September 2019
Unfortunately this year hasn't panned out as I had hoped. The season is finished in Oct.
Due to let downs, plus circumstances beyond my control and, being unable to make the last 3 weeks of racing, I'm calling it a day and work on Dreamcatcher over the winter. The aim will be to get things working and all new emergency pull-cords in place for the 2020 season, ready for testing in April.
And hopefully find a new land crew member who can learn the ropes and understand the system.
Sometimes I try doing to many things at once but if I hadn't been let down by a crew member, things would had gone to plan.
Ah well, "Onwards & Upwards."
Due to let downs, plus circumstances beyond my control and, being unable to make the last 3 weeks of racing, I'm calling it a day and work on Dreamcatcher over the winter. The aim will be to get things working and all new emergency pull-cords in place for the 2020 season, ready for testing in April.
And hopefully find a new land crew member who can learn the ropes and understand the system.
Sometimes I try doing to many things at once but if I hadn't been let down by a crew member, things would had gone to plan.
Ah well, "Onwards & Upwards."
April 2019
I have decided to try 'full servo' this year. (both rudder and sails will be control by electric power.) Starting to proceed with independent foot switches for the sails. Unfortunately they've not be variable speed but I will be able to respond to them a lot faster than using the previous joystick control.
The rudders will be on a simple left/right joystick which I will operate with my left hand.
With the new seat from SOS, I am hoping (I know) I will not be slipping down in my seat. This will mean that once we get everything tested and reliable, I can concentrate on the wind direction and wind shifts and other boats without keeping my eyes on pulleys and sheet (rope) tangles.
This year will be just another home water sail, mostly. I don't plan to go to other clubs because I have a very busy year with changing my van, hopefully getting my trike registered and marrying the lady who has kept me going for the past 3 years.
When things are fully tested, I might decide to do a Touring Trophy competition or a Multi-class competition but I will definitely be attending a few in 2020 and advertising SOS (Specialised Orthotic Services).
The rudders will be on a simple left/right joystick which I will operate with my left hand.
With the new seat from SOS, I am hoping (I know) I will not be slipping down in my seat. This will mean that once we get everything tested and reliable, I can concentrate on the wind direction and wind shifts and other boats without keeping my eyes on pulleys and sheet (rope) tangles.
This year will be just another home water sail, mostly. I don't plan to go to other clubs because I have a very busy year with changing my van, hopefully getting my trike registered and marrying the lady who has kept me going for the past 3 years.
When things are fully tested, I might decide to do a Touring Trophy competition or a Multi-class competition but I will definitely be attending a few in 2020 and advertising SOS (Specialised Orthotic Services).
Click photo to enlarge
March 2019
SOS (Specialised Orthotic Services) have now fitted the bespoke seat in Dreamcatcher and we have it back with us.
A change in staff has delayed the installation of the modified controls but we have everything set up to be fitted into the boat.
These include a joystick control for he rudders and a twin set of foot activated motors which will pull-in and let out the 2 sails independently, which will get around the problem of the jib winch operating at a different speed to the main winch.
I feel it will give me a vaster control over the two sails, unlike the previous set up, which was a hand & operated the two sails together.
Hopefully after the initial land testing, by mid may, I will be testing the seat and boat in the water at Swarkestone SC.
I'm feeling confident that having the new, supportive seat from SOS (Specialised Orthotic Services) in Fould, along with the new bespoke control system, I will be able to gain my drive again to compete in Hansa sailing and at non-disabled club racing, under the Portsmouth Yardstick handicap.
A change in staff has delayed the installation of the modified controls but we have everything set up to be fitted into the boat.
These include a joystick control for he rudders and a twin set of foot activated motors which will pull-in and let out the 2 sails independently, which will get around the problem of the jib winch operating at a different speed to the main winch.
I feel it will give me a vaster control over the two sails, unlike the previous set up, which was a hand & operated the two sails together.
Hopefully after the initial land testing, by mid may, I will be testing the seat and boat in the water at Swarkestone SC.
I'm feeling confident that having the new, supportive seat from SOS (Specialised Orthotic Services) in Fould, along with the new bespoke control system, I will be able to gain my drive again to compete in Hansa sailing and at non-disabled club racing, under the Portsmouth Yardstick handicap.
First Visit to SOS (Specialised Orthotic Services) 9/1/2019
Today's visit to SOS (Specialised Orthotic Services) for my first fitting of my seat.
Very comfy and supportive, also we have incorporated a pommel to hopefully stop me sliding down in the seat like I use to.
It looks big but it will be trimmed down a far amount.
It's going to be a big help and I'm looking forward to seeing it in DreamCatcher & trying it out.
The next stage is for SOS to mount a smaller frame on it & fit it in the boat, similar to how the old seat fitted. And it shouldn't make me any higher.
Very comfy and supportive, also we have incorporated a pommel to hopefully stop me sliding down in the seat like I use to.
It looks big but it will be trimmed down a far amount.
It's going to be a big help and I'm looking forward to seeing it in DreamCatcher & trying it out.
The next stage is for SOS to mount a smaller frame on it & fit it in the boat, similar to how the old seat fitted. And it shouldn't make me any higher.