove of any
    material, suitably shaped and added to the aft face of the mast but not
    extending furtheraft [sic] than 3/4 inch.

    While sailing, the
    plane of the top surface of the boom shall not be carried below the top edge of
    the painted band.  A locking device or stop must be provided to prevent
    the boom from coming below the stated position.  The device or stop
    may be so designed as to allow the boom and/or gooseneck to continue down the
    mast for the purpose of lowering the sial [sic].  The mast must be
    stepped on the mast thwart.  After face of the mast shall be
    positioned beween [sic] after edge of mast thwart and 1 inch forward of after
    edge of mast thwart. After face of mast shall be straight when at rest. The
    mast shall not be permitted to rotate.

    Section
    2 ALUMINUM MAST

    Aluminum masts shall confrom
    [sic] to Section 1 above with the following exceptions or
    restrictions:
    A. Cross-Section
    Shape
    Aluminum masts shall not be tapered.  The
    cross-section of the mast may have any shape which fits within a rectangle 2
    & 3/4 inches by 3 & 3/4 inches and which has a minimum moment of
    inertia computed about the major axis equal to 0.34 inches and minimum moment
    of inertia computed about [an] axis perpendicular to the major axis equal to
    0.59 inches.  Wall thickness through the normal horizontal corss-sectional
    [sic] area may vary; however, this corsssection [sic] shall remain constant for
    the entire length of the mast.  Major dimension of the mast shall run
    fore-and-aft.  Each unaltered section must be approved in advance by the
    Measurement Committee prior to the issuance of a Measurement
    Certificate.
    B. Mainsail
    Attachment
    Mainsail may be attached to the aluminum mast by
    slides and 5/8 inch sailtrack, by slides in a boltrope groove, or by a boltrope
    in a boltrope groove.
    C. Stiffness
    When
    supported at the ends, an aluminum mast shall not deflect along its major axis
    more than 2 inches with a 25 pound weight attached at the midpoint of the mast
    lenght [sic].
    D. Weight
    Aluminum masts
    shall weigh more than 19 pounds.  Measurement to be made with fittings and
    halyards attached, but without
    shrouds.

    Boom

    The
    boom may be made form [sic] wood or aluminum.  Wood booms shall confrom
    [sic] to Section 1 below, aluminum to Section 2 below.

    Section 1 Wood Boom — Maximum length shall be 9 feet
    measured form [sic] after end of boom to after surface of mast.  For the
    purpose
    of measurement of boom length, any fitting, tube, sheave, line or other device attached to the boom’s after end shall be included as part of the boom.  No part of the sail shall extend aft of the after end of the boom.  The wood boom shall be solid except for boltrope slot shown in the official plans.  Size and position of the boltrope slot shall be as shpwn [sic] in the official plans.  The slot may be cut away at either end of the boom, not more than 10 inches.  The sail may be attached to the vboom [sic] with 5/8 inch sail track and slides, in which case, the boom shall be solid throughout.  Cross-section dimension of the boom shall be as follows: minimum of 1 & 3/8 inches, masimum [sic] of 1 & 1/2 inches in width; minimum of 2 & 1/4 inches, maximum of 2 & 1/2 inches in vertical thickness.  The boom shall be straight when at rest.

    Section 2 Aluminum Boom — Aluminum boom shall conform to [S]ection 1 above with the following permissable exception[s] or restrictions:

    A.  Cross-Section Shape — An aluminum boom may have any cross-section shape.  Miniimum [sic] dimensions shall be 1 & 3/8 inches horizontally, 2 & 1/4 inches vertically.  Maximum circumferential measurement shall not exceet [sic] 8 inches.

    B.  Stiffness — When supported at both ends in its normal position, an aluminum boom shall not deflect more than 1/2 inch with a 25 pound weight attached at the midpoint of the boom.

    Spinnaker Pole — Material form [sic] which made is
    optional.  Maximum length, including end fittings, shall be 7 feet. 
    Cross-section dimension is optional.  Pole must attach to mast when in
    use.  Fitting on mast for attaching pole shall not project more than 1
    & 1/2 inches form [sic] surface of
    mast.

    Whisker Pole — Material form [sic]
    which made is optional.  Maximum effective length shall be 7 feet measured
    form [sic] surface of mast to that position at the outer end which touches
    sail, i.e. if a pin is used at outer end, the base of the pin. 
    Cross-section dimension is not to be used with jib while spinnaker is
    set.

