As we all know it is once again the time of year when a young boy's thoughts turn to sailing. This is going to be a wonderful season with many events already in the works. I am in the (very slow) process of designing a fleet web page, and getting out some press releases to draw some local media coverage. Both print and television. The web page will be hosted at CSU free of charge. Anyone who is interested in helping contact me.
Gary and Gina have a new addition of On The Wire that will go to press soon. Inside, be sure to check all the cool articles, and especially the schedule for summer. On it, you will find a list of all the points races, fun races, and important dates.
Among them the battle for regional bragging rights against the Texas fleet. We will fight it out near Oklahoma City with a couple boats from the St. Louis fleet and possibly some Oklahoma people. If you have any questions about this or any other race, Gary will be more than happy to answer them.
Rocky Mountain Boatworks has moved to a new, gigantic, and beautiful location on Holly, just south of County Line. They are expanding their dinghy products. I am working on a fleet discount of 15 - 20% for any 505 people.
They have the new Ronstan Smart Ratchet blocks in, and they are very cool. Boatworks will give us a fleet discount and probably sell them for around $37 each. A significant savings off the retail price of over $45. They have a spool of 1/8" spectra and will be getting a spool of 7/64" spectra soon. Boatworks can order Servo cleats, and are willing to get in pretty much what ever we need. They are serious about our business, and do help to sponsor some of the regattas we attend. Contact me for details.
If you have not seen their new store be sure to check it out, and ask for a tour. Their new facilities are very impressive. A rep from Vanguard racing sailboats said it was one of the most comprehensive shops (in facilities) that he has seen in the midwest.
Other new toys to check out, besides the Ronstan Smart Ratchets, are the Servo and Ronstan trapeze handles. They have a small cleat inside the handle that is released by a trigger button on either side of the handle. To lower yourself just hit the button; to raise up, pull up on the handle and hit the button. The shock cord retract pulls you up. Very cool. Boatworks will be getting them in soon. Layline and APS have them now. Check out the Layline web page, http://layline.com for more information. They are listed in the new products section.
I am trying to finish repairs on 6491, and I'm sure some of you are also making last minute repairs as well. Perhaps we could pool our resources and meet somewhere to help each other out. Let me know if you are interested.
Other fleet news, wood-look Waterat 7347 has been sold to Phil Termin in the midwest, and seems to be doing very well. Bruce Smith will be importing a late model Rondar from the UK. Eric Cockburn will be joining in the fleet this year and plans to purchase Parker-hulled Lindsay 6136 from John Beach. He will sail some regattas with me until his boat is up to speed.
Eric has been sailing Santana 20s, and sailed FJs in college. He has been wanting a 505 for a while and decided he had to have one at Dillon last year, and will be a competitive new addition to the fleet.
Other new recruits include Pat Brandon, Phil Ryan, and Jen Strasser. Pat is new to sailing and wants to learn to tame a 505. Jen is interested in something a little smaller, faster, and more responsive than her dad's 35' Island Packet. Phil Ryan is a long time FJ crew and will be crewing for Joe Keating (I think) This year will also mark the return of some fleet vets who have been absent in recent years. Pat and Jen will spend some time crewing or driving for me, and should be available if anyone needs a crew. Welcome to the 505 class!
I will be moving sometime before May 22. My new number will be 970-207-1622.
Bill Green
USA 6491