Windmill Class Association Winter Issue December 2007
The Jouster is published by the Windmill Class Association four time a year. Annual subscription cost of $8.00 is included in Class membership dues. Articles, photos The Jouster and race results are very welcome.
Inside this issue:
SMSA Invitational Race 2 2008 Nationals heading for New Hampshire Results
The 2008 Windmill Class Nationals will be 2007 Midwestern Dis- 4 hosted by the Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing trict Championships Association (LWSA) on Lake Winnipesaukee, Gilford, New Hampshire during July 13 –17. Top Ten Memories 5 from Past Nationals There will be early registration and check-in on Sunday, July 13, followed by registration and Observations from 6 measurements on Monday, July 14. If enough Finland junior sailors show interest, a Junior Nationals will be held on Monday. Following the Junior Boat Safety Notes from 7 Nationals, a fun sail is planned for the after- Tom Lathrop noon to allow competitors to tune up.In addi- tion to the WCA Championship series, the Hulls, rudders, and 8-10 daggerboards... LWSA is inviting the Class to participate in their peak event of the summer, the Commodore’s Cup, July 18-20. This would be a great follow- Regatta Announcement up to the Nationals. ery, and fresh winds. • Midwinter Regatta, Davis Island Larry Christian is the local organizer, and For early information regarding this cham- YC, Tampa, FL, March 14-16. he will be calling upon his District 4 member- pionship, please contact Dave Neilsen, WCA Contact Ethan Bixby at
• Midwestern Championship, Hoo- President’s Comments—Dave Neilsen ver SC, Columbus, OH , June 7-8. Contact Bernie Himmelsbach at
Page 2 The Jouster
Action Shots from the 2007 Southern Maryland Sailing Association Invitational Regatta (photos courtesy of Luminescent Shadows)
SMSA Small Boat Invitational Regatta Results—September 22-23
Sail # Skipper and Crew Race 1 Race 2 Race 3 Race 4 Race 5 Points Place
5150 Dave Neilsen and Sarah Strohl-Roy 1 2 1 1 [2] 5 1st
3886 Lon Ethington and Meg Gimmi 2 1 [3] 2 1 6 2nd
4953 Bill Blanton and Chesa Blanton-Harris 3 3 2 DNF [DNS] 15 3rd
2793 Erik Arnesen and Lars Arnesen 4 4 4 3 [4] 15 4th
5275 Lisa Hayes and Ethan Hayes [6] 6 5 4 3 18 5th
4958 Richard Loheed and Wanda 5 5 DNS DNS [DNS] 24 6th
December 2007 Page 3
General Information about Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee, which Vessel Chateaugay. The • It is a 63 mile drive around was the most common Mount stops at Wolfeboro, Lake Winnipesaukee. named used by the earliest Alton Bay, Weirs Beach, New Hampshire English set- Meredith, and Center Har- • There are 365 islands in tlers. The most popular bor, from ice-out in spring Lake Winnipesaukee; 274 of translation of the name is until October 21st. which are habitable. "Smile of the Great Spirit". • The islanders on Lake Win- • Becky's Garden is the small- • The Lady of the Lake was nipesaukee don't have to est island on Lake Win- constructed in Lakeport in come to the mainland to nipesaukee having a 10 foot 1849 and was the first boat pick up their mail. The MS width on a good day. built over 100 feet in length Mount Washington's sister that provided mass trans- ship, the Sophie C, delivers • Loon is the name of three port on the lake. mail to all inhabited islands. different islands on Lake Winnipesaukee. • The 780 ton MS Mount • Wolfeboro is the oldest Washington, was assembled summer resort town in the • "Winnipiseogee" is the Na- in 1939 from the 230-foot U.S. tive American name for hull of the Lake Champlain
Windmills Return to Davis Island YC for Midwinters
Well folks, it's "that time of year" ing and a dinner on Saturday night. Reg- again - time to get signed up for the istration and Skipper’s Meeting is from Davis Island Yacht Club "Fireballs & 0830—1030 on Friday. Friends Regatta", March 14—16. This Please pay special attention to the event started off over 40 years ago as the supplemental information in the “Notice "Fireball Midwinters" and has grown of Regatta” when it becomes posted on into a really good time, one-design, the DIYC website. March Multi-Class Madness! If anyone needs anything else, This event will serve as our annual please contact me. NOR/Registration Midwinter Regatta, sailed over Friday to will be on the Davis Island YC website, Sunday. They try to start 9 races during
President’s Comments continued…
