Hi folks.
It seems the Blade has generated a bit of interest.
I would like to point out at the start, that I have no financial interest in the Blade.
It has been designed right here in Australia.
The plans will be $250 aus, and will be available late January. (I managed to buy the draft set)
My interests in builing a blade are, 1)I'm looking forward to sailing a boat that I built my self, 2) and I think it will give me an edge, certinally in the mixed fleets that I'm currently sailing in, and hopefuly against other F16s a little later.
As to the building of the boat.
Labour 40 hours so far.
Timber 95% of what's needed $482.
Resin $ 90.
Foam bulkheads $ 35.
Glass/kevlar (not sure yet)
The sides are cut out and the stringers and gunwals are glued on.
I'm budgeting up to $6000 for the completed boat.
Although I expect it won't cost that much
My goal is to have a hybrid sailing by February. That is a Blade platform with my Taipan rig on top. And then, hopefully have a fully compliant f16 by the start of next season.
I hope this has answerd some of your questions.
Regards Tony Jenkins.
ps I have some photos, but can't work out to attach. Later.
Do I understand correctly that you are saying the Blade was designed in Australia?? Where? By who?
Do the designers have a web site that we can look at?
Rob.
>>>Do I understand correctly that you are saying the Blade was designed in Australia??
You're correct.
>>>Do the designers have a web site that we can look at?
For now your best source is :
http:/
I keep this one updated from almost day to day. Although I must admit that I still need to be the names of the designers on it.
Check back tomorrow and you'll find them there.
Wouter
Hi Rob
Yes you understand correctly. Proudly dsigned in Aus
Here are photos I hope
Regards TJ
Rob (and others)
Like Tony says the Blade is fully an Australian design. She came to be through the efforts of Ian Markovitch (Red Head sails) and Phill Brander (well know to us I think)
Go to the webpage to see the other two video's; they're linked to the page at the top.
Richard almost loses the boat when going in for the tack but despite this notice how the boat itself hardly slows down in the turn itself. Richard moves to the other side and takes a little time to go out on the trapeze but the boat itself gentle waits at some speed for him to get ready. The tack takes about 11 seconds but the boat made it within 4 and that is including the part where she lifts the luff hull veyr high.
Have Fun and tell us what you think !
Wouter
Congratulations Ian and Phill on getting your boat on the water. Good luck with your project, I look forward to seeing one of your cats in the flesh.
Have you managed to keep the boat to minimum weight in both configurations?
Will it come 'standard' (if there is such a thing) with a self tacking jib?
Rob.
Rob,
I think Phill just left for a holliday with his family. He probably won't answer this thread within some time.
Regarding your question :
>>>> Will it come 'standard' (if there is such a thing) with a self tacking jib?
What is standard ? But the intention is to fit it with a selftacker the design was made such that it would take such a device without problem. And even a non-selftacker version is offered than the jb will be sheeted off the mainbeam. At least that is what I understand.
Wouter
Toni
Tell me how the building is going; are you doing it in your kitchen? haha, don't worry I’ve done it. My wife is still mad. Phill's on vacation down there and I don't want to bother him anymore. He said that I could get the plans when he gets back, along with his building recommendations, I’m pumped up about the Blade so fill us in every once in a while. It's a wonderful experience sailing a boat you built yourself, let me tell you. For me at least, it's almost as fun as flipping it over...
Ricky
Kitchen ?
A guy here in NL is building his F16 one-off in a corner of his attic; 3 stories up and a stairway that is to small to take the hulls. The other 80 % of the attic are used for other things.
I've visited him and he is actually pretty far. Foredeck are on and only the maindeck and she is ready to be beamed up. First he has to get his hulls down to the ground floor.
But one thing is for sure he is not only talking the results are visible for all to see.
I'm pressuring him for picture but I think that will take a few more weeks.
Wouter