Last time I checked, it was still December. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Anyway, she made the comment that it sucked that she would have to wait four months to use her "Christmas" present (even more ironic since the wife and daughter are Jewish).

However, the expression on her face when she saw it set up in the back yard on Christmas morning was priceless. She was so excited, she went outside in her PJ's and slippers (it was about 25° F) to check it out. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Hey, Jake...

sometimes it's better to be lucky, than good!!

Well, I did admit it was idiotic... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I don't know where I got this habit, but here's the dilemna. I use the string (got that from PU) as a weather vane to point into the wind. I need to have this out to see the direction with the compass. So far, this is a good plan...

The problem is, I have a Kestrel meter, which is only accurate if it's facing directly into the wind (OK, it's not as accurate in light air either, but that's a different issue). So, I hold the stick at a 90-degree angle to the meter to make sure it's facing the wind (this is easier to see in person, but it works). This is a good plan until the string gets too close to the impeller. (I think I got this idea from PU or Means, not sure because it's been a while since they've used this type of meter.)

The good news is, the Kestrel impellers are replaceable for much less money than a new meter. The bad news is, if you don't have a spare with you, the meter is useless.

I've seen a better idea in Newport, along the lines of a fraternity (hazing?) paddle, where the compass sits in one end, and a tell tale is sticking up from the other end. I can hold both of these up at the same time without fouling the impeller, especially if the tell tale isn't a string (Davis shroud tell tales work well). Of course, only a string is worth using in light air...

Back on the thread topic, since I forgot to ask Santa for a paddle, or a Windtronic (which will always be superior to the Kestrel-type meters), I got the car GPS...

Mike

A new pair of sailing gloves destined to stay dry because of a wet n wild Christmas. We have little or no sailing because of a tropical low off the Queensland coast. We had a wet christmas and are tipped to have the same for New Year.

what kind of gloves are those and do they work. Looking for good dry gloves.

For RC work I have a plastic grocery crate that I place upside down on the bow of the boat. Mounted in the middle of it is an old casting rod, with 8-track tape (instead of string) on the end.
This makes it a snap for setting the starting line as the crate has perfect 90-degree angles. So, I just line up the tape even with the crate, site across the crate for a 90-degree line. Then, of course, I have the mark boat move forward of the 90-degree area to make a slightly port-favored line (best way to get fair starts for the whole fleet)
By the way, our store is where I got the Windtronic for Mary. I am pretty impressed with it. I have used all the others and this is by far the best one. The worst I ever used was Speedtech.., and they are jerks to work with. Often their product would not work right from the get-go, and they would not take it back.
Windtronics can be seen at http://store.catsailor.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&specific=jnrppopqj8
Happy New Year!
Rick

Just to clarify about Rick's wind-direction thingy, he does not use a whole casting rod -- it is just a broken-off part of a rod, so it stands about 2 feet above the crate. You can use a dowel or anything.

Santa? SANTA? That @#$% Guy gets all the credit and non of the bills.

Anyways, Tundra. It was a few days late for Christmas and a day early for my 40th birthday, but close enough. I know, I know when you turn 40 you are supposed to buy the sports car and park the truck.

Hey maybe this will bring Tad back. Although not the Cobra 0-60 performance we are used to, the 5200# Tundra gets there in under 6 seconds. Nice. We will have to do our own testing to see 0-60 with N20 in tow. I'm guessing 6.2. Speaking of Cobra, if you want a car project PM me and I'll tell you about it.

Gotta go, buy gas that is. I miss Tad.

Chris - 40 now? I have a million jokes about apparent maturity and all running through my head - too many choices! Pick one of your own, attribute it to me, then call me an a$$h0l3! That's your birthday present!

Anyway - Happy B'day! One of us, one of us, one of us...

Went with the Tundra, eh? Brand new? I still say you can make a case for keeping the Cobra. Call me on that one...