(Continued from page 1) a member that is currently gearing up to friend to your kid or neighbor should be ing and good restaurants, because this is use the existing WCA molds, and start contacting Rick with your order. one of the nicest places in America to production…. If all goes well. Rick Lo- Though the wooden boats of today are spend a week of vacation. The town of heed, of Loheed Technologies, LLC unbelievably fast, and durable, there are Gilford, New Hampshire will be a good based there in Southern Maryland has many folks out there who prefer the fi- place to start, but there are plenty of retrieved the molds from Arthur Anasov, berglass sailboat for their climate and towns within easy driving distance. and now has them in his shop. Needless storage issues. Let’s all keep our fingers Larry Christian will be the WCA point to say, this is a MAJOR COMPONENT crossed that Rick has an abundance of person for this event, and he’ll no doubt of the WCA’s long term strategic plan, orders, and we have new Windmill sail- be welcoming any volunteers that can having new boats. Everyone who has ing on the Chesapeake and beyond be- drag extra boats to the site. been thinking of getting a newer boat fore to long. The WCA is very fortunate to have and giving the 30-40 year old family (Continued on page 5)
Page 4 The Jouster
2007 Midwestern District Championships — Julie Himmelsbach
What can I say about the Midwest- ward leg before deciding the conditions again a figure 8 course. The 3 boats of ern Districts for this year? We didn’t were more than we could handle and the Windmill fleet pretty much stayed have a great turnout – only 4 boats – but headed back to the docks. Before we together at every mark, weaving our way those in attendance came ready to sail. could get there, a big gust knocked us through stragglers from fleets started And sail we did – 7 races in all. In past over and we “christened” our beautiful ahead of us. At the 2nd mark, I managed years, the Indianapolis Sailing Club tra- new sails with a greasy black mud as we to drop the whisker pole overboard and ditionally had a 12:30 start on Saturday, took a “core sample” with the mast. We we sailed right past it – so had to circle but this year they changed their schedule managed to get the boat upright and sail back for it and gave up precious ground. to a 9:20 harbor start with sailing to take it in, but missed this race and the next as (NOTE: I had dropped it on Day 1 as place both morning and afternoon. The we cleaned out the “top-heavy” mast and well, but both the crew and skipper had weather forecast was a bit tenuous, with washed down the sails. Rick and Jerry reached for it simultaneously – tipping a front predicted to move through the were able to be on the water for the after- the boat and taking on plenty of water! area throughout the day. Our first race noon, but this time as part of the race Thus the hesitation for either of us to was a triangular course in 10-12 mph committee as the two of them manned a reach for it the next day.) Things got winds out of the SW. Team Himmels- rescue boat for ISC. They assisted in very interesting at the 3rd mark when our bach managed to gain the lead by the setting the race course buoys and were a fleet came in for a starboard rounding windward mark and held on throughout great help in the heavy winds as they just as the PRF fleet (all big boats / cruis- the race to take a 1st place, followed towed in a capsized Thistle. ers) approached from the opposite direc- closely by the 2 boats from Kansas City. Saturday evening was a “gala event” tion for a port rounding of the same mark As the race committee advised us to stay at the club as the Y-flyer fleet hosted a on a shortened course. Needless to say, close for our 2nd start, we realized that steak dinner. For those of you who have we small boats stayed clear! we were missing boat #4 – Rick Beale never been to ISC, it is a idyllic setting – After much jockeying for position, and Jerry Rezab. The race committee high on a hill overlooking the reservoir. Team Lewis managed to cross the finish informed us that they were being towed As you sit on the expansive deck, you ahead of Team Skikne, followed by in! We didn’t see their mishap, but are somewhat “nested-in” and shaded by Bernie and Butterfingers Himmelsbach. learned later that they lost a shroud at the large, mature trees. Even though the Unfortunately, the regatta had come to fitting high on the mast – apparently due club does not have a Windmill fleet, they an end, and it was time to pack up the to metal fatigue – and subsequently, the have welcomed us warmly as fellow One boats for the trip home. mast bent at the thwart. Their racing for Design sailors. This was our 7th visit to If you have never made it the weekend was over. ISC for our Districts, and for the 3rd con- Indianapolis Sailing Club, you are In the 2nd race, Barry Skikne, with secutive year, the Windmill visitors have missing out on a gem. Several of us crew Bill Smith, was first to all the volunteered to do the clean-up for Satur- arrive in time for dinner on Friday and marks and finished 1 boat length ahead day night. It is the least we can do in traditionally gather at Loon Lake Lodge of Team Himmelsbach, who was only 1 appreciation for their warm reception. restaurant. Over the past 7 years, we boat length ahead of Team Lewis. The Sunday morning, Rick