News from the Bridge:

site last updated by Cap'n Ben on Tuesday, 1 April, 2008

Tuesday, 01-April-2008

Ahoy all,
Whether winter will give it up or not, Spring is here and another season is upon us. Soon we'll be racing again as we fine tune our sailing skills and enjoy the comraderie that each of you bring to Radiance. Please be sure and visit www.crewsignup.com where I will shortly be putting up our schedule for you to enter your availability. Here's to a fast full season of sailing with great friends ...
Peace and thank you, Cap'n Ben

Sunday, 25-February-2007

Ahoy all,
It looks as if Spring may actually apear early this year. With great help from Chuck, Charlie, Ross, & Scott, a great dent has been put in our winter boat yard list. The bulk of the hull is sanded, the engine mounts are repaired and installed, and the old propellor and stuffing box are removed. There's still a lot of hull prep work to do, washing and waxing of the top sides, etc... Hopefully, the weather will support our schedule for an on-time spring launch. Our Radiance winter dinner will be either the 23rd (probable date) or the 24th of March there fore a new name is in order Spring Dinner (March 21st is the Spring Equinox). Hope to see everyone there.
Peace, Cap'n Ben

Sunday, 24-December-2006

Ahoy all,
We had a great 2006 season. Some highlights include: 1st place in the Area III Frank Heyes Regatta, 2nd place in the Area III Waukegan to Chicago port-to-port race, a wonderful After-Mac which included a rewarding stop at S. Manitou Island, a very exciting Race to Mackinac (exploding spinnaker included), a thrilling Double Handed race (which provs there's so much to learn-like how to read black water), and possibly best of all a full Season of Wednesday Night Beer Can races. Everyone made it possible, and again I say, Thank You!
Strictly Sail will be upon us soon. A Radiance Winter Round Up Dinner will be scheduled soon.
Season Greetings to all,
Cap'n Ben

Monday, 06-February-2006

Ahoy all,
We had a great 2005 season. Everyone made it possible. Thank you. GREAT FUN!
Strictly Sail is behind us and it's time to look forward.
67 DAYS TILL LAUNCH!
I'm really looking forward to sailing on Radiance. There's no place like home.
This season, as far as racing is concerned, a goal I have is I'd to aim for a solid team of 7-8 (as core) for the NOOD regatta this year. I sort of consider the tune up event for the Noods to be the Spring Opener/Olympic Cup, CCYC's opening race weekend of 5/28. Please try and make a commitment for these events. E-mail me if you wish to be considered.
I'd really like to have more Friday night Wine and Cheese sails. Let's see what we can do about that.
Thankfully, (not including the insurrance repairs) Radiance is in pretty good shape.What an awesome list of updates and repairs we got accomplished last spring. The auto-pilot, the mast collar, etc... Phew.. thank you again...
There's the usual bit of epoxy work around the rudder and keel, a good wash and wax, bottom paint, and maybe the teak???? Inevitably I'll have a few other maintenance / upgrade items. Like improving the below decks illumination which may wait till the boats at Montrose. I'm sure we'll have lots of great sailing fun.
Here's to a short winter....
Cap'n Ben

Saturday, 28-May-2005

Ahoy all,
All systems are looking great. The boat is ready to go. Are you? Last wed night's race was abandoned (lack of wind). Tomorrow, is our first race (two races, windward-leewards). Here's to a great season, and here's to everyone that has helped get Radiance ready to go. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
Cap'n Ben

Saturday, 20-Feb-2005

Ahoy all,
Well, I've finally made a few updates. We have our launch and commissioning schedule. As usual, there are many improvements that I've planned for this upcomming season. Here's a list of some of the plans.

Radiance 2005 TO DO!!!!

ITEM	Description
01	Install New Spinnaker Track, Cars, Sheaves, Cleats, etc.
02	Install new below decks Auto Pilot, re-install Server , remove old Auto-Pilot.
03	Install new Maxi display on Mast
04	Install new Steer Pilot display at binnacle
05	Install replacement alternator (proper 12 stators for Tach)
06	Bottom: Light sanding, fair/sand keel joint & rudder, VC17
07	Deck: Strip, sand, "varnish" exterior wood work
08	Install new batteries
09	Apply UV inhibitive paint over dead light joint seal (Sika)
10	Scrub deck and hull, wax hull.
11	Install repaired mast collar.
12	Install new main sheet bracket on boom
13	Install / repair outhaul (Charlie has a plan)
14	SAIL FAST, SAIL OFTEN, SAIL SAFE........

