This week was the solo/twin race out of Newport Yacht Club.  The race is run every year for single handed, double handed, spinnaker and canvas.  There is also a multihull course.  Great race and great group of sailors.  Roy Guay and his team at Newport Yacht club do a fantastic job with the race.  They also run the Bermuda 1-2, and The 160 which is a qualifier for the Bermuda 1-2. With my late start this Spring due to workload this is my first race.  Of course if there is a solo class that is what I am sailing.   Feeling…

This week I am showing the changes made to the Trogear sprit rigging.  It has taken me a few renditions to dial in on what works well for me at this time. I only run Code 0 and A-5 off the sprit at this time.  Still using the masthead symmetrical.  There are a few holes in my sailplan, but better to spend a summer learning the boat, and then fill the gaps next winter. Each sail has its own tack setup on the pole.  The second loop I put on at the beginning of the season, is very short through…

This week I upgraded my mast base blocks with Ronstan Core 45’s, and a couple of older Ronstan double bearing blocks.  The reason for the double bearing blocks is the higher load on the jib halyard, and Frac spin which takes the Code 0. I am always surprised at the loads the Ronstan blocks are rated, and this is a great chance to give them a good run. Also a bonus this week is the Ronstan Shock aluminum fairleads.  This are great for so many applications on the boat.  Watch the video and see how I use them. Get out…

This weeks show is about the Ronstan Ballslide system on my mainsail.  On my Express 27 I used a boltrope on the main, yikes that was a pain reefing, and dropping the main on a windy day by myself, no fun. The Ronstan system is fantastic.  It fits the mast groove on the back of most aluminum mast, with the inserts that fits on the car to match the mast grove. Then a mast gate needs to be built that will allow the cars to slide by easily, and be strong enough to withstand the abuse a mast car will…

Sailing season is in full swing and it is hard to believe next week is 4th of July. This weeks show is reviewing some of the changes that were done in the shop and how they are working out on the water. Each sail I add to the list, and try to do the work before sailing to keep up.  This is the fun part of owning a new boat and dialing it in.  There are a lot of small details that I like to get right.  When I am by myself all the small details make a huge difference. …

This week I have been on a tight schedule with new clients, but still have a fun video for you.  Before the video I discuss how my show is all about my opinions and want you to feel comfortable that I am not influenced by my sponsors. Please if you ever have question about gear, how I install it, or short handed sailing questions, don’t hesitate to contact me. Last weekend was the first two overnights on Kincora. We had great conditions between 8-23 kts true wind speed, with 45 miles of downwind (top speed 14.3 kts) and 45 miles…

This week is the last job in the shop before launching, buffing the topsides.  After I buff  and add teflon polish she is good for the summer, unless I haul and have time for another polish coat. For buffing I use Aqua Buff and have always had great results with this product.   It is designed for gel coat and comes in 1000 grit to remove scratches and 2000 grit to bring out the shine. Stay tuned for next week when the shows name will be, In and OUT of the Boat Shop, to better describe the summer season. Congratulations to…

Whew, the bottom is done.  Be prepared to take twice the time you think plus to do a quality bottom job.   You can not rush the sanding.  But the Merka products discussed last week help make the job easier. Hopefully you can follow my recommendations in the video and save yourself days of sanding, and come out with a bottom job you will be proud of. The Pettit products are great, and I think Black Widow bottom paint is the new standard.  Being able to buff out the surface with Merka Aberlon pads and water makes a shinny smooth finish. …