and Jerry have become acquainted with many of race committee quickly got the 3rd race again staffed a rescue boat, and this time the club members and they always make underway – still a triangular course in 8- they remembered to take along the map it a point to acknowledge us on and off 10 mph winds – before breaking for of the reservoir showing the zones for the race course and to welcome us back lunch. the marks! The harbor start was right on warmly. For a meager $10 regatta fee to The sailors gathered on the deck at time at 9:20 am with 5-10 mph winds – ISC, we get lunch on both days and the the clubhouse for hamburgers, hot dogs seemingly out of the NE. However, they $10/person dinner on Saturday night is a and sides. As we shared our stories of shifted frequently and there were some great mixer. Mark your calendar NOW the morning races, the winds began to “lulls” as well. We had to read the for next year’s event – it is always the build as a front moved through – the posted race course carefully as there weekend before Labor Day. storms staying mostly to the south of were some roundings to port and some to Indianapolis. When it was time for the starboard – our 1st experience with a fig- Results 1:30 harbor start, winds had built to 15- ure 8 course! On the windward leg, 20 mph with higher gusts, waves, white Team Himmelsbach couldn’t “get with Place Crew Pts caps and 90-degree shifts! We chose to the shifts”, and lagged far behind at the 1st Dan & Jan Lewis 13 st wait as long as possible before leaving 1 mark. Try as we might, we couldn’t 2nd Barry Skikne & Bill Smith 13 the dock, but eventually followed the 2 catch up with the other 2 boats. Team 3rd Bernie & Julie Himmelsbach 20 Kansas City boats out to the race course. Lewis lead throughout to take the win. 4th Rick Beale & Jerry Rezab 35 We struggled ~ halfway up the wind- The final race of the series was
December 2007 Page 5
Top Ten Memories from Past Nationals—Craig Tovell
#10 - People stepping over Mike the daily noon squall. where Dr. Chernoff took care of me! Gaber and I at Oriental when we chose #7 - Chris Demler getting de- #3 - The red mud at Kerr Reservoir to sleep at the base of the front stairs of pantsed in the middle of the street in and winning the Governors Cup crewing Don & Dot Malpas' cottage. The Finns front of a Bristol cop as the two Heine- for my dad. did us in, and I think everyone was kens in his pockets exploded! #2 - The "Old Farts" versus the afraid to check for a pulse , so the just #6 - Getting disqualified for being "Young Punks" annual volleyball game. stepped over us and left for racing. over early in the first race at Panama #1 - An Alex Krumdeick moment... #9 - Margo and I driving back from City (like at Rock Hall). Then, having a After getting a 19th and 20th at Christ- Bantam Lake, Connecticut without head- breakdown, losing the main clew before church on the second to last day in light lights to have to stay at the oldest bed the start, thus being two minutes late and air, I was getting ribbed that evening by and breakfast in America -- where still winning the race. the Windmill Juniors and I made an an- dwarves were the caretakers. #5 - The wild-ass plane in the tor- nouncement that I was "going to kick #8 - My yuppie crew in Texas won- nado at Concord that sheered the rudder their @ss with two bullets tomorrow." dering what the "fat rat with a shell" was perfectly flush to the water line. Which we did with a broken starboard (armadillo) and the "floating rocks" on #4 - Winning my first turnabout race spreader for both races in 15+ knots. I'd the surface (snapping turtles sunning at the Lake Gaston Nationals, where I have been the @ss (moreso, had it not themselves). He wouldn't get off the crewed for Russell Chauvenet. Wearing happened). boat until the fleet got wiped out from a patch over my eye from pink eye, (Continued on page 6)
West River Sailing Club Regatta—Allen Chauvenet
Only four boats made it to West need to sail more often but also showed River 2007 over the Labor Day some good sailing on Saturday and beat weekend, but they enjoyed wonderful the Arnesens twice. Everyone had a weather and hospitality. Allen delightful time with a fabulous Saturday Chauvenet and Sarah Strohl-Roy won evening cruise into the mouth of the both races on Sunday after splitting four Severn River and the heart of Annapolis Saturday races with Lon Ethington and (thanks to Lon & Meg and their friends) Meg Gimmi. Erik and Lars Arnesen and we again enjoyed the wonderful showed great improvement Sunday hospitality of Dick and Shirley Heintz (after some well-learned lessons), even for friendship and a find launching area. leading one race for a while and Come join us Labor Day weekend Allen Chauvenet rigging “Beauty finishing overlapped with Lon and Meg next year!! and the Beast” in the final race! Lisa and Ethan Hayes
President’s Comments continued...
