Yacht Designer Guy Thompson

Yacht designer Guy Thompson was a British designer who created a series of triumphant racing yachts during the 1940’s and ‘50s.

As a prominent member of the Royal Burnham Yacht Club in Essex, UK, yacht designer Guy Thompson was a great believer in first producing a model yacht for testing prior to the actual building of a yacht, which may not perform to his standards.  In doing so, Thompson saved money and was able to produce a series of very successful yachts.

Yacht designer Guy Thompson also believed that in Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) racing, there were two prominent features required to make a yacht both fast and safe when sailing – she must be easy to steer when going down wind and the less she pitches, the better she goes.

Thompson also realized that front runners on yachts were too fine near the ends and that the position of the rudder was becoming too far towards the bow.  With this is mind, Guy Thompson created a model of a yacht with a fin and a skeg extension on the keel which produced a straighter and faster sailing ship.

In 1956, Thompson built the victorious Calliope VII followed by the Calliope IX in 1958.  Out of this grew a very strong link between Thompson and his racer, Dick Pitcher.  Pitcher went on to race dinghies and became the World Champion in 1965 when he sailed the Flying Dutchman; in 1966, Pitcher became the North American Champion.

Pitcher then collaborated with yacht designer Guy Thompson to build a cruiser yacht with 5 berths, speed, and safety, and so the 24’ Goosander was created.  It was very successful in the 1967 East Anglian Offshore Racing Association (EAORA) events.  This yacht design proved so successful that in 1968 it entered into production as the newly named T24.

Built by J.C. Perfect/Thames Marine of the UK, the Thompson 24 had a fin keel hull of glass reinforced plastics (GRP) up to the deck, a deck built of marine ply, and a cabin top made of GRP.  The T24 was configured with 5 sleeping berths while the galley provided ample storage and workspace.  The cost of the T24 in 1969 was £3,500 GBP or the equivalent of approximately $5,768 USD.

Presented by the Crouch Yacht Club, the Houghton Cup (Britain’s oldest offshore race) was won three times by Guy Thompson designed yachts.  The first was crewed by Thompson himself onboard the Maresta in 1947; Pitcher won in 1969 onboard the Willi Waw; and the last by B. T. Moore in 1972 while sailing the Bottom.

The Willi Waw also entered into production in 1968 as the T31, the next endeavour of yacht designer Guy Thompson.  Of similar looks as the T24, the larger T31 featured a skeg with a trim tab and moderate bustle, along with GRP construction.  The cost of the T31 in 1969 was £5,000 GBP exclusive of the sails; comparatively, the same yacht today would sell for approximately £18,000 GBP or the equivalent of $29,700 USD.

Thompson went on to construct the T27 in 1971 featuring a deep V-hull, skeg hung rudder, and a heavy keel which provided her fast speed and always predictable handling.  This was once again proof that the philosophy of yacht designer Guy Thompson to always building a model first, was a true model for success.

Sources:
Royal Burnham Yacht Club
Visual Arts Data Service (VADS)
Crouch Yacht Club

Dyna Rig Yacht

The concept of the Dyna Rig yacht was developed in the 1960s by Wilhelm Prolss, a German naval architect, to provide increased propulsion for commercial ships in response to a projected energy crisis.  When the crisis did not materialize until the 1970s, the Dyna Rig yacht concept was once again brought back to life with further testing, however, no Dyna Rig yachts were ever built and eventually the idea was archived.

In essence, the Dyna Rig yacht would be fitted with a square rig system.  The mast would be completely free standing while the yards were to be tightly connected to the mast.  The most prominent difference from a standard square rig was that a Dyna Rig yacht had a designed curvature of the yards which was calculated at twelve percent of its cordage.

The sails on a Dyna Rig yacht were configured between the yards so when they were deployed they would stack upon one another with virtually no gaps in between which would enable the sails to act as if they were one.  When the sails were not in use they furl back into the mast.  Since there would be no rigging, the yards would be able to rotate without any restriction and in conjunction with the curvature and the uniformity of the sails, the Dyna Rig yacht was an unproven combination in aerodynamics.

Until 2001, that is.  American billionaire Tom Perkins commissioned “the world’s most spectacular sailing yacht” to be built.  Following the Dyna Rig yacht designs of Prolss, naval architect Gerard Dijkstra & Partners (Holland) and builders Perini Navi (Italy/Turkey), produced the statuesque Maltese Falcon in 2006. The luxury 290’ sailing yacht, which cost between a reported $150-300 million USD to build, features three twenty-storey tall carbon-fibre masts covered by 28,500 square feet of canvas.