    ARTICLE
    V

    Rigging — Standing
    rigging shall consist of one headstay (forestay) and two shrouds
    (sidestays).  Standing rigging shall be of wire rope of diameter and
    strength not less than as shown in the official plans, and shall intersect mast
    at the heights shown in the official plans.  The headstay shall intersect
    the sheer at a point no farther forward than the face of the stem, and no
    farther aft than 1 inch aft of the face of the stem.  The sidestays
    shall intersect sheer at a point not more than 1 inch forward or 1 inch aft of
    Station No. 3, and not more than 6 inches inborard [sic] of the sheer
    line.  Shroud rollers are permitted.  Any change in the set
    of the standing rigging, except as occaisioned [sic] bu [sic] accident, is
    prohibited while racing. (At least they took into account accidents while
    sailing. They didn’t mention that it is okay to use keychains as ringdings for
    securing stays, when the paperclip that was put in by some moron breaks while
    one is underway. –
    Devich)

    Spreaders — Shroud
    spreaders are permitted as follows: Spreaders must attach to mast 12 feet 6
    inches below the top inner face of groove in halyard sheave or masthead tube,
    and be of such length as to not deflect shrouds more than 2 & 1/2
    inches when there is no compression or bending load on mast.

    Running
    Rigging     — Running rigging shall be optional except as follows: The
    spinnaker halyard block shall attach to the mast so that a line drawn from the
    stem head through the block will intersect the mast at a point 4 feet below the
    top inner face of the groove in the halyard sheave or masthead tube. 
    Halyards may not run inside the mast.  When the sails are raised[,]
    the halyard, or the halyard tail when a masthead halyard lock is used for the
    mainsail, shall be made fast below the boom.  The mainsheet rig shall
    have no more than four parts.

    Boom Vang
    – A boom vang is permitted and may attach to the boom not more than 30 inches
    aft of the after face of the mast.

    ARTICLE
    VI

    Sails:  Only
    those sails shown in the official palns [sic] shall be carried; viz., mainsail,
    jub [sic] and spinnaker. All sails shall be made of woven sailccloth [sic],
    cotton or synthetic.  Minimum weight of mainsail and jib shall be 3
    ounce material (american [sic] standard, lineal yard, 28 1/2 inch width).
    Minimum weight of spinnaker cloth shall be .75 ounce material (American
    standard, lineal yard, 28 & 1/2 inch width). Color of [sail] material
    is optional.

    Class insignia and racing
    number     — Class insignia and racing number, of size, design and
    position as shown in the official plans shall be affixed to the starboard side
    of the mainsail.  The same shall also appear on the port side, the
    numerals and letters to be either above or below those on the sails. 
    The racing number shall be affixed to both sides of the spinnaker, of the same
    size as applicable to mainsail, the numerals to be located app@proximately
    [sic] in the center of the sial [sic]. The numerals on one side of the
    spinnaker must be positioned either above or below those on the opposite
    side.

    Sail measurement (working sails) –
    Main and [jib] to be measured while 5 pounds of tension is applied along liff
    [sic] and foot of main and luff of jib. Except at main and jib heads, point of
    measurement is the intersection of extended lines of extreme edges of
    sail.  At main head, points of measurement are intersections of
    extended lines of luff and leach with a line perpendicular to luff and tangent
    to headboard.  Jib head is measured similarly if constructed with a
    sewn or crimped in cringle: if jib has a cloth wrapped fastening for [luff
    wire], the line perpendicular to the luff shall be taken as passing through
    intersection of leach and cloth wrapping.

    Sail
    measurement (spinnaker):     Spinnaker shall ne [sic] measured with the
    cloth pulled in the [direction being measured] to eliminate transverse wrinkles
    but not to cause [longitudinal] wrinkles.

    Battens: 
    Only the mainsail shall be fitted with battens.  Battens may be of any
    material and shall be positioned as to divide the leach into four approximately
    equal parts.  There shall be three battens, maximum lengths as
    follows:  Upper and lower, 24 inches; middle, 36 inches.  The
    upper batten shall not be less than 4 feet from the head of the
    sail.

    Reefs:  [Only] the
    mainsail may be reefed.  Reffing [sic] permitted along the foot only
    by means of convetional [sic] reef points positioned as shown in the official
    plans.

    Window: A single window not
    exceeding tythree [sic] square feet in area is permitted in the mainsail, and a
    single window not exceeding two square feet is permitted in the jib. 
    No other windows are permitted.