(Continued from page 3) joying the days with family, and count- I’ll keep it short. Please send us ing our blessings that present themselves your stories, pictures and questions re- each day. I want to say thanks all of our garding the Windmill. We’d love to wonderful friends and family who crew have more stories than we can print. for us, and make it all seem so easy…. You might have noticed when your This is to inform you that there is a membership is up, don’t worry, Allen new, official Windmill website. Check Chauvenet will remind you gently if the out Alan Taylor’s newest creation: expiration date is soon. I hope this holi- http://windmillclass.myfleet.org day season has everyone in health, en-
Page 6 The Jouster
Top Ten Memories from Past Nationals—Craig Tovell continued...
(Continued from page 5) last race gave me a great sense of accomplishment!! (incredibly, * Extra Credit: Realizing the Civil War wasn't over when I would have been 2nd overall without winning the last race but being educated by Bill Dodge as that the corndog was really "A I’ve probably never worked harder on a race course than the Yankee Cornstick!" Huh? And, to later realize that he was a broad reach to the last mark and final beat to the finish). nuclear physicist. Made no sense to me.... Dennis was in a class by himself and had aluminum spars **EC2: Walt Bailey yelling unintelligible commands to his and Moormans to our wood boats and wood spar -- didn't stand team in team racing that made things worse with every word. a shot in hell. But, when Jim Fulton came onto the scene the Fontaine used to just win all the races (usually) which in its complexion changed -- second place for three years in a row -- own way was less impressive...not intended to take anything quitting Windmilling after having been team raced by Dennis so from him but if you have some system by which you always Peter could win in Oklahoma in '74. Pretty galling. We didn't win then perhaps you are either playing a different game or see Dennis after '76 at Gaston when his 10-year-old won the playing in the wrong ball park. All that makes ME feel that I Nationals turnabout skippering. It was amazing how far a jug of have accomplished SOMETHING in knowing how to sail be- orange juice, a box of Oreos and a tiller reacharound would go. cause I did manage to defeat all of you OCCAISIONALLY in We just wanted to bury our heads… individual races even when each person was at the top of their game. Of course, in 1973, Dennis Fontaine won the 58-boat The Chauvenets brought a lot to sailing and life and family... NC Governor’s Cup with 1-1-2 and I was (believe it or not) SECOND with 18-4-1...so while there really was no second, the Craig Tovell
Lauri Lipasti’s Reply to Ellen Peppler’s Interest in Finland Sailing
I really enjoyed your report on the Finnish championship usually spoken reasonably well here, especially by the younger regatta and was intrigued by the fact that many who participate generation. This is partly because our own language, Finnish, in Windmill events in Finland are members (or aspiring is so difficult and also so different from any other language, members) of its national sailing team. The competition at that we need to learn other languages to be able to Windmill races there must be stiff indeed! Your article communicate with others than natives at all. Knowing English, prompted several questions in my mind, Lauri, for example: German, French, Italian, Spanish, Swedish or Russian, or any 1) What is the level of female participation in Finnish other slavic languages, for that matter, does not get you sailing and particularly Windmill sailing? I´m not sure about anywhere in Finnish, unfortunately. The only close relative female participation in the sailing scene in general here, but I language is Estonian, just south of the Baltic Sea (and would estimate perhaps 10-15%, and the Windmill class is linguistics say also Hungarian, maybe, but it is hard to believe). probably enjoying similar female participation figure. Kids learn English in the elementary school from the age of 8 2) What were the air and water temperatures on the days of years onwards. And we have a lot of exposure to English your championship? Air temperature on a summer day here is language in TV programs and movies, much of the popular around 75 -80 °F, and water temperature in the lakes typically culture operates in English. 70°F. I do not have the data from the regatta days, but that was I am sure you’ve noticed that most of my questions are a typical summer day and the above numbers are in the right more cultural than they are nautical, but I think other readers of ball park. Not very warm, not very cold. the Jouster would be as interested as I to know the answers. In 3) What would a "proper lunch on the shore" consist of in fact, it might be fun to consider a sort of cultural exchange Finland? (ALL sailors, regardless of nationality, are interested between our class associations. Yes, I agree, exchange of in food and drink, I daresay!). "Proper lunch" in this context sailing ambassadors would be beneficial for both the United means just a warm lunch, served in the club house, instead of States WCA and Finnish WCA, as well. U.S. participation is having candy bars in the boats. Lasagne, spaghetti Bolognese, most welcome to add flavour to our Nationals. The difficulty is or some soup, and bread, salad is the usual menu. in the other direction, to convince our more competent sailors 4) Do many Finns have the same command of English that to make the "Windmill tour", as summer is so short here and you have? Is English taught in schools there? English is packed with other sailing activity. But let us see… Lauri
December 2007 Page 7
Observations on Boat Safety by Tom Lathrop
