Seems I have trouble getting my boat out to Gravedona or to arrange for a charter F16. I did contact Raphael but it seems family members of his will use the boat, so it is likely to be at the event.

Currently I don't own a car and renting one for that length of time and distance is not an option.

If anybody has any good idea's on how to get an extra boat on the line then I'll be much obliged.

Wouter

Best way is to find someone to double stack with.

Closest to you is probably Hans, and man I would like to be a fly in a car with Hans and Wouter on the way to Como

la très mauvaise plaisanterie mais toujours très drôle

Somehow I don't think that is a realistic option at this time although we won't find ourselves with a lack of things to discuss (argue about).

Come to think of it, I always regarded our contact as pleasant before we started to differ in opinion on how the F16 class should progress.

On the other hand, I may be willing to pay Hans for transporting the boat to and back to Como. Giving him some extra earnings and take the train to Como myself. Anything to get another boat out to Como, I guess.

Wouter

Wouter,

It would be great to see you there. I couldn't lay my hands on a double stack trailer and my trailer is not suited for 2 boats. So I can't really offer you a deal.
Doesn't your boat fit the 2B sailing trailer....?

Gill

The big advantage of the F16 is its weight (no I'm not trying to start that one again). It means that double stacking two boats on a trailer designed for one could be done easily as cat trailer are usualy one size fits all from the F18 to the rotomolded. Put one on top of the other using some high density foam and you're done.

I've done it with Wayne, stacking my Stealth upside down on top of his, using long wood beams and carpet to make some clearance between the two. The only issue was to get a mast support to hold two masts...

I have double stacked lightweight 16 ft cats many times with just 2 lengths of 4x2 between the beams. Just put the top boat on upside down. A little padding so the beams do not get scratched. One mast in the foreward mast cradle and the other tied to it but a little below and some foam padding on the rear beam to tie the masts to. Pretty easy and straight forward.

Regards,
Phill

I've send a few mails and now lets see what happens. If nothing comes of it then I fear I won't be there.

Sorry

Wouter

Did u make it?

Nope !

Although I thank everybody who made a big effort on my account.

Wouter

The events over the last few days have made my decision the right one, but still I wonder why I feel really sorry to not be there !

AHHHHHH !

Turns out I'm actually working very hard these weeks (think 60 hours weeks) as to completely rewrite an university course on control systems that some old retiree never saw fit to update beyond the early 1970's. This basically comes down to writing all the lecture notes, a new (small) course book and completely redesigning & testing the assignments myself in the span of only 4 weeks. I just heard I'm also going to do the three courses on "mechanics of materials" and I certainly hope those are in better state or I have a problem.

However, it is good to see the Sicouri's participating themselves (the charter boat that was momentarily on offer and I went after) and the fact that Christa van Helden is there as well. She was with me in 2005 at one of the very first F16's ever. After a while Darren told me that he was taking three boats to Como and therefore he could no longer offer me (rather my boat) a spot. I had been wanting to get Christa on a F16 for years. Somehow, that makes losing my boat spot both bearable and unbearable at the same time.

I must also say that Geert (my hero) has offered me a crewing spot last week but I had to recline. He still went to the event however and is racing singlehandedly. People who have seen Geert in real life understand why that makes him my hero.

So I guess I'm now one of those people that crave for regatta news each day. So whoever is responsible for that, you'll have another deeply thankful reader !

Other then that I just have to accept that things didn't work out for me this time. It was simply a bridge too far.

But lets not forget that I'm also extremely happy with this switch between employers. It maybe be alot of work over the next few weeks and leaves a gap in my budget right at this F16 Europeans but the associated benefits are most certainly worth it ! The result of several years of investing lots of money and time.

So, have a beer on my account, gals and guys !

I wish you all the very best of luck and enjoyment there !

Wouter