    Mainsail
    – Maximum width of headboard, 4 inches. No other part of headbosrd [sic] shall
    be higher than its forward upper corner.  Maximum dimensions of
    mainsail shall be as follows: 17 feet 2 inches of luff; 18 [feet] 10 inches on
    leach; 9 feet 0 inches of foot.  [The] girth of the mainsail, measured
    form [sic] a point on the luff 8 feet 7 inches form [sic] the top to a point on
    the leach 9 feet 5 inches form [sic] the top, shall not exceed 6 feet 3 inches.

    Jib:
    Maximum dimensions of the jib shall be as follows:  12 feet 6
    & 3/4 inches on luff; 12 feet 4 & 1/4 inches on leach; 7 feet 9
    inches on foot.  With the body of the jib at the heighest [sic]
    allowable location within the triangle described by the above three lines, the
    roach in the foot shall not extend beyond a line which is parallel to, and 5
    inches beyond the foot line.  Jib must be fitted with flexible
    luffwire.  If adjustable luff is used, a stop must ne [sic] provided
    to prevent the cloth from being stretched beyond specified
    dimension.

    Spinnaker — Maximum
    dimensions 15 feet 0 onches [sic] on luffs[;] 5 feet 8 inches on half foot; 6
    feet 6 inches on half girth measured from, and perpendicular to luff, to center
    seam.

    ARTICLE
    VII

    Any Rhodes Bantam holding a valid
    measurement certificate prior to the issuance of these revised specifications
    shall continue to be recognized as a bona fide [sic] Rhodes Bantam and shall be
    eligible for participation in all sanctined [sic] events on presentation of the
    Certificate.  Anu [sic] such boat must meet the minimum weight
    requirement of 325 pounds.

    ARTICLE
    VIII

    Honor Awards: A chevron
    may be displayed on the mainsail of the winner of the International
    championship and thw [sic] winner of any District Championship.  The
    International Championship chevron shall be of gold color.  The size
    and shape of either chevron shall be as shown in the sketch include [sic]
    herewith, and shall be affixed to the mainsail and located theron [sic] as
    follows:  Apex of chevron to be 6 inches from leach, point up,
    oriented so that it points along an imaginary line which would be parallel to
    the leach.  Apex of chevron shAll [sic] be seven feet from the clew of
    the mainsail.  [The] yeatr [sic] in which the award was won must be
    dispalye [sic] beneath the chevron, as indicated in the sketch, showing onlyuy
    [sic] the last two digits i.e. showing 65 for 1965.  Honor awards are
    made to the skipper, not to the boatt [sic], and may be displayed by him on nay
    [sic] Rhodes Bantam he now or later owns.  Numerals to be the same
    cloro [sic] as shevron [sic], entire device to appear on both sides of
    sail.

    CHIEF MEASURER’S
    RULING

    1.  Kick-up ruddrs [sic], at
    official sanctioned regattas are to be kept in a normal down position by the
    use of a threaded fastener.  A quick release device such as a toggle
    pin will not be permitted.

    2.  The main thwart is
    to be permaently [sic] lacated [sic] and fastened per existing specificatin
    [sic].  (I can really appreciate word-processors and
    backspacing now. — Devich)     It may not be readily moved, or sections
    thereof removed, so as to provoide [sic] more room.  It may be
    constructed with lightening holes.  [The] area lightened shall not be
    more than half the surface.

    3.  The use of pll:lymer
    [sic] coatings, molybdenum compounds, graphite or any such agents, applied to
    the hull, cneterbpard [sic], budder [sic], to increase boat speed (decrease
    drag at the boundary layer) is probibited [sic].  [This] includes the
    application directly or in a veicle [sic] such as paint. 
    (That’s harsh! — Devich)

    4. 
    The use of a bushing in [an] alternate method of cneterboard [sic] assembly is
    permitted.  [The] bushing is to be 3/4 inch O.D. and 1/2 inch I.D. and
    of length to fit the slot opening.  [The] pivot hole of the board is
    enlarged to fit the bushing and the original 1/2 inch bolt is still
    retained.

    5.  Transom bailers are
    permitted.  No more than tow [sic] are allowed.  [The] total
    area of the openings shall be limited to ninety-six square
    inches.

    6.  [The] use fo [sic] a jib clew board
    with a maximum of five cringles is permitted.

    7. 
    [Flush] halyard blocks re [sic] permitte [sic], providing the halyard exits to
    the outside of the mast directly below the
    block.

    8.  The topping lift for the spinnaker pole
    shall not be considered a halyard, and may run internal to the
    mast.

    end

    That
    was 9 1/2 pages of faded typewritten material that I just
    transcribed.  You can message me to say “Thank You” at any
    time, people.  I left the typos in, because they are
    amusing.  It was typed up in a era before spell-check
    was irritatingly ubiquitous.  And now I’m going to go eat lunch.