As you know, Liz and I were there safety boats to rescue. We towed one of The fact is, a fiberglass Windmill with our powerboat to set and move the boats in and went back out to see if with faulty tanks is a far greater safety marks plus serve as safety boat. The last we could help the other safety boat with issue than an old wooden boat with no is what I want to bring to the attention of the sunken Windmill. Only the mast was flotation at all, other than the wood it- the Windmill Class. Way back in class above the water and one of the safety self. If the sailors on the stricken boats history when the fiberglass boat was crews stripped to shorts and went into had anchors and knew how to use them introduced, one of its great values was the water to try to secure it in some way in a capsize or swamping, none of these the air tanks that many skippers found so it could be towed to shore. The only boats would have required outside assis- allowed them to pop back up after a cap- thing available was the forestay so they tance. I think I might have been the only size and continue in a race, often with tied a line to that. The line slipped up one to vote against getting rid of the an- little time lost. I have even seen some the forestay to the hounds and quickly chors. turn over intentionally to fix some prob- broke the stay at the deck fitting. If the How to test the air tanks? The time lem at the masthead. A well-executed line had not snagged on the frayed end of honored way is to pressurize the tank and recovery left little water in the boat and the stay which held it securely, they look for bubbles with a soapy solu- that could be quickly be slurped out by would have lost contact with the boat. tion. Don’t use high pressure, even a the bailer. Windmills without air tanks There were several reasons for the vacuum cleaner is too much and could found that they most often needed to cast failure of the air tanks on the affected cause distortion or even rupture of the out the anchor to hold the boat into the Windmills but the results were the tank. A hair dryer or hot air gun set on wind while the crew bailed from outside same. All three rescue boats were totally cool is adequate. Make a connection the boat until the water was low enough involved in saving the affected boats. If hose between the air gun and the tank to allow at least one crewmember to get this had happened in the first race of the drain fitting. There is one of those pro- back in to continue bailing. Eventually, day, there would have been no more vided, isn’t there? There should be only the water was low enough to allow both races that day. The sunken boat was one hole, a tiny one put there intention- crew in the boat so the Elvstrom bailer finally dragged to the nearest shore ally for pressure equalization due to tem- could remove the rest of the water. Some where it was emptied and brought back perature variation. Other leaks should be wooden ‘mills were retrofitted with to the marina area. sealed. Remember, it will generally take tanks and some were designed with inte- On many levels, this is completely at least two vents to allow water to enter gral tanks in the initial construc- unacceptable in the Windmill in any dangerous quantity. One is tion. This was all to the credit of the Class. Some effort is required to get the needed for the water to enter and one for Windmill Class since some sailing clubs word to class members that air tanks are the air to escape. Air, of course can vent were getting antsy about running races useless unless they are filled with air and through a much smaller hole than water. for boats that could not self rescue. not with water. This should be obvious Another issue raises its ugly head Fast-forward to an earlier Nationals but clearly it is not taken as seriously as here. There is a Coast Guard require- at Edenton where the class voted to re- it should be. Periodic inspection of air ment that small boats like our Windmill, move the requirement to carry an anchor tanks should be on the maintenance list produced for sale to the public, must since unsinkable boats did not need of any Windmiller. Some skippers don’t contain adequate positive floatation to them. The safety issue was deemed not give a second thought to mounting new prevent the boat from sinking and also a problem any longer. hardware on the tanks, whether the integ- provide some level of additional floata- Fast forward to the first day of rac- rity of the tanks is violated or not. Some tion for the crew. Whether this require- ing at Edenton this year. In the blustery old inspection ports or drain outlets can ment extends to the Windmill or not, we conditions of the last race of the day leak badly. Old fittings can loosen and should insist on it. Anyone can do this several boats capsized. Three of these leak. Even new ports are suspect until by installing some floatation foam, either had faulty air tanks that caused them to they are tested. All fiberglass Windmills in the tanks or under thwarts. Such foam take in water. Of these, two could be that I know of have only one continuous must be of the closed cell, waterproof very slowly towed back to shore al- air tank. Separate tanks would be far kind, not the typical white stuff found in though they were almost completely superior. If one fails, the boat could be packing or coolers. This stuff will drink submerged. This was a painfully slow rolled and righted with the other. Floata- up water, usually not enough to ruin its process and, if the distance were greater, tion tanks do not need to be perfect but value as floatation but enough to add might not have been possible and these they do need to prevent water entry long considerable weight to the boat. The boats would have sunk. The third boat enough to allow the boat to be blue, or sometimes pink foam found at did completely sink. The exhausted righted. This can be a long time if the any builder’s supply house is good. The crew were taken to shore in another boat, mast is in the mud as was seen at the blue is what I use for floatation in my leaving the sunken boat to one of the Midwinters in Tampa this year. (Continued on page 8)
Page 8 The Jouster
Observations from Tom Lathrop on Boat Safety, continued...