Of course there's more but I have to stop somewhere. At this point I'm still expecting a similiar schedule as last season. All wed night CCYC races. All CCYC hosted Area III races. The Nood, the Verve, the Mac, the double handed race that leads into the Waukegan to Chicago port>port race. And hopefully a lot more wine & cheese sails (typically Friday night).
Stay warm as we plan on warm sails with a hot following breeze.
Peace, Cap'n Ben

Tuesday, 20-Jan-2004

Ahoy all,
Well, it’s finally here. Strictly Sail – Chicago gives us all a chance to get back to the dreams of sailing. I’ll go on Thursday when it’s relatively quiet and I can work w/ vendors on my wish list items. On Friday, Sandy & I will bring Jacob. It’s really the best day for climbing around boats. There are some seminars that I’m interested in. Gary Jobson - Ultimate Sailing, Thursday, January 29, 2004 @18:00:00 is one.
If you haven’t noticed (and you may want to check your SPAM mailbox, I’m trying to re-establish the use of an E-Mail list server. You should have received an e-mail from topica.com. You can also subscribe by merely sending an e-mail to radiancecrew-subscribe@topica.com or simply click here. The web page for our e-mail list is http://www.topica.com/lists/radiancecrew . One of the great benefits of this list server is that all e-mails posted to the list are automatically sent to everyone that has subscribed to the list. Everyone knows what’s going on, all the time. If you want to send a private message to me, do not use the list. BTW, this list will NOT generate or make you vulnerable to more SPAM.
I’d like to propose Wednesday evening, February 25th for a RADIANCE DINNER @ 6:30pm. Who’s available?
So, I’ve ordered a replacement masthead sheave. I’ll have to create a new axle as this sheave requires a 3/8” axle compared to the bent 5/16” axle that will be replaced. I am planning on buying a new chute this year. A new, longer pole will also be bought. Details TBD right before Strictly Sail. At the boat yard this spring, we’ll have to varnish our exterior teak. We also need to enlarge/repair our “weep hole” for our transom scoop. I’d also like to enable our fresh water tanks. I have an AC inverter to install and numerous other small projects. All in all, the list is quite manageable.
I hope that everyone had a wonderful New Years eve and holiday season. We are around the corner and now looking at getting back on the water “soon”.
Peace and fair WARM winds to all,
Cap’n Ben

Tuesday, 09-Sep-2003

Ahoy all,
It's been a great season, to short as always. Our Wednesday night races are over except for 2 Wed night pursuit races. In the "C" series we showed a great improvement. More on the season re-cap later....
We will attempt casual sails whenever possible. Feel free to call and or write me with suggested dates and times to go for a sail. Catch the weather/sails when one can. Late night sails are even an option....

• The season wrap-up is tentatively as noted above. Who's in for what??? Thank you all for a great season.
Fair winds, Cap'n Ben

Wednesday, 21-May-2003

Ahoy all,
After the great turnout last Wednesday, I've decided to tentatively limit our Wed evening crew to 10. Of course, as we all get into the routine of sailing Radiance, I may be more flexible.
What this means is that if too many show up for a Wed evening race, I'll suggest that additional crew (at my discretion) head over to a fellow racer's boat that may be short handed. In general, preference will be given to those w/seniority and those that may be participating in an upcoming weekend race event. Another qualifying factor will be the amount of time that the crew member has dedicated to getting the boat prepared this season. I hope that you all understand.
Boat call for Wednesday evenings in general shall be 1700. We'll break lines around 1800.
Boat calls for this weekend will likely be:
Sat for Race Committee: 0900
Sun for Olympic Cup Race: 0900
Both days we should be back before 1600
Let's have fun. Peace.
Cap'n Ben

Monday, 12-May-2003

Ahoy all,
Okay, so Tuesday in general sounds bad for many. Crew practice this week will be on Wednesday! Boat call will be 1800. Let's get out and practice tacking & jybing....
There is no crew practice/sail for Radiance this weekend. This Saturday , 5/17, it would be great if some could do some final 'teak' brightening and complete the deck scrubbing. I have a Rover boat call at 1100 but I could get others going on these projects @ 1000 and then I'll be back to lock up, etc..
Let me know & I appreciate everyone's flexibility.
Cap'n Ben

Sunday, 11-May-2003

Ahoy all,
I've created a quick portal type home page to the radiance news.
It looks like we need to practice on a night other than Wed this week. Thursday evening I may be measuring boats in Holland, MI, so.... how about this TUESDAY evening for our first and only chance to fly the chute prior to the first Wed night Beer can race? BTW, this past Saturday we had a delightful weather window where we had a good tacking practice. It was great to get out & we managed to missed the seven plagues.
Let me know ASAP re: Tuesday & my other schedule requests.
Whether you can or can't make an event, please try and let me know your availability either way!
Fair winds,
Cap'n Ben

