Huon Seal - Portland Vic.

[Portland]

Thanks Ian.
I hope this works .
This is the link.
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stuar...al?feat=email#
Edited Damn , it didn't work.
Regards and thanks anyway.Rob J.

[py]

Those sepia shots look pretty cool

[Portland]

Can you recognise the location Phil ?.
Rob J.

[rufustr]

Good Idea.

OK Here's the link again

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/stuar...al?feat=email#

and here's a few of the shots. If someone wouldn't mind quoting this message in a reply. it won't dissapear when Mr Anti-Authoritarian Man goes beserk again.

[Portland]

Thanks Rufus.
I'm hopeless with computer stuff.
Regards Rob J.

[seanz]

The (volunteer) Coast Guard are looking for radio operators , and I've volunteered.
I had a lot of experience in the army , and airline industry , so this hopefully shouldn't be too hard.
And will be good experience , for my own boating.
Rob J.

Well done that man!


Very nice pics of the boat too.

[Portland]

Well , I'm past being a CFA volunteer , the coastguard radio operator should be just fine.
And I'm hoping to get to know more of the local seagoing community , and learn more about the coast around here.
Its all experience.
Yes , I like those photos , and I'm hoping to add a lot more to the collection this summer.
Regards Rob J.

[RFNK]

Can you recognise the location Phil ?.

Who's Phil? Huon River. Rick

[Portland]

Rick PY I believe is Phil.
The photos I believe are in D'Entreousteaux (SP) Channel and the Huon River.
She was built in Geeveston and I believe moored in Cygnet.
A very nice place in the world.
Regards Rob J.

[Portland]

Well , things are starting to happen.
I arranged for a couple of very experienced sailors to go out on HS today with me.
It started out a bright and still day , but then the wind came up .
But still , we went out , the only ones out.
The launching was too easy , but then damn ! , that old yanmar wouldn't start !.
Finally , we got her fired up , and were able to leave the ramp.
We decided to put 2 reefs in the main , a good decision !.
My 2 sailing companions were impressed with the ease of reefing , done easily from the companionway , and how she handled the gusty conditions starting at 25 knots , but gusting well over.
They were very impressed with the sailing ability of my little boat , but not the engine setup , and fully endorsed the imminent engine change.
When we came charging back in , heeled right over as we scooted past the end of the Lee breakwater , it was lined with photographers !.
That made me feel proud of my little boat.
And my sailing companions had a chuckle when I related what the PO had said "you will never be able to pee over the back of the boat again ".
Because you are always being watched , and photographed.
Anyway , the yanmar started straight up this time , coming in , and with the self furlers and lazy jacks the sails were quickly put to bed , and we motored in to the old port section , were the HS was doubled up with the bigger Cayzer boat , and we were able to just walk off her .
Such luxury !.
I've taken the trailer to get a little work done on it , and this time next week we should have completed another sail on her , and have back on her trailer , and have the mast down and rigging off , ready to go to the boatbuilder.
A very satisfying day !.
Rob J.

[Larks]

I'm so bloody envious Rob! Sounds like a fantastic sail with one of those perfect sail pasts that we all love to watch. Terrific stuff!

[Portland]

Yes , it was good Greg.
I've never doubted HS , for some reason , under sail , and to see the way those boys made her show her stuff was pretty good.
Put it this way.
I'd stocked an esky , because I knew the boys "hated a beer".
But we all forgot about it , till she was moored off the Cayzer boat again !.
I think it will be a long time before I'd be game to sail her like that , but its good to know what she is capable of !.
Regards Rob J.

[RFNK]

Great Rob! I'm envious too! My wife called today and said a strong nor'easter was blowing into Port Stephens but here in Ha Noi it's hot as blazes with no wind, and no boat, of course! I was wondering how you were going. I guess the next step is putting that new motor in is it? Rick

[Portland]

Rick , I'm hoping to have a sail next Sunday , then yes , get her on the trailer ,de- rig her , and get her down to Garry Stewart.
The boys that sailed today take out that 26 ft Cayzer boat around Cape Nelson , to the Cape Bridgewater area , fishing .
Today they were saying I could take HS anywhere , and that with the new engine I can follow them around to THEIR fishing grounds , no worries !.
Did that light me up ! , I'd love to do that !.
That would be the icing on the cake , what I've always wanted to do , successfully fish under sail .
I'll bet its hot and sticky in Ha Noi , it would take a while to get used to , but won't be long , and it will be consigned to the memory bank.
Make the most of this time.
Oh , there is also a regatta or something in Port Fairy at New Year , it looks like HS will be joining the fleet from Portland !.
Regards Rob J.