(Continued from page 7) safety, so lets add another 50 lbs. That any of the affected boats in the Edenton boats, when it’s needed. gives a total of 92.5 + 50 = 142.5 lbs of regatta had floatation or not but we know How much foam is needed? We flotation. 142.5 lbs divided by 62.5 at least one did not. need at least enough to counter the (weight of fresh water per cu ft) equals If this sounds like a rant, that is at weight of the submerged boat and rig- 2.28 cu ft of foam. Good floatation foam least partly by intention. This old, over ging. A fiberglass structural panel weighs about 3 lbs/ cu ft. but I will let it the hill, Windmiller hates to see the class weighs about 90 to 95 lbs per cu ft. so a stand that 2.3 cubic feet of foam are fall into a poor reputation for such an Windmill at 200 lbs has about 2.2 cu ft needed in a Windmill for this calcula- avoidable lapse in preparation. The of fiberglass material in it. Kick in an- tion. This will keep a Windmill from names of the three miscreants are with- other 30 lbs for the rigging and we get sinking and give enough margin to keep held since other suspects are still at large 230 lbs that needs to be offset. We need two crew heads above water if they don’t and could share the same fate should a that much positive floatation to just give have their life jackets on. capsize overtake them. This was a tough neutral buoyancy for the boat. 2.2 cu ft I’m pretty sure that the USCG re- enough ordeal for the three crews that of fresh water weighs about 137.5 lbs so quirement is more stringent than this, but they will likely insure that it does not we need to offset 230 – 137.5 = 92.5 lbs you get the idea. It would take some happen again. It is for the rest that this that is trying to sink the boat. We need serious study to decipher the CG regula- shot over the bow is intended. the boat to have more than neutral buoy- tions that might apply to a boat like the ancy plus some additional for crew Windmill. I also don’t know whether Tom Lathrop, Old Goat
A New Builder of Windmills and Blades—Rick Loheed
accuracy. It is “Lets sell some Windmills and get Some of you are aware already—I now a matter of defining the fiberglass more people racing!” have been diligently preparing to build scantlings and deciding on the building both fiberglass and wood Windmills and method. Today's EPA and OSHA issues Windmill parts here in Maryland (by the frown on the tried and true open laminate good graces of former president Bill molding, though it can be and is still Rudders: Regarding, the tolerance Blanton, whom I thank). I have been in done. I am hoping to build the Windmills discussion, I personally think it is fine. touch with Arthur Anosov, and I had a with a vacuum resin infusion process. It sudden opportunity to go pick up the Simply adjust the core size for the can be done readily with the existing desired finish. I can accomplish this Windmill molds at the Anosov’s home mold, and the Divynicell cores are easily in the 3-D CAD model I have in Florida and bring them to Maryland. I available pre-channeled for this purpose. already. Thickness of the layups can be have the molds for the class here, stored All reinforcements and cores are lightly predicted with VlamBlue, a software indoors. They need some restoration due spray glued dry in the mold with resin package I have from VectorPly. to outdoor storage in Florida. injection and vacuum tubes, peel ply and It will take me some more time I have now stocked about 1450 Lbs. absorbent polyester breather material to do estimates for the rudders, of 6mm and 9mm from Harbor Sales and strategically placed and then vacuum depending on which method is accepted expect to keep stock of Okoume there to bagged 'dry', removing all the air that and what is to be built. Some of you cut Windmill parts on my CNC router. would form bubbles. After the vacuum is have expressed an interest in lightweight That would make about 6 or 7 established, the resin is mixed and pulled rudders. The lightest would of course be Windmills! The epoxy and hardener for into the mold by the vacuum, wetting a carbon fiber/epoxy over a light core of my first wood Windmill is also along the length of the keel line then foam, with wood in strategic spots for purchased, and I have been stocking up pulling the resin outboard toward the pintles and tiller attachments. Less on the necessary tools. The codes are all sheer through the fiberglass material and expensive but heavier would either be written for the daggerboards and around the cores. Once resin reaches the glass molded rudders in polyester or rudders. The CNC router vacuum hold outer edges of the mold, the appropriate Vinylester resin. I can build molds and down table is also in full swing, the dust feed tubes are shut off. In this way, very set up a vacuum assisted resin transfer pickup system has been redone for little vapor escapes. There are no system, but if individual members want higher performance, and I have 'secondary bonds', making a very tough completed re-tuning the CNC machine hull in one shot. (Continued on page 9) controller for optimum performance and
December 2007 Page 9
A New Builder of Windmills and Blades, continued...
