MINI TRANSAT
"Our goal is simple," said skipper Clay Burkhalter. "It is to win the 2007
Mini Transat on a U.S. designed and built boat with a U.S. sailor at the
helm." The 30th Transat 6.50, popularly called the Mini Transat, will start
in September 2007. The 4240-mile singlehanded race starts in La Rochelle,
France, stopping in the Canary Islands and finishing in Salvador da Bahia,
Brazil.
Rod Johnstone, Burkhalter's uncle, designed Acadia USA 575. The boats'
basic specs are LOA = 6.5 meters (21 feet), BOA = 3 meters, draft = 2
meters. Mast length is nearly twice the LOA and they carry about 400 square
feet of sail area upwind (1200 feet downwind). An American-designed boat
won the Mini Transat in 1979, but since then none have contested the
French-dominated race. In 2003 American Jonathan McKee's Team McLube was
leading by 100 miles when his mast broke 500 miles from the finish. Four
American sailors are preparing boats for 2007.
Entrance is limited to 72 sailors who must qualify by completing a
1000-mile non-race solo sail and a 1000-mile solo race on an Open 6.5 Meter
Class or 'Mini'. Acadia was launched in late February for sea trials and
several admirers were overheard saying, "She looks like a J!" In the spring
Burkhalter will complete a 1000-mile qualifying solo sail in Florida and
the boat will be shipped to France. - http://www.teamacadia.org
Photos of the launch: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/news/06/0328
posted by Breakwater 3/30/2006 12:37:00 PM
Entry applications for the Centennial Bermuda Race are now up to 256
and still climbing. The previous record entry total was 182 set in 1982
and 2002. The amateur driven St. David’s Lighthouse Division, formerly
called the Cruiser/Racers, leads the fleet with 128 applicants. The
Cruiser Division, an amateur racing division for boats designed and used
more for offshore passage-making rather than racing, is the second
largest with 54 applicants. Next is the Double-Handed Division with 18,
followed by the professionally crewed Gibbs Hill Lighthouse Division,
formerly the Racing Division, with 17.
posted by Breakwater 3/24/2006 04:08:00 PM
SPRING INTO BOATING WITH BOATU.S.' COMMISSIONING SAFETY CHECKLIST
To help boaters have a trouble-free boating season, BoatU.S., the
nation's largest recreational boating association, has a spring
commissioning checklist for the nation's 13 million boat owners. Whether you have
a power or sailboat, inboard or outboard, following this checklist is
an easy way to get ready for the season.
BEFORE YOU LAUNCH:
· Inspect and lubricate seacocks. Hoses and hose clamps should be
inspected and replaced as necessary.
· Replace deteriorated zincs.
· Inspect prop(s) for dings, pitting and distortion. Make sure cotter
pins are secure. Grip the prop and try moving the shaft - if it's
loose, the cutless bearing may need to be replaced.
· Check to make sure the rudderstock hasn't been bent.
· Inspect the hull for blisters, distortions and stress cracks.
· Make sure your engine intake sea strainer is free of corrosion and
properly secured.
· Check the engine shaft and rudder stuffing boxes for looseness. After
the boat is launched, be sure to check these as well as through-hulls
for leaks.
· Use a hose to check for deck leaks at ports and hatches. Renew caulk
or gaskets as necessary.
· If equipped, ensure that the stern drain plug is installed.
OUTDRIVES and OUTBOARD ENGINES:
· Inspect rubber outdrive bellows for cracked, dried and/or
deteriorated spots (look especially in the folds), and replace if suspect.
· Check power steering and power trim oil levels. Replace worn-out
zincs.
· Inspect outer jacket of control cables. Cracks or swelling indicate
corrosion and mean that the cable has to be replaced.
· Inspect fuel lines, including fill and vent hoses, for softness,
brittleness or cracking. Check all joints for leaks and make sure all
lines are well supported with non-combustible clips or straps with smooth
edges.
ENGINES AND FUEL SYSTEMS:
· Inspect fuel tanks, fuel pumps and filters for leaks. Clamps should
be snug and free of rust. Clean fuel filters. Owners of boats with
fiberglass fuel tanks should be aware that gasoline with ethanol can
corrode tanks and damage engines. Look for black "goo" under the
carburetor.
· Inspect cooling hoses and fittings for stiffness, rot, leaks and/or
cracking. Make sure they fit snugly and are double-clamped.
· Every few years, remove and inspect exhaust manifold for corrosion.
· Clean and tighten electrical connections, especially both ends of
battery cables. Wire-brush battery terminals and fill cells with
distilled water (if applicable).
· Inspect bilge blower hose for leaks.
SAILBOAT RIGGING:
· Inspect fittings for cracks and rust. Inspect wire halyards and
running backstays for "fishhooks" and rust.
· Remove tape on turnbuckles and lubricate threads, preferably with
Teflon. Replace old tape with fresh tape.
· Recaulk through-deck chainplates as necessary (generally, once a
decade).
TRAILERS:
· Inspect tire treads and sidewalls for cracks or lack of tread and
replace as necessary. Check air pressure. Don't forget the spare!
· Inspect bearings and repack as necessary.
· Test tail and back-up lights. Test winch to make sure it's working
properly.
· Inspect trailer frame for rust. Sand and paint to prevent further
deterioration.
MISCELLANEOUS:
· Check expiration dates on flares and fire extinguishers.
· Check stove and remote tanks for loose fittings and leaking hoses.
· Inspect bilge pump and float switch to make sure it's working
properly.
· Inspect dock and anchor lines for chafing.
· Update or replace old charts, waterway guides.
· Check shore power cable connections for burns, which indicates the
cable and/or the shore power inlet needs to be replaced.
· Make sure your boating license and/or registration is up to date.
Don't forget your trailer tags.
· Review your boat insurance policy and update coverage if needed. Be
sure you have fuel spill insurance coverage.
· Make sure you have a properly sized and wearable life jackets in good
condition for each passenger, including kids and pets.
· Test smoke, carbon monoxide and bilge alarms.
· Be sure to get a free vessel safety check from the U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons. Find out how at
http://www.safetyseal.net
This checklist is available at http://www.BoatUS.com/freebies
BoatU.S. - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the
nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its 640,000
members with a wide array of consumer services including a group-rate
marine insurance program that insures nearly a quarter million boats; the
largest fleet of more than 500 towing assistance vessels; discounts on
fuel, slips, and repairs at over 825 Cooperating Marinas; boat financing;
and a subscription to BoatU.S. Magazine, the most widely read boating
publication in the U.S. For membership information visit
http://www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.
posted by Breakwater 3/22/2006 01:53:00 PM