Seaspray

As promised here... The virtual VO70 with virtual seaspray:

VO70 under sail

There's some kind of old-timer in the back; This is totally unintentional, but now that it is there: It's fun to think about the fact that we're actually looking at a timespan of approximately 1000 years.

Beautiful morning

It was indeed a beautiful morning; Flat water, almost a clear blue sky and pretty good winds. I luffed a bit, and here's what it looks like from the helm.

Duck or get wet

Lotsa virtual boats have bow wake, but only a few boats come with seaspray like this.

Found something

Just an ordinary day. Out testing one of those new boats; Never mind which one. It was smooth sailing until it  crashed on me, and I was left in the middle of nowhere. That's perfect for a bit of exploring, so I decided to swim ashore and have a look at the locals and their habits.

The view

Right north of my crash "site", there was a fabulous villa with a magnificient view over the ocean. It looked very nice, - kinda "Provencal" to me, but I won't show pics of the house, since it was private. At the edge of the terrace, stairs led me down to a small pier, where I found a couple of boats and a chair.

That pier was one of those places where one could sit for hours and just gaze. However, the really interesting stuff was - of course - the boats. Look what I found: Yes, it looks kinda familiar yet it is a little different.

Hey look!

I don't think I ever saw one of these boats actually sailing; I am told it was different, and at the time of its appearance it was supposedly a revolution in SL virtual sailing. Sure would be fun to try one. Does any one know what it is, and if it is available anywhere?

Update: As Orcs commented - this is a Fizz 1, the first edition of the now well known Flying Fizz 3;

Trapeze disease spreading

Urgent: The Tower Trapez Disease observed at the 49er Europeans seems to be spreading and fast. Less than fifteen days ago Nørregaard and Thomsen amazed the sailing world by doing this in their 49er. This was in Fraglia Vela Riva, Italy:

49er tower trapez

Shortly after that, the same thing was observed at the Danish Youth Championship just north of Copenhagen, Denmark. Here's a shot of Stine and Amalie - in their 29er - showing clear signs of being infected.

29er tower trapez

Very recently the disease has been observed spreading to a completely different animal, the Farr 40. This shot shows a Farr40 with very clear symptoms; The boat shown is allegedly on route to Malmö, Sweden, where I have reason to suspect the "night track" enabled the disease to spread further.

Farr40 tower trapez

Let's just say that trapez in a Farr 40 is rather unusual; Tower trapez in a Farr 40 therefore is extremely unusual, and this leeds me to a frightening conclusion: The Tower Trapeze Disease - dubbed TTD - could be highly contageous. Question is will there be a cure, and do we want one?

It's gonna be interesting to see what next week will bring. Will we see Tower Trapez on a DS37, a Swan 65 or perhaps a Wally101? Stay tuned...

Bending or breaking

Norregaard and Thomsen took silver at the Seiko 49 Europeans. Woot woot. What's more interesting is the on-going debate over their hiking style... Question is, - is this legal? Some have suggested a rule 47.2 infringement. It's the one about "noone can leave the boat while racing". Check the post on Look to windward. I think it is safe to say he is still on board.

Always wear flats when sailing

To me it looks more like a rule 49.1 infringement: "Use only hiking straps and stiffeners to position yourself outboard". Standing on top of another person is definately not allowed, but is it forbidden? Using another persons body to position yourself outboard? Perhaps there is something in the 49er class rules about this?

What do you think? Bending or breaking? Lethal or illegal?

First impressions

It is hardly fair to talk about first impressions as such; I first saw the virtual VO70 back in May at Tradewinds. I was out sailing, and the majestic profile of Dutch's boat caught my eye. I parked my Fizz right beside it, and gazed at the formidable build. Then Dutch popped up and we talked boats...

Sailing a virtual VO70

Shortly after that, Dutch built his beautiful marina, and ofcourse I visited regularly to see the amazing work in progress. The boat was now kinda complete... built bit by bit to visual perfection, but it still lacked someone to breathe life into it. There was no sailing engine inside.

Woohooo... virtual seaspray!!!

We had some great fun taking photos - setting up a handfull of boats to look like live action... Back then the boats were staticly sitting on the water, arranged in patterns like clay sculptures. Notice there was no seaspray. Unlike this shot right above, where the boat is very much alive. All that's missing is a few drops of water on the lense.

High speed beating

So what's it like? It sails. That in itself is fantastic. It is a huge boat, and it still works after crossing a sim border. It is fast, looks great, has great sounds, and the seaspray is just lovely. I will try to catch the seaspray - flying towards me - on camera. Those daggerboards move up and down, and the swing keel... hmm... more on that. There is a huge gennaker too, and lotsa gadgets for the crew.

Push that button

So first impressions were great. First sailing impressions are still sinking in. So far I am glad I pushed that button. A VO70 is a fantastic sailing machine, and this one can be sailed by one person. That alone makes it worth while. I'll  recommend any one interested in sailing to try it. However, I have yet to discover, whether or not the VO70 can make the cut for cruising or racing.

More testing to be done. This is not a review; It is only my first impression sailing the giant thing. Be back with more details.

The real deal

Not everything has disappeared over summer. Some things have moved. Some things have emerged, gone from dream to the real thing. For instance, this thing here behind me... What do you think it is?

 Ohh la la

Nope; It is not an RC boat... it's the real deal. Press that red button and you get a blast. Not an explosion... nah... you get a full scale demo version of the virtual VO70.

Update: Check the links in the comment from Jane for a thorough analysis of the virtual VO70.

Balduin Aabye Yacht Design gone?

So I finally made it inworld. Haven't been there much lately. Summer, sailing and other RL stuff taking my time. I checked my inventory, and I found a little gem, which I've never really tried... The paperboat from Balduin Aabyes Yacht Design. Here it is:

Balduins paper boat

I was just about to take her for a spin, when Ahab materialized at the pier. We talked a bit, and I learned that Balduin has closed his Yacht Design. Ahab was really on his way out, but I persuaded him to hop on board for a picture. Right after that I crashed, but the picture made it to my hardddrive.

Ahab and me in the paperboat

Sadly Sammie confirmed the bad news; Nevertheless I will be looking for Balduin for a while, and I will be enjoying his beautifull boats for longer. I'd better be back with a recap of his work; Even though I haven't covered it all.

Me looking for Balduin

It's really too bad that Balduin quit. Not only did he produce some beautiful boats; More importantly he was such a nice guy, and a true gentleman. From what I heard it will be some time before he reemerges, if at all.

Relaxing...

That recap of Balduins boats will have to wait a little though. Right now the RL racing season is still on; I have a few minutes for relaxing, and then off I go... I think I will leave myself hanging like this, thinking about all the good times with Balduin.

Gazing...

Balduin, - where are you?

PS: In case you wonder, what a virtual boat yard looks like, here it is... Balduin Aabye Yacht Design. Check the category boatyards for more details.