(Continued from page 8) again. I suspect this has protected the originally intended role as the preferred different types of construction I suspect hull mold pretty well. Interest in new high level training boat again. It is so desire for this might be a majority, might boats must be generated to rejuvinate the much faster than an FJ (D-PN, 98!), it's a not. I have a penchant for good molds and keep them functional. wonder it did not become the collegiate wood construction, sealed in epoxy and Research: I have done a lot of class, though I guess the need for a finished with a good varnish, simply homework on the Windmill, for the hull, slightly beefier hull to take the abuse liking it’s beauty. I plan to use Bristol daggerboard, and rudders, and plan to college students would give it went into finish, which is supposed to last for write it all up for the Jouster. For now, I that decision. years. I also have a large modern CNC have set up a preliminary website at router capable of 3D shapes. My I have also modeled the rudder in 3D in http://mysite.verizon.net/vzew00ta/ preference for construction would be to ‘Rhinoceros’ from the drawing that was loheed/index.html It does not have the design the core smaller than the final in the Jouster, using a NACA 0012 sec- results of my hull studies, but will. product by the thickness of the finish or tion shape- see attached images. laminate, machine them on the router, In support of Windmills and my and then vacuum bag the outer plies. endeavor here I have ideas of marketing Finish could be at the discretion of the other than through the class, pending buyer- I can finish with Awlgrip or class approval of course. I don't expect equivalent, I just hate to see it wet building the Windmill to make me a lot sanded later; so if some want just a blank of money, but it must of course support so they can finish it and sand it for each the effort in the end to remain viable for regatta. Daggerboards: My me to do it. It is my contention that to daggerboard has a NACA 63 adaptation, grow the class you must do a lot of PR fitting it to the 3” allowable fairing rule and advertising, sell boats, establish a and the new tolerancing. I can also build great small boat training program using wood ones, build a mold, etc. Windmills of course- then recruit racers. Hulls: One reason for buying I also hope to create wood hulls in my router was to prepare a kit to build various forms- from a simple 'kit' of pre- the composite Okoume/Epoxy Windmill. cut Okoume parts through affordable Currently, I am extremely busy building unfinished but already glued up hulls a 55’ research craft of the same through to final finished boats. This materials, and already built a 37’ version would help keep the historic perspective of the same thing. One of the previous and pride of building the Windmill that sections can be seen at the Company is so cherished alive and well and give Information portion of my website. I more people unsure of their wood hope to be starting construction of my boatbuilding skills the chance to give it a wood composite Windmill within the shot- to whatever extent they wish. It is a month, but at least by mid February. I perfect thing to advertise in 'Popular need to replace my not too competitive Mechanics', for example. ‘DuraBilt’. The fixture will be similar in I also would like to entertain scope to Tom Lathrop’s, but cut on the offering the fiberglass boats in a variety CNC router to be assembled on site, of finishes to appeal to the young, featuring a built in water level system for modern and dynamic demographic, see precision alignment of the frames on any the attached 'Chromaveil' advert image. arbitrary floor. It will knock down for This would help us compete with the shipping with pre-cut Windmill parts. other high tech offerings out there- after I do have an interest in building all, the Windmill is quite fast and the fiberglass boats also- but need to discuss new daggerboard and rudder rules should the fiberglass layup schedule with Arthur make it faster if they are accepted. I like Anosov. The molds are safe for now, and the idea of building a Windmill with the one boat was started already by blue always wet looking deck print Arthur. The gel coat and first glass layer perhaps. A deck that looks like real are in, but time and outdoor storage has wood might be popular too, in keeping taken it’s toll. It is probably worth with the tradition of wood Windmills. finishing, since vacuum bagging the Since Clark Mill's Optimist Pram is cores will pull it flat against the mold such a 'staple' still today, it seems like the Windmill still could fulfill it's
Page 10 The Jouster
V-7 Rudder Observations—Rick Fontana