    “60+ wpm
    Devich”

  • Janet Besse

    Party politics aside, Mrs. Besse is a remarkable woman.  There are watchers in this world and there are do-ers, and I admire her for at least being one of the do-ers.


    From http://www.greatwomen.org/book.php?action=largeImage&id=184

  • In Memoriam — Richard Besse

    The man who built my Rhodes Bantam told me he got most of his advice in building his boat from a man he never met in person.  They corresponded by snailmail, and when I bought the sailboat, he gave me the stack of letters from people who helped him from afar.  Most of those letters were from a man named Richard Besse — who had built a number of wooden Rhodes Bantams using a modified plan in which he took out some of the crossbeams.  He has since passed away, and I am told that his widow may still have the plans.  If that’s the case, she might also have sail plans!


    IN MEMORIAM

    Richard Waterman Besse, 83, died at his home in Skaneateles on September 17 of cancer. He was a graduate of Yale University and Commodore of the Yale Corinthian Yacht Club. Dick spearheaded the revival of small boat racing at the Skaneateles Country Club. In 1976, with Janet, he founded both The Sailboat Shop and the Skaneateles Sailing Club. Dick qualified as an alternative Finn class skipper for the 1952 Olympics, won the Rhodes Bantam National Class Championships three times, qualified for the Laser World Championships in 1974 and crewed in many ocean races. He designed and built several wooden boats, including a Rhodes Bantam that is on display at the Skaneateles Historical Society. Dick dedicated much time to the Syracuse area community and was president of the Central New York Yacht Racing Union and charter member of Mystic Seaport. As a retiree, Dick served on the Board of the Skaneateles Sailing Club, spent many hours working on club projects. A naval burial service at Lakeview Cemetery will be followed by a 1 p.m. gathering to celebrate his life on October 9 at the Skaneateles Sailing Club.

    From an archived Scuttlebutt Newletter #1674, dated September 23, 2004
    http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com.ntweb-1.nethere.net/archived_Detail.asp?key=2910

  • The Former Rhodes Bantam Class Association — Now Inactive

    Here is the information for the former Rhodes Bantam Class Association.


    Rhodes Bantam Class Association
    Kathy Burlitch
    2133 Ellis Hollow Rd
    Ithaca, NY 14850
    USA

    Phone: 607-539-7316
    k l b u r l i t c h * a t * f r o n t i e r n e t . n e t

    The above information is compiled from the following websites.

    References:
    1.  http://www.allbusiness.com/membership-organizations/membership-organizations/4047904-1.html
    2. http://goodoldboat.com:8080/GOBWeb/GOBAssociations/index_html?search_heading=RRR

  • New Sails are Crispier Anyway

    Whenever I sail with guys, which is often because there aren’t many female sailors in my area, they tell me to do stupid things.  And because I’m a wuss, sometimes I actually follow their instructions instead of holding out for what I know is right.

    Well, a friend came to visit two weekends ago, and he suggested taking the boat to Home Depot to get a replacement shackle for the forestay.  His idea was we could set it up in the parking lot to make sure it worked.  Well, I had already stuck the sailbags in the boat, to take it down to the lake, and I had planned to leave it at home while we went to the store first.  ‘Better gas mileage, seriously, to leave the boat at home, anyway.  (Little did I know that I would end up using the whole tank of gas that day searching for something.)

    But, he insisted it would be okay.

    Well, stupid me, I forgot to take the sailbags out of the boat before we left.  And the lifejackets too.

    About halfway to Home Depot, I thought about it, and said, “I should stop to check if the sailbags are in there,” and he said, “Don’t worry.  I’m sure they’re okay.  Sails are heavy.”

    Mind you, my friend is a cruiser.  The sails he uses are heavy.  This is a small sailing dinghy we’re talking about, and no, the sails are not heavy.  So against my better judgment, we drove 25 miles along an empty highway before we got to Home Depot and sure enough, the sailbags were gone.  And the lifejackets too.  I could blame my friend, but I can’t really, because it was my own stupidity that caused this.  At least I didn’t listen to him when he suggested I back my car into the boat ramp until the tailpipe was almost in the water.  He really thought this was a good idea, on a slippery algae-covered ramp?????  I told him this is how cars get sunk in little lakes, and he didn’t believe me.  (He is a bluewater sailor; he mostly uses cranes to get boats in the water.)  Luckily, I had insisted that I back down the trailer myself, because I didn’t listen to him.  Even as I backed it, I could feel my wheels spinning, and he was still telling me to “keep going.  You’re alright.”  I realized, that if I didn’t stop listening to his instructions, I would have lost both my sails and my car that day.  So cursing under my breath, I ignored his “What are you doing?” and backed it down my way — the way I have done a hundred times before.  Seriously, sometimes guys are so thick-skulled.  I prefer sailing solo!

