53: MEADE GOUGEON HAS SAILED AWAY

In this caper, Jim shares the story of his summer 2019 ride on one of his “cattlemarans” in the Caribbean.

Jim sails along on a big catamaran with his entrepreneur-boatbuilder-sailor friend Doug Jane to deliver the boat to a customer. Lots of fun and challenges on this trip … with a little insight into the boat chartering business.

THE FLEDGLING EAGLE

In this 34-minute podcast, the listener is plunged into a detailed description of EAGLE, a 53’ catamaran designed by Paul Beiker and just launched by Fast Forward Composites of Bristol RI.

The backstory of the EAGLE’s conception is told, and some key details of this bellwether boat are described in depth: Her configuration and structure, her Hybrid Wing rig, her two kinds of hydrofoils, her Control Nacelle and her Carapace. Jim’s purpose is to come as close as possible – in the spring of 2019 – to the leading edge of modern multihull development, and to reveal the machinations required of the designer and builder attempting to advance multihull technology in the current era. The boat’s performance emphasis is juxtaposed with her practicality.

This podcast is illustrated in a companion 17-minute video on OutRigMedia.com, with Jim’s voice-over narrated captions to photos.

FINE PHILOSOPHICAL FILANDERING

Part Three of this flirtation between monohull and multihull, this Caper continues the conversation between Havilah Hawkins, Larry Fortunoff and me aboard the classic sloop VELA.​

Revealed are the levels of commitment, persistence and conviction that are inter-layered with the design, construction and operation of any significant sailing vessel of any type. Here's how you can actually come aboard.

UNMARKED FORK IN A DESERT TRAIL

Talking again with Havilah Hawkins Jr. aboard his monumental gaff sloop VELA, we approach the subject of parting with one's boat of many years. We then revert to all the things he has done with those many years of vessel stewardship, and inevitably return to ending that era of one's life.

"Haddie" has a lot to say about it, with an eye to his next boat, a "creek crawler." With use and years, it, too, will come alive.

"REAL" BOAT, REAL SKIPPER

This Caper deviates. ​

It is a conversation with a real schoonerman, largely about a very traditional, single-hulled vessel whose designer, builder and skipper tells the story of how a man and wife with a "real" boat can influence -- in an inspired manner -- the lives of many.

ANCHORAGE CONVERSATIONS (Part 2)

Here are a few more Sterncastle Stories with my buddy Larry, which makes this capercast a Part 2 of the Part 1 portion of this chat.

Tied to a dock in Maine, with no anchoring worries, with a good friend on a good boat, it is time to tie one on and gather the yarns that make cruising a tapestry.

In this brand of blather, Larry and I ramble about the past, present and future of modern, lightweight seafaring. The Hybrid Wing is paired with hydrofoils to behave like a downhill skier, and Woody Brown watches from above — disapprovingly perhaps — but he was a teetotaler. Listen in?

THE 100' FOUR HULLER

In this second of two conversations with Roger Hatfield, we learn the backstory of about the most bizarre, yet commercially successful, multihulls ever. And get this: Gold Coast has already started on a second one!

If that ain’t “The Ancient Future” now! Listen and learn.

Please enjoy this Caper about the four-hulled “Tandem Catamaran”.

KNOT MY PROBLEM

This Caper has all you need to know about the four-hulled “Tandem Catamaran,” at least enough to really understand it from the next Caper. Roger Hatfield, the co-designer and builder of this futuristic configuration, tells us how the concept, which comes from his client Mr. Warren Mosler, may indeed point the way ahead for the smoothest-riding offshore ferry boats — and who knows what other applications are latent in this extremely inventive watercraft.

To apprehend this potential breakthrough, you need to hear this Caper and the next. Welcome!

Be sure to visit our show notes page for this podcast episode on OutRigMedia.com for a few images of the Gold Coast two-hulled “Wave Piercing” catamarans, predecessors to the “Tandemaran,” I discuss with Roger Hatfield in this audio.

REALITY EN SHTICK​

To the tune of "Yes, we have no bananas," we have no video today. Or tomorrow, but maybe someday, even if I have to make it myself. There's a story here, and I'm just trying to get it, and tell it, straight. Nevertheless, there IS video today -- if not much -- as per the link listed below.

Suggestion: To placate your justifiable bummer, save this teaser 'till last and watch it on the show notes page for this episode at OutRigMedia.