Splash!

[jray]

Finally got her out of the garage and driveway and into the water where she belongs. Its been both a pleasant and at times aggravating jurney. My thanks goes out to everyone who has helped me through the build with suport and knowledge. There are to many to list and I don't want to leave someone out so, you each know who you are, there is no way I could have done what I have without your help. Also a big thanks to my step son Nate who in the late stages of the build (fairing, sanding, painting and rigging) spent a huge amount of hours helping.

splash2.jpg

splash1.jpg

It was beautiful when we launched, 5 to 10s, very inviting for a first sail. By the time we got everything rigged and set it was in the 20s. I decided not to go, to much for a first sail with two never evers on board. We will be out early tomorow morning, just two up. Nate has decide to crew so along with feeling out the boat I'll be doing some sailing instruction. If we can get up to speed there are still two big distance races left in the season.

Cheers

[Mist]

Very cool! Way to go Jon! Good luck with lighter weather tomarrow.

[Shazza 273]

She looks lovely on the water Jon,I hope you enjoy the sail when the weather its right.

[Tim Ford]

Way to go, Jon! Interesting that she matches the color scheme of the boat in the background....was that on purpose? I really like the round portlight....breaks up that broad expanse of cabin trunk nicely!

[jerome]

Yeah Jon !!!! Awesome news ! Congratulations to you, what an achievement !

[jray]

Thanks everyone! I had a great day of sailing and checking her out today. Handling was awesome! It turned out to be the perfect day for the first outing.

Tim, totally a coincidence being next to another yellow boat. Don't worry it doesn't look near as good and I probably won't get confused. Jerome your next! I'm looking forward to pictures from your upcoming splash in Turkey

[Kevin]

Excellent to see. Way to go Jon. Kevin.

[M&S]

Jon,
HURRAH! AGAIN & AGAIN!
Does the Flathead Monster still lurk in the biggest fresh water lake west of the Mississippi?
Don't worry, Critical Twist is too fast for any monster. And the stripes will scare it off.
Probably other sailboats, too.
Say hello to the Grizzly bears for me. And the Mission Mountains. And the Cherry trees. And the huckleberry bushes ... I gotta stop, I'm getting hungry ... oh wait & there's Hungry Horse on the way to Glacier Natl. Park. Like Scarlett, I'll think about it tomorrow.
As the Kiwis would say "She's a BEAUUUUUUTTTTY"!
S&M (that doesn't sound right for some reason)

[jray]

S&M, thanks she's a great boat. I'm really enjoying the sailing part now. Already planning changes wanted for next year. Thinking about a good fishing lure pattern for the bulb. Might as well try to coax the elusive monster up while having fun sailing. I'm sure that would make my new crew nervous.

[jray]

Back in the water this afternoon! it will be great to get out sailing again. A little later then I wanted but finally got all the mods done for one up racing and a couple other minor fixes. Local can race Saturday, well see if I remember how everything works.

[Tim Ford]

fotografs or it never happened

[Kevin]

Sweet. A fresh pic of the twist would be excellent.

I just go my registration number from the state of Illinois. Had to have a special inspection to make sure the boat wasn't stolen and that I had made it. IL 7371 KM will hit the water soon too. Glued on the new mast fittings last night .

[Chad]

Nice to hear of some wetness achieved, finally! It's tilting toward 100 today, and I'm sanding like a madman every morning to get closer to being on some water! Don't know how you folks with done boats can wait so long!

Kevin, is the _KM from your initials, or coincidence?

-reminds me, I need to chase down the guy I bought my trailer from in CA and get the title sorted.

[jray]

Back in, sorry didn't get any picts last night. See if I can remember the camera tonight.

[jray]

3495u6b.jpg

[admin]

That is really something, jray. Do you get comments from passers-by?
Sheesh, I may need to up the ante on my paint scheme now. If the wife sees this photo, I'm toast....

[Kevin]

Don't know how you folks with done boats can wait so long!

It's called "life" and/or "teenager" depending on the day.

Kevin, is the _KM from your initials, or coincidence?

I'm guessing that it is from my initials, but the state of IL would have to answer to that question. Good luck trying to get them to answer the phone. They also made up a Hull Vin that I'm supposed to engrave on a plate and "permanently attach" to the starboard transom. I'll get right on that because you know the boat will self destruct if it goes in the water without a VIN on it.

[jray]

Tim, just get me the email and I will get her a picture. just so she can visualize what your building. Anything I can do to help you out.

Lots of comments, most can't believe it is a home built. The others just say that looks fast. To that I just smile and wave. Most are still scared to race against us. The paint makes us look faster then we actually are. They as far as I know have us rated locally at a 160. Right now I need to earn that, in the light winds we see here most of the time. 5-10's we are no threat. I'm looking for that 15-20 day that we can shine on.