I am most interested in a light- bigger than the allowed size because of at all concerned about having an easy weight rudder with aluminum tiller. the thickness of the surface finishing (large) tolerance on the rudder size, but I Even though the new rudder is easier to materials. To reliably make a rudder am concerned that having it the tolerance make than the old rudder, I don’t want to measure, the nice round numbers can not tight and below nominal only will lead to make another rudder. Although it is be used for layout. I think that defeats great frustration and wasted time. Some interesting and can be fun to make, it the purpose of having nice round num- of us remember the “apex Nationals” and takes a good bit of time, which is some- bers. If we don’t change the tolerance, most of us had to modify our rudders to thing many of us have in very limited then we should probably point this out in meet the letter of the rule – there was supply! A friend of mine with a lot of the rules, but I would change the certainly no speed difference before or model aircraft experience thinks a model rules. Theoretically, any added size after, but there were a lot of unhappy airplane wing company could make could only make the boat slower by add- sailors! these rudders of wood, foam, and glass ing wetted surface. Anyway, the differ- reinforced plastic very inexpensively. I ences will be negligible. would also be interested in knowing If there is an error, it is actually eas- what airfoil section was being used for ier to make a rudder that does not meas- the foil order. I have built a new rudder ure a bit bigger than to make it of wood and the experience has been smaller. You have to sand all the finish educational – I think we need to change off and a good bit of wood to get a rud- the tolerances immediately. der smaller, but you can make it bigger Having built a rudder, I think the easily with fairing compound. If it is tolerances need to be changed to plus or fiberglass instead of wood, then you minus and be at least plus one eighth really are in for a big job making the inch over nominal size. If the rudder is rudder smaller! I propose that we imme- laid out to the design dimensions and diately change the tolerance to include + carefully made, then it will come out 1/8 or more over nominal size. I am not
Thoughts on the new V-7 Rudder—Dan Fontaine
In an effort to do justice for the sailing with the new rudder. noticing that the boat is so controllable hard work and efforts of so many peo- I kept noticing that the boat was un- and that it feels so right. It was like la- ple in our class regarding the new V-7 der control in near capsizing events and tent learning, when you learn something rudder, I am sending this note that will that upwind I was able to focus on coach- but you are unaware that you are learn- more accurately reflect my thoughts ing/helping Cyndy, as I could feel the ing it. and feelings about the new rudder, as I groove so much better. One time when On my way home that night I kept have had some time to reflect on my going upwind, I took my eyes off the thinking that I do not want to go back to paradigm shifting experience! sails for some 20 plus seconds as I could my old rudder, but I could not put my Regarding the use of the new V-7 sense that the boat was being sailed right, finger on the reason why. Then, sud- rudder at Davis Island, I forgot to men- then, thinking that I need to check my denly, I realized that the reason the boat tion that my crew Cyndy, who had telltales, I looked up and the telltales were was so much more controllable and had never been in a sailboat, was very late perfect. such better, more precise feel, is be- arriving at the venue so we launched I didn't think about the new rudder cause of the new rudder. immediately upon her arrival without until we were approaching the beach— You are right Dave Neilsen, our reviewing any boat procedures. These then I thought about the additional 9 fabulous new leader, you can count my facts, combined with the fact that the inches that the new rudder draws. After vote for the new V-7 rudder!!! breeze was 15-plus mph, demanded jumping in the water before the rudder hit that I primarily focus on staying up- bottom, I thought to myself that this 9 right while attempting to coach and- inches is really not that big of a change. help Cyndy with her responsibili- To summarize, although I had forgot- ties. Thus, I was basically in survival ten that I was trying the new rudder and mode so I completely forgot that I was instead was just trying to survive, I kept
December 2007 Page 11
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Windmill Class Association
Windmill Class Association 1571 Quarrier Street Charleston, WV 25311
Jouster Editor: Scott Rovanpera
WCA Webmaster: Alan Taylor www.windmillclass.myfleet,org The Jouster
www.windmillclass.org
2007-8 National Officers & District Commodores
President—Dave Neilsen Florida—Dan Fontaine New England—Roger Demler 4828 Fortna Road 77 Woodside Drive 169 Maple Street Yuba City, CA 95993 Lakeland, FL 33813 Sherborn, MA 01770 Telephone—530.671.5604 Telephone—863.648.0242 Telephone—508.653.2069 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
1st Vice President—Ethan Bixby Southern—Rusty Field Western—Alan Taylor 4820 15th Avenue 105 Dogwood Lane 265 Monterey Street St. Petersburg, FL 33713 Johnson City, TN 37604 Brisbane, CA 94005 Telephone—727.323.5142 Telephone—423.928.0542 Telephone—415.404.6091 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
2nd Vice President—Scott Rovanpera Mid-Atlantic—Mark Lathrop Class Measurer—Roy Sherman 449 La Casa Via 307 Highland Drive 43 Highview Avenue Walnut Creek, CA 94598 Edgewater, MD 21037 Huntington Station, NY 11746 Telephone—925.939.4069 Telephone—410.956.0457 Telephone—631.425.0853 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Secretary-Treasurer—Allen Chauvenet Midwestern-Carol Alexander Finland—Lauri Lipasti 1571 Quarrier Street 5677 Forest Grove Ave. [email protected] Charleston, WV 25311 Westerville, OH 43081 Telephone—336.414.2327 Telephone-614.392.0094 Greece—George Karaiskos [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]