    So, as a result, I am in the process of trying to procure new sails, and it is very much like trying to raise the dead because there is no longer a Rhodes Bantam Class Association, and the man that I purchased the Bantam from gave his plans to a sailing club in New York that was trying to refurbish their own Bantams.

    It feels like I am single-handedly trying to revive a class.  And that’s a weird feeling.  But I do so love these boats.  They are perfect for my purpose, and I’ve always wanted to have crispy new sails.  I’ve always had to use really blown out sails on our club boats, as our club wasn’t really competitive in the racing circuit when we pulled it from the grave, either.

    Why do I get the feeling I’m really into dead things?  Reviving dead sailing clubs.  Reviving dead class associations.  I should call myself the Zombie Sailor.

  • Chilly Winds of Winter

    There’s a white-board in the OR, where someone (probably the nurse supervisor) puts quotes of the day.  I particularly liked this one from a few days ago:


    “When God sends the chilly winds of winter to blow on our circumstances, we must still trust Him.  In spite of our dislike for the blinding winds and the icy grip of winter seasons, there is a purpose for these temporary inconveniences.”
    – T. D. Jakes


    Pastor T. D. Jakes, born June 1957, Charleston, West Virginia


    This inspired me to look up, who the heck this “T.
    D. Jakes” guy is. ‘Turns out he’s a pastor from my home
    state.  I’ve always subscribed to the idea that if life gives you chilly winds (and frozen lakes), go ice sailing!


    Ice sailing, Toronto Harbour, 1912
    John Boyd
    Black and white print
    Reference Code: C 7-3 3040
    Archives of Ontario, I0003451
    Image from http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/ENGLISH/exhibits/christmas03/big/12_ice_sailing.htm

  • A Cheaper Swage

    I‘ve never thought of West Marine as being cheap, but a friend let me know that a cheaper swage than the one from Jamestown Distributors could be found at this site:

    http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/
    10001/5657/377%20710/0/rigging%20tools/Primary%20Search/mode%20
    matchallpartial/0/0?N=377%20710&Ne=0&Ntt=rigging%20tools&Ntk=Pr
    imary%20Search&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Nao=0&Ns=0&keywor
    d=rigging%20tools&isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=175&subdeptNum=1
    0900&classNum=10900


    More affordable (Large one $55, small one $26)

  • Swages Take
    Wages


    A sleeve

    The first time we took the Bantam
    out, the forestay came loose, due to a turnbuckle that just wasn’t capable of
    spanning the distance it was asked to span. 
    So, in order to make my sailboat safer, I have to re-do the standing
    rigging.  I was told I needed a swager to
    finish the ends of the wires.

    How expensive could it be, I thought to
    myself?

    Well, today I looked up a press for the wire ends, and this
    Nico Press Tool costs “Only  $298.86 each.” 
    Just a mere $300, huh?

     


    Only $298.86 each. .
    .

    And that’s not even considering the
    costs of the wire,
    the sleeves,
    and the thimbles yet.


    Rigging wire, only sold in
    250-foot reels. 
    What the heck am I going
    to do
    with 250-feet of rigging wire?


    This isn’t my grandmother’s thimble.

  • Jamestown Distributors Revisited

    I love how Jamestown Distributors is really trying the hard sell using female spokespersons.


    “Please use caution when using this blade, as you can cut yourself with it.”

    But that aside, they really do have some good informative videos, such as this one on fiberglass repair:


    Fiberglass repair video by Jamestown Distributors

  • The New Homestead (aka The Second Boathouse)

    In many cultures, there are superstitions about how to move into a new house.  In both of my parents’ cultures, the ideal things to first bring to one’s new house are RICE and SALT.

    I am guessing this is because when moving into a new house, one of the first orders of business is to eat.

    Well, last month, we “moved into” our new house.  The first thing we moved into it was a sailboat we had trailered all the way from Minnesota.  What does this say about one of the first things I did after moving in?

    We just got our internet access yesterday.  It’s so weird, the priorities Matt and I have.  I am sitting on a folding lawn chair in the kitchen.  I sleep in the echoing, cavernous chamber of a living room in my sleeping bag.  The refrigerator doesn’t arrive until tomorrow.  But, . . . at least I have my Internet access!

    And my coffeemaker.