[Portland]

The HS tender.
I've got the little 6ft 6 strip planked tender that came with her , that Garry Stewart has set up better for me.
Whoever it was set up for originally was shorter than I , so Garry extended the seat forward (using Huon Pine) , and set the transom up for a small outboard , which I'm hoping to get today.
He also put a U bolt in low in the bow , so it can be towed better.
But I've been in contact with Iain , and the plans for "Humble Bee" are on the way from Scotland.
She will be set up with a gunter rig (similar to HS), and made of ply and Tasmanian timbers , probably Huon and Celery top , like the boat she will be a tender for.
I guess I could call her "little Huey".
She won't be that big though that I couldn't continue carrying her across the cockpit , when HS is on the trailer , so when I go to say the Gippsland lakes , "Little Huey" can come along too , and I can try sailing her there.
This coming summer sounds like its gonna have a lot of sailing in it !.
Rob J.

[RFNK]

Will you build the Humble Bee Rob? Rick

[Larks]

Rob, d you have any photos of the tender? I don't recall seeing it.

[Portland]

I'll maybe build the Humble Bee Rick, thats if my shed ever gets put up !.
I'll try to get some photos of the little tender Gary , right now I'm about to go get the little Yamaha outboard.
Its supposed to rain again the next few days , but if I get a chance I'll get the tender with motor on the water , and take some photos.
I've gotta do some study , Coastguard exams are on grand final day !.
Regards Rob J.

[RFNK]

Which approach Rob - glued lap, strip-planked or traditional clinker with frames? And do you mind telling us how much you paid for the plans? Rick

PS Rob, you'll appreciate this. It's currently lunchtime here in Ha Noi and today I'm heading down to a Japanese restaurant as a treat instead of having the usual noodle dish for about 70c. I'll have grilled sanma fish with tea, miso soup, seasoned rice and some other little dishes they throw in as a lunchtime special. This will cost USD 6.50. As far as I can tell, sanma fish is exactly the same as the small mackeral that are so common in your part of the world. They just throw it straight on the griller - no cleaning at all, and it tastes just brilliant. These fish are commonly used only for bait in Australia to catch boring fish like snapper. Try grilling those little mackerals - they're great if you like that strong, oily fishy taste, of course (as I do!).

[Portland]

I haven't thought about construction technique for the Humble Bee yet , maybe I could start a thread to discuss it.
But if I use ply , why not the same construction technique as HS ?.
The plans were 57 pounds , from Iain.
The meal sounds good , but to be frank , nothing like the stuff I bought there.
A boat owners meeting tonight in the Trades Hall building in town , jeez , it will be creepy going in to a place like that , but I'm determined to go to the meeting.
Speak to you later.
Regards Rob J.

[Larks]

Good luck Rob, the meeting sounds interesting, I reckon you'll meet some good lads there. Is there an agenda or is it just a get together?

[RFNK]

But if I use ply , why not the same construction technique as HS ?.

That's glued lapstrake/clinker, right? I understand that Iain's plans for the Humble Bee give you three options - traditional clinker, glued clinker or strip-planked. I would think strip-planked would be the easiest but the choice is up to you, of course. Matching the clinker look of the HS sounds nice to me. You just need to be careful when planing the laps for gluing I guess.

Don't worry about the Trades Hall - there aren't too many cadres left are there? Rick

[WX]

Now why didn't I think of that!
She really is one sweat little yacht.

[Portland]

Gary , did you mean the belaying pins ?, there are now 4 on each side.
Or the running backstays ?.
I'm happy with the way she is set up to sail , yes !.
Rick , I think for the tender I'd go for glued clinker , with her gunter rig she would be a perfect little match for HS.
But I'll be guided by Garry Stewart , he is the man with the experience in boatbuilding.
Greg , it was the Boat Owners Assoc. AGM , but they are pushing the council for an area where boat owners can clean their hulls , and collect scraping etc to be disposed of , without attracting the EPA.
The best a keel boat owner can do now will cost close to $1000 !!!.
I think they will get it , an area for keel boats to scrub their hulls.
About bloody time !.
I'll be happy to just take HS home on the trailer , if the shed ever gets built , its raining again now !.
Regards Rob J.