The exterior/interior design of the Maltese Falcon was developed by Ken Freivokh Design (UK) and features accommodations for twelve that include one master cabin and five guest cabins, plus eight cabins for crew.  The modern spacious interior offers up a fully equipped gymnasium, plasma screen televisions and a Bang & Olufsen surround sound system throughout.  Extra amenities onboard the Maltese Falcon include four Laser sail boats, two 32’ Pascoe rigid inflatable tenders, a Castold 14’ jet tender, water skis, snorkel gear, and six sets of scuba diving gear.

Powered by two 1,800 HP Deutz diesel engines, the Maltese Falcon can attain a top speed of 24.9 knots, allowing the passengers and crew to enjoy smooth sailing all the way.  The ingenious Dyna Rig yacht design has enabled the Maltese Falcon to spend an estimated 55-60% of her time under sail cruising at a comfortable 20 knots during her first 72,000 nautical miles at sea.

With all of its success due to the Dyna Rig yacht design, Tom Perkins sold his beloved Maltese Falcon in August 2009 to an unknown, but obviously wealthy private buyer, for a reported $103 million USD.  The Maltese Falcon remains under both charter and full operations management by Burgess Yachts of the United Kingdom.

Sources:
The Maltese Falcon
Wikipedia
Sailing Ships
Yachting Magazine

floating docks

Floating docks have the advantage over the fixed variety anywhere there is significant fluctuation in the water level. If the water level at your locations fluctuates enough you can end up with a fixed dock that is underwater or the necessity to have a ladder to move between the dock and a boat. Lakes and tidal areas can show significant water level fluctuations. A floating dock will rise and fall with the water level keeping the dock functional in all conditions.

Deep water indicates selecting a floating dock. If you shoreline drops abruptly to very deep water and floating dock is much easier to install than very long pilings or posts. In fact, if the water is deep enough, a floating dock may be the only options. If the water depth at the proposed dock location is over 10 feet, a floating dock is the way to go. Conversely, very shallow water may not be appropriate for a floater. There needs to be enough water depth for the dock to actually float and not settle on the bottom.

Floating docks provide flexibility to alter the size and shape of the dock. Many floating docks are put together in sections and it is easy to add sections for another boat slip, swim dock or other purpose. Changing the width or length of a floating dock is a relatively easy task compared to a fixed dock.

For the do-it-yourself dock builder, putting together your own floating dock is a doable task. Floating docks can be put together with a combination of parts such as flotation units that are available from firms that specialize in dock hardware and supplies from the local lumber yard.

Several issues should be kept in mind when considering or planning for a floating dock. The biggest concern with a floating dock is stability. A tippy dock is no fun and can result in an unexpected swim!  Three criteria make a floating dock more stable: longer, wider and heavier.  If you want a thin, finger of a dock jutting out into the water, a fixed dock is more appropriate. Width and length allow a dock to be stable as activities take place near the edge of the dock. A heavier dock will also resist tipping as the mass of a person moving to the edge will have little effect on the overall balance of the dock. Dock manufacturers often put extra flotation in the dock where tipping or instability may occur, such as where a ramp from the shore attaches to the dock.

The second important consideration for a floating dock is the anchoring system. The dock needs to anchored to both the shore and offshore. Offshore floating docks are usually attached to a series of heavy concrete anchors with chains crossed between anchor positions on the dock and the anchors. The dock should be allowed to move with changing water levels but also stay firmly in position. One tip I saw was to have weights partway down the anchor chains that do not reach to bottom, but keep tension on the chains. The shore anchor should be a sturdy connection from the dock to to the shore, but again, allow for changes in water level. A gangway or ramp may be firmly connected to the shore and just rest on the floating dock or have another form of connection that allows dock movement.

Sources: CottageLife, Marine Dock and Lift

By Tim Plaehn
December 9, 2009

For sailboats and sailing yachts, keeping the batteries charged is an important challenge. Wind generators for yachts have become a popular option to provide electrical power in an environmentally friendly manner. Sailboats, by definition, are subject to steady winds that can be used by wind generators to charge up the onboard batteries. Currently there is a good selection of options for someone looking for a wind generator yacht.

wind generator yacht

Wind generators for use on a yacht or sailboat should meet a certain set of criteria (from the Kiss Energy website):

Operate very quietly  -   Virtually corrosion proof     -   Simple to service  and parts are available worldwide   -  rugged enough to operate in a gale

Here is a list of companies and websites that provide generators for marine use:

Aerogen Wind Generators are produced in the UK and come in several sizes to produce either 12V or 24V power. They are manufactured by LVM, Ltd and subsidiary of ITT. Website.

Southwest Wind Power produces the AIR-X and AIR Breeze wind generators for marine applications. Here is the company’s webpage for these products.

Ampair MicroWind is another UK based company with a range of wind generator products for yachts. Website.

Also hailing from the UK, Duogen produces generators that can produce power from a towed in the water source or a wind turbine. Website.

Kiss Energy out of Trinidad has a single wind generator model available through distributors worldwide. Website.

