Obsessions

["Robert Harper" <rharper@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I think that some of us are missing the point that Bram and others have  
mentioned. That is what is the "cheeper" hull over time. If I could  
buy/build a hull that will remain competitive for several years that costs  
event 50% more than a molded hull. How is it better to buy something else  
that must be replaced every year or two?

The thing to remember is that the class rules were written to make  
"cheeter" boats non existent. The boats are not coplicated to build. I use  
the construction phase of a boat to be my diversion over the winter when  
the lakes are frozen. The boat is not really a wood boat like some think  
of it. It has a wood core. Many commercial boats have plywood core decks  
but we never think of them as being wooden. The upkeep is nothing like  
maintaining a classic teak deck like those on a Westsail.

This is a fun and amazingly easy boat to sail. Sunday I went out on the  
course with the "lead mines" and had a blast. It is so much fun to push an  
Olson 30 into the committee boat at the start or force one of them to give  
room on a port-starboard. I was even able to go the whole day without a  
swim. Gone was my customary "teabag" at the kite toss. I find that the  
more I just sail and stop thinking about how things work, the better the  
boat sails. I don't think that people should avoid the boat because of the  
"high performance" label. I have been pleasenty supprised at how easy the  
boat is to sail.

My advice to those sitting on the fence is to find someone that has one  
and take it for a test drive. The swift is a great boat for someone that  
wants more out of sailing. You don't have to be an olympic skipper to  
enjoy sailing the boat.
--

Don't be good have fun.
Live large, love lots, and sail fast!
Robert Harper


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