[Portland]

Well Greg , I might have some more photos for ya !.
I went to a coastguard meeting tonight , and a bloke there , who is also in the Yacht club , saw me take HS out on Sunday.
He said to me " I thought then, Jeez , he must have rocks in his head , taking a boat out in a day like today !."
So he drove down to the Lee breakwater , and took some photos too.
He had to leave for a while , his son was complaining about the cold wind , but he reckoned it was 30 knots and gusting , and , stiff as HS is , we were heeled more than 45 deg at times.
So , I'll be interested to see the photos !.
Regards Rob J.

[WX]

The belaying pins Rob and the rope guides along the edge of the cabin top...nice idea.

[Portland]

Gary , its set up well for single handing , its all done from the cockpit , and reefing from the companionway.
Its a lot safer that way , especially for oofs like me.
Regards Rob J.

[WX]

She looks like you'd want to just be around her all the time. Do you have interior shots? I'll go back through the earlier pages.

[WX]

Ah yes there is, very cosy.

[Portland]

Yes , guilty as charged.
Every time I go to town , I go on board HS, and do something , just to be around her.
She is a classy lady , and when I get the engine and engine box changed , she will be even better.
I know I'm biased , she is mine , but aside from the engine , I wouldn't change a thing.
Perhaps fly a pennant , and put in a good spirit stove would be nice.
I would have liked to repower her with hybrid power , but there is nothing ready for her yet.
Regards Rob J.

[Larks]

I'm looking forward to seeing the shots from the breakwater. Send thm through when you get them Rob and I'll post them
cheers
Greg

[Portland]

Yes , I'll forward them straight away Greg.
I don't know what he has captured , obviously , but its got to be better than the photos I took !.
None !.
Regards Rob J.

[Portland]

Well Greg , I just got an e-mail from the photographer , he is going to put the photos he took on a CD , and bring them to the Coastguard exam on Saturday.
I guess that is guaranteeing I will turn up !.
Regards Rob J.

[Larks]

Here's a shot of Rob thundering long on HS the other day with a reef in and the bit between his teeth.

He mentioned that he thinks the refing looks a bit sloppy, what do you reckon?

Here's a closer look.....some might see a bit of the main hanging a bit loose.....:




I see two blokes having just wayyyyyy too much fun to be bothered with trying to look pretty when there's such damn decent sailing to be had!!!!!



That bloke doesn't look to be having to work too hard on the tiller there Rob, she must be very nicely balancd indeed!!

The only thing I see wrong here is a wallet getting close to taking a swim and some kinda weird head band action happening?

[Portland]

Greg ,yes , she is light at the helm , and rounds up a little bit under the big gusts , which is fine by me.
We did stuff up the reefing , its only the second time I'd sailed in her with a reef in , and the other 2 blokes had never even seen her in the water before.
We did improve things a bit after this photo was taken , but it didn't slow us , and it was a lesson learnt.
The headband .
Yes , think of the 70's long haired Indian look , but he is a good bloke , welcome on my boat anytime .
It was a good experience for me , with a lesson learned.
Thanks for putting the photo up.
Regards Rob J.

[Larks]

A couple more terrific sailing pics from Rob:

[Portland]

Thanks Greg.
Well , I was supposed to get HS back on the trailer today , the trailer is all set up beautifully , but its a real shocker of a day , very high winds and horizontal rain , so we gave up on the idea for today.
It should happen this coming week though.
Edging closer !.
Regards and thanks for posting the photos Greg.
Rob J , who has 2 new grandkids !.

[Portland]

Looking at the last photo , I live at about 0130 from the bottom of the mast , on the shore line.
Regards Rob J.

[Larks]

about here Rob???

[Portland]

Where you circled Greg is about the Fitzroy river , which is on our eastern boundary.
If you go to the west the tree line discecting (sp) the paddocks is Mt Clay rd , our house is a bit to the east of that , at the bottom.
Regards Rob J.