Rutland windchargers are from UK based Marlec Renewable Power. The company provides a diverse range of products that appear to be very popular. Website.

Windbugger is no longer producing new turbines but it appears parts continue to be available.   The website is still up if you are looking for information.

A wind generator yacht should be chosen based on the type and duration of sailing and the onboard electrical and battery system. Prices vary quite a bit, but I would be most concerned with finding a dealer and installer who will ensure the new turbine functions properly (and can remedy any problems!).  Even if you are not in Australia, the Crystal Solar website has some interesting information on the different brands of wind turbines. An exerpt:

“Over the past 10 years I have sold only around 15 individual blades for Rutland and a single blade for an Aerogen 6. All the rutland blades were sold to cruisers as spares….I have sold no less than 950 sets of three blades for Air – that’s 2850 individual blades”

I have no recommendation for one brand over another; I do recommend however, that you do your own extensive research. The online sailing forums have terrific discussions on the various forms of power generation. If you do not already have one, a wind generator for your yacht may be just the ticket to provide a reliable source of non-polluting electrical power.

Have you purchased
carbon credits lately?

Sources: OnPassage.com, Crystal Solar

Common misspellings:
terbine, torbine, gnerator, genarator, genearater, yahct

By Tim Plaehn
December 2, 2009

boating fort lauderdale

The City of Fort Lauderdale website provides the city’s slogan: “Venice of America”. The city’s numerous canals and marinas make it a magnet for those who desire to participate in boating in Fort Lauderdale. The city sits along the Intercoastal Waterway which is lined with marinas, restaurants and nightspots. Boating Fort Lauderdale is a year-round, 24 hour a day possibility.

Want to search for marinas along the ICW?  click here

Fort Lauderdale has over 100 marinas and boat yards, including three marinas that are municipally owned. The New River Downtown docking is located in the city’s Riverwalk area and is within walking distance of a host of stores and shopping, which includes the famous Las Olas Boulevard. Las Olas Marina has 52 slips designed for large yachts and is minutes away from the beach. Cooley’s Landing is located near Fort Lauderdale’s cultural and recently completed arts and science district, featuring the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum of Discovery and Science and Esplanade Park. In Fort Lauderdale boating is just a stepping stone to the many other recreational and cultural activities the city offers.

Locals obviously take advantage of the tremendous boating opportunities available in Fort Lauderdale. According to the Wikipedia, the city with a population of about 180,000 has over 42,000 resident yachts. The city is also the home to the largest on-water boat show held each year around early November.

Fort Lauderdale boasts 165 miles of navigable waterways, providing boating opportunities in protected waters as well as ocean based yachting. The city also has seven miles of beaches. The local climate is very attractive to year-round boating with average high temperatures in the high 70’s during the winter and around 90 in the summertime. The average low temperature falls below 60 only in January-to 59! Another nugget from the city’s website is the fact that Fort Lauderdale receives over 3,000 hours of annual sunshine.

On the commercial boating front, Fort Lauderdale is home to the Port Everglades commercial port. Port Everglades is a major east coast shipping hub and also the departure point for 14 different cruise lines including: Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Discovery Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, The Yachts of Seabourn, and Silversea Cruises. In November, 2009 the port become home to the world’s largest cruise ship, the Royal Carribean Oasis of the Seas. The Oasis is the first of two 5,400 passenger Oasis class cruise ships that Royal Carribean International will have based in Fort Lauderdale by 2010.

Boating in Fort Lauderdale offers local inhabitants, visiting boaters and cruise ship passengers a tremendous range of facilities and boating related recreational opportunities. The city may be best know to non-Floridians as a spring break attraction for college students, but beyond this sort of seasonal attraction, Ft. Lauderdale offers year-round boating excellence.

Sources: City of Fort Lauderdale website, Wikipedia

Where to by an outboard motor electronic fuel pump

Following are seven websites you may want to visit during your search for an electric fuel pump for your outboard motor:

1) Based out of Riverhead, New York, Lighthouse Marine Supply offers a number of electric fuel pumps including Crusader and Mercruiser with prices ranging from USD$89.95 to $352.13.  Lighthouse Marine Supply allows you to complete your order online and check out through Google or PayPal, or by calling their toll-free customer order line, 1-800-382-9335.

2) CP Performance, listed as “your #1 source for performance marine parts and accessories,” offers a good selection of electric fuel pumps including Mallory, Carter and Aeromotive; prices range from $198.99 to $298.99.  This ‘marine mail order super store’ takes online orders as well as through a toll-free order line, 1-800-225-9871.

3)  Holley offers a variety of electric fuel pump accessories and fuel pumps with prices ranging from $131.94 to $249.03.  They also feature a number of electric fuel pump service kits including fittings, valve kits, gasket kits, mounting pads, and o-ring kits, in case you don’t need to replace your entire electric fuel pump.  Holley parts can be ordered through a number of online dealers or there is an option to locate a Holley dealer nearest you.

