Sept 21, 2005
New Members
Welcome to our two new members from New Jersey-- Al Pritchard and Dave
Slevin. These two Swift builders will be sailing out of Sandy Hook with our
Pres, Greg. As always, Greg knows how to make things happen and Al and Dave
will
benefit from his experience. We have now reached the 70 boat milestone.
Boat shows:
The boat shows seemed very successful (only time will tell for sure). Mike
Jocelyn came down from Canada to help me at the Wooden Boat show and we had a
great time. I don't know how to thank Mike properly. He's one of those guys
who can anticipate what needs to happen and get it done before you have a
chance to ask him. You couldn't find better help at any price and Mike
donated his time to the class.
Demonstration sailing the Swift right behind our booth was a big hit
followed by dry land hoisting and dousing the kite. We always attracted big
crowds
with the kite and word of this âmagic actâ got around the show quickly.
Trouble was that they all wanted to know how they could adapt it to their
Leadmine 45âs. It seems that they wanted to eliminate one or two crew
members.
When we would finish the kite thing and demonstrate our sheeting system their
eyes would glaze over with dreams of single handing their boats. Hopefully,
some of these guys will eventually do the math and the bell will ring.
We owe a lot to Carl Sutter from Fisheries Supply (owner) for providing the
space at the Boats Afloat Show is Seattle. Our spot was right in the middle
of the busiest part of the show and adjacent to their booth. Carl is a big
fan and promoter of the Swift Solo I canât think of anyone who does more for
around the buoys racing than Carl. He and his crew see the Swift in action
on Thursdays nights (he races his Etchels) and never fails to share exciting
observations with other sailors.
Class stuff:
Good things are happening to our class. It seems that growth always takes
longer than I anticipate but the thing that has become apparent is the level
of commitment of our people. Building the foundation of our class around
sailors who have, for the most part, built their own boats was a brilliant
accident. In the end, it may be even more important than the design of the
Swift.
In addition to our two newest members teaming up to build their boats
together, plans are underway by four or five Seattle sailors to start a group
build of Swifts. One of the biggest benefits of this kind of effort is the
synergy of a larger skill pool and the knowledge that others will be ready to
race
in your club when youâre done. Sailors who donât have facilities
available
(a garage), can team up and rent space to build their boats more reasonably.
If you are thinking about getting a group of Swift builders together at your
club, let me know. We can help you get some concessions and rebates that
will offset some of your costs.
Bram
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