> Exploring modern boat-building techniques, alternative and low-cost materials
> Sail design, modification, and repair
> Rigging and tuning for traditional and modern designs, for both new and vintage boats> Building boat models for use as a rapid 3-D design tool
> Antique and classic outboard motor maintenance and restoration
I utilize my experience with sailing, rowing, boat design and construction to focus on restoring, improving and maintaining small rowing and sailing craft, especially those constructed during the early days of fiberglass and epoxy. Occasionally I'm competitive: I've gotten a few ribbons in Rowing at the Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival. And a couple of decades ago I crewed on racing-cruising boats around the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Back then I was nimble enough (and crazy enough) to work the foredeck, and I learned a lot about sail trim -- and staying on the boat. A bad day on the water is still a day out on the water, and I've also delivered boats around the Bay and up the Atlantic coast.
My new build and restoration projects, in no particular order, include: Macgregor 19 powersailer; Seaclipper 10 trimaran; West Wight Potter 15 modifications; solar electric catamaran conversion; Penguin racing sailboat; Redmond Whisp rowing boat; Sumner rowing/sailing dinghies; Force 5 sailing dinghy; Sunfish sailboats; and Hobie catamarans.
I am a student of odd and historic sailing rigs. And I use the philosophy and designs of Phil Bolger, Jim Michalak, and Thomas Firth Jones for inspiration and guidance.
Finally, I'm a "solar geek" and electronic tinkerer from way back. I worked for three decades in solar energy research, built, and ran the earliest solar module manufacturing plants in the US. And I expect that there will be "techy" posts -- but small craft related -- from time to time.
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