4)  Go2Marine, a division of Mariner Supply Inc., offers a selection of Dickinson Marine, Walbro, Quicksilver, Flojet, Carter, and Sierra electric fuel pumps ranging in price from $79.38 to $588.43.  Orders can be placed online by using a credit card or PayPal checkout, or by using their U.S. toll-free order line, 1-800-998-9508, or by calling their direct line for international orders, (206) 780-5670.

5)  eBasicPower of Harkers Island, NC, provides a number of electric fuel pumps for sale including those manufactured by Volvo Penta, Chris Craft GM, and Mercruiser, in a variety of price ranges.  Orders can be placed online or through their direct number in Harkers Island, (252) 504-3355.

6)  Facet, Kubota, Vetus, and Galley are amongst the electric fuel pump manufacturers featured on the Yacht Supply Depot.  With over 35 years experience, they offer quality marine products which can be ordered through their toll-free number, 1-877-784-2870, or online with a credit card or by using PayPal.

7)  Marine Engine Parts, a subsidiary of Lighthouse Marine Supply, also offers a selection of electric fuel pumps for your boat including Holley, Carter, and Volvo Penta.  Orders can be placed securely online with checkout through Google or PayPal, or by calling their toll-free number, 1-800-382-9335, with prices ranging from $89.95 for a Universal electric fuel pump to $311.28 for a Crusader original engine manufacturer (OEM) electronic fuel pump.

With so many choices to purchase an electric fuel pump for your outboard motor, be sure to base your purchase on quality, price, and return policies as outlined by potential sellers.

Sources:
Lighthouse Marine Supply
CP Performance
Holley
Go2Marine
eBasicPower
Yacht Supply Depot
Marine Engine Parts

By Tim Plaehn
November 23, 2009

Together Green

1)  Connect all kinds of people across America with nature and resources that surround and sustain us, intent to inspire concern and conservation action.

2)  Fund and support innovative conservation projects, leadership development and volunteerism to engage people in land, water, and energy conservation.

3)  Work to produce and report real results for the health of our communities and planet.

The National Audubon Society, or simply Audubon, is dedicated to the preservation of birds and other wildlife, and their natural habitats. Audubon was first incorporated in 1905 and has been making a difference for over 100 years with it’s efforts and accomplishments.  The Together Green project will allow Audubon to expand conservation efforts and assistance in the continuation of nature preservation.

One part of Together Green is to support individuals working in the areas of environmental conservation and restoration. Each year the initiative will provide grants and stipends of $10,000 to 40 environmentalists who provide leadership and specialized training  in the initiation of new conservation projects.

Together Green will also sponsor local volunteer projects to help communities connect and clean up their local environments. Since 2008 the project has provided over $2.5 million to local projects. Many of the supported projects are to restore and preserve costal, shoreline and waterway habitats. The project also sponsors Pennies for the Planet, a nationwide fund raising campaign encouraging grade school children to become aware, and make contributions which help the environment.

The project’s website provides a useful Action Center where interested individuals can find upcoming volunteer events sponsored by Together Green, nominate individuals to become a Together Green hero and take an eco-personality quiz. The quiz will move you in some interesting directions to determine your eco-leanings. Take it and have some fun. My profile says I am “Professor Green, AKA The Teacher.” Also on the website check out the Cool Stuff page for some nice computer wall paper and screensavers. I elected to skip the confession link: ”Tell it to the Dodo”, where visitors can tell the world (or at least the website) the worst thing you have done to the environment.

Together Green, Toyota and Audubon are getting real things accomplished to support and restore the environment. If this is an area of interest to you, check out the website and find someplace to volunteer, or invite them to becomie involved in your local area.

Source: TogetherGreen.org

There are many pre-owned yachts for sale in Florida right now, with prices ranging from several thousand to millions of dollars. A variety of ways to find yachts for sale in Florida are available:

1. Classified ads sections in newspapers and boating magazines are good places to find a yacht to buy. If there is no picture with an ad, you can use the Internet to see what a particular model looks like.

2. You can search for a yacht in Florida on various yachting websites as well. Such sites include YachtWorld.com (use the Advanced Search for Florida specific results) and YachtTraderOnline.com, which also publishes a magazine that lists boats for sale.

4. Because of their high value and relatively few potential customers, some owners use yacht brokers to sell their boats. Like real estate brokers, such companies usually have their own websites and advertise the yachts in various media.

Using these four methods you are sure to find a wide selection of pre-owned yachts for sale in the state of Florida, with varying ages, amenities, passenger capacities, and engine sizes.

Every vessel should have reliable, eco-conscious and storage friendly
fire suppression equipment on board. Marinefuel.com discovered
FireCaddy at MAATS this year…. 

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