[RFNK]

Ah, I see - the one with the little blue letterbox, right? Nice place to be and great pictures!! Looks windy! Nothing wrong with leaving the foot of the sail baggy when reefed as long as it's not raining of course! Rick

[Portland]

Well , we went over the lighting on the trailer today , everything is ready to get HS back out of the water tomorrow.
Just left Port Fairy , talking to Garry , I don't need to get the mast and rigging off her before i bring her down , just lower and secure.
So tomorrow , we might have her down in Port Fairy , and start work on her.
A happy Rob J.

[John B]

Its interesting that your staysail is set flying.. is that common to the design or just that boat?

[Portland]

John , I'd say it was just the day .
I've sailed with them before , they are experienced sailors , but had never even seen that boat on the water before.
I've a feeling next time I go out with them , almost certainly in calmer conditions , it will be very different.
Regards Rob J.

[RFNK]

Its interesting that your staysail is set flying.. is that common to the design or just that boat?

The staysail is on a little furler isn't it? Rick

[Portland]

Yes it is Rick , as is the jib , so that makes a difference , I believe.
But then I'm fairly new to sailing , and HS , so what would I know ?.
I have just had a quick look at the "Humble Bee" plans I've just received from Iain , they are a work of art themselves !.
Regards Rob J.

[John B]

Flying just means set without being hanked to a stay Rob, I didn't spot the furler there. She looks smart to me and obviously likes the breeze.

I'd suggest that when you're setting her up , just take enough halyard tension on to let the stay beside it begin to go slack ie fairly hard on the halyard. That way you'll get a flatter sail for heavier air, and you'll be able to point a bit higher as well.

[Portland]

John , mate , that was a pretty rough days sailing !.
We really only had to take HS off the trailer , and double up on another boat , but decided to take her out under sail , no mind the conditions.
No fine tuning , no attending to the subtleties , I'm sure even I could do a lot better , on a kinder day.
But what I liked was that yes , HS wasn't all that fussed , there was no drama , she took us around like a lady , without getting flustered.
To me last Sunday was a bit of a yardstick , I can only get better from there !.
I'm looking forward to the quieter days when I can go out myself , and really get to know her.
John , she also has running backstays , a couple more things to play with !.
Regards Rob J.

[RFNK]

That's a good point that JB makes Rob but is that how it is set up? Is there a staysail halyard to put tension on the leech of the staysail or some other arrangement, such as a highfield lever or something? How adjustable are those stays that land just forward of the cockpit? I can't see any backstay so I'm guessing these serve that purpose. Oh, I just looked back at the other pictures and i see that those rear stays are very adjustable. Correct me if I'm wrong (probably am) but I'm guessing that the length of the wire for the jib and staysail are pretty much fixed and that you adjust tension on them by adjusting those rear stays - right? If so, you'd just have to make sure that you `match' the length of the leech wire for the jib and staysail - this would adjust with bottle screws wouldn't it? Rick

[Portland]

I read your post a couple of times Rick , and yes , I believe you are right, and the running backstays are very important in that heavy weather.
Last Sunday was pretty rough and ready , but the bloke with the long hair and headband is a rigger , he makes and sets up rigs for sailboats , and I'm sure he would be able to tune HS up beautifully.
Tomorrow I have the Commodore of the yacht club helping me , and he is a fastidious sailer.
And Bob Lewis , with the Eun Mara , is also very good.
Garry Stewart , the boatbuilder , also has a vast amount of experience .
So I'm very fortunate to have people who can keep me on the right track , to make sure HS is set up right , and that I do the right things.
And I'm very appreciative of their help.
But its the day I can go out myself , and just get totally absorbed in her , that I'm looking forward to.
It may seem a strange analogy , but I liken it to understanding and working with a horse.
The best times , the most amount of understanding is gained 1 on 1 , and I believe learning to sail HS will be no different .
Once my mentors have got me on the right track.
And that has to include some sage advise from this forum .
Its a pity really , there is so much knowledge out there that could be imparted , but instead we find those wise heads bunting , instead of sharing their knowledge.
I appreciate all the help I can get.
Thank you all !.
Regards Rob J.