Re: Windsprint vs. Surf
I have not built either of these boats (I did build two different Bolger
crafts), but I think you're probably right about the relative simple
buildability of either of them. The windsprint is very fast with her 113 sq.
ft. lug rig, but sometimes a rather frightning handful for the un-initiated.
I've raced my JB against WS's and have witnessed both glory and terror in
the faces of their crews. WS's are reefable while the Surf original rig is
not. But the 59 sq. ft. sprit boom rig is much less likely to overpower the
boat. Both row very nicely and with enough hands available (and a strong
enough vehicle) both are if fact car topable. I've helped several friends
heft windsrints to the roof of vans and trucks. However a trailer is a
better choice for either boat.
I will put in my usual plug for June Bug. She'll carry at least as much
weight as either boat and is significantly more stable. Phil Lee's June Bug
left a whole pack of windsprints and light schooners in the dust at the
Mahone Bay Races last summer. His JB is marginally beamier than original
design and carries an extra 7 sq. ft. of sail. But that's still only 66 sq. ft.
The ignorant masses are less likely to turn their noses up at surf, but will
regard both JB and WS with some scorn. But hey, that's part of the fun.
jeb, hang'n on in a gale on the shores of Fundy.
crafts), but I think you're probably right about the relative simple
buildability of either of them. The windsprint is very fast with her 113 sq.
ft. lug rig, but sometimes a rather frightning handful for the un-initiated.
I've raced my JB against WS's and have witnessed both glory and terror in
the faces of their crews. WS's are reefable while the Surf original rig is
not. But the 59 sq. ft. sprit boom rig is much less likely to overpower the
boat. Both row very nicely and with enough hands available (and a strong
enough vehicle) both are if fact car topable. I've helped several friends
heft windsrints to the roof of vans and trucks. However a trailer is a
better choice for either boat.
I will put in my usual plug for June Bug. She'll carry at least as much
weight as either boat and is significantly more stable. Phil Lee's June Bug
left a whole pack of windsprints and light schooners in the dust at the
Mahone Bay Races last summer. His JB is marginally beamier than original
design and carries an extra 7 sq. ft. of sail. But that's still only 66 sq. ft.
The ignorant masses are less likely to turn their noses up at surf, but will
regard both JB and WS with some scorn. But hey, that's part of the fun.
jeb, hang'n on in a gale on the shores of Fundy.