Monday, 05-May-2003

Ahoy all,
I'm sorry that I have to make this request but, I need to change this Wednesday evening's practice to Thursday evening. Can you attend? I apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.
This Saturday, boat call @ 1000 hours for a sail. We may not actually break lines till around 1200.
Who's in? If only a few are available, than I'll probably just do varnishing of exterior wood work, etc..
Last Wednesday evening, we had a great turn out. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate. The cold blustery northerly was one thing, but the fog that rolled in rightfully kept us in the harbor. We did have an informative jybing practice in our slip. I think that even those who've sailed with us before were able to appreciate the refresher. And yes, the new spinnaker halyard is installed!!!!!
So last Saturday, with all the great help from Charles, Beth, Mitri, & James, the forward hatch was replaced and work was done on the interior trim piece as well. She's getting there.......
BTW, check out this link to animated knot tying (thanks Charles).
Thanks again,
Cap'n Ben

Monday, 28-April-2003

Ahoy all,
We had a delightful maiden sail this past Sunday. Eleanor at 10 weeks old finally got out sailing and Jacob at nearly 3yrs old (this Thursday) did a great job trimming the jib. With Charles @ the helm, Cat, Barb, Sandy & guests David, Lauren, Richard & Judy had a delightful time. Here's a link to pictures.
THIS WEEK: Wednesday 4/30 @ 1730: Practice begins. Saturday 5/03 @ 1000: Boat work & early afternoon sail.
I'm looking for commitments for the Saturday & Sunday, May 24th & 25th events!
The 25th is our first "serious" highly competitive race. I'd really like to have a solid team together for this event.
Please let me know your availability as soon as you can!
PS. If you are interested in Tactics, study up on Racing Rules, Specificly Part 2.
Cap'n Ben

Sunday, 20-April-2003

Ahoy all,
Wow, what a great week it's been!!!!!! Tuesday (w/Demitri & Charles), we had a warm ride up the river and the 22 nm to Montrose in less than four hours. Saturday (w/ Cat, Beth, Mitri, Demitri, & Nikki), we ran the spin halyard messenger line, re-installed the repaired mast step & spinnaker halyard bail and completed the exterior woodwork cleaning and sanding. Sunday with the help of Beth, Mitri, Carmen, Scott, Charles, & Ross, (20+ knots of wind), we stepped the mast with relative ease. Things are looking great!
This coming week looks like:
04/24 Thursday 9am > 5pm: Scott & Ben attempt the install of a new deck hatch.
04/25 Friday 5pm > 8pm: Install boom, boom vang, main sheet, main sail, and reef lines.
04/26 Saturday 10am: Scrub Deck, then maiden sail.
Starting Wednesday April 30th at 1730 hours we'll begin practices. Wed. May 21st is the first Wed night race.
BTW, check out this photo and this this photo of Charle's help at getting our Targa arch out of the boatyard.
THANKS AGAIN FOR EVERYONE'S HELP! The Season of Sailing & Racing is here!!!
Cap'n Ben

Monday, 10-March-2003

Ahoy,
Brrrr, it's STILL cold out. Here we are 35 days from our supposed launch date and we've still got 10" of ice in the Calumet River and the harbors are all frozen solid as well. Will Spring ever come???
We had a great turn out at the crew dinner at our house last night. Thank you (all 11 of you) for coming out on such another frigid night. It was great to see everyone. It really helps to get the chance to find out what each of you desires for your/our season of racing. Please continue to give me feedback. Especially as we firm up the races that Radiance is going to participate in. I've added a preliminary schedule (which was distributed at the dinner) for all to review. Please continue to comment on the schedule. Events that you know that you can, can not, might, or might want (like the Mac), to do. E-mails are the best way of letting me know your commitments. Then I've got it in writing. Thanks again for your participation in team Radiance. Oh, and I forgot to mention at the dinner, crew wear. I have not placed any orders lately. Many of you made requests a while ago. I still have those requests in mind. Here's a link to the company that I'm going to these days. They want you to sign in to see their on-line catalog. If you enter their generic customer number of 905, and use the zip code of 28401, you'll be able to peruse their entire catalog. If you see something that you want, note the style, size, color, etc., & I'll coordinate the rest. My account number has our graphic etc., on file. Bascily anything that you can 'imagine' is available. That's it for now. Please confirm your schedule thoughts.
Staying warm, and PEACE to all,
Cap'n Ben

Saturday, 18-January-2003

Ahoy,
Brrrr, it's cold out. Here we are two weeks before Strictly Sail. I'm planning on attending on Thursday & Saturday. Thursday to arrange/buy what we need and Saturday to go to the Americap seminar.
[Americap II Sailboat Rating System & The Chicago Mackinac Race Date: Saturday, February 01, 2003 Time: 1:30:00 PM Location: 309 Speaker: Dan Nowlan & Jim Teeters, LMSRF.]
We had a very nice time at Evergreens in chinatown.Thanks to all that made it out. Next dinner will be at...
I hope to see ya at Strictly Sail-Chicago.
Staying warm,
Cap'n Ben

Tuesday, 24-December-2002

Ahoy,
What a great season we had. I hope all of you had as much fun as I did. THANK YOU all for making our sailing/racing program what it is.
It's time for a get together. How about Chinatown on Wed the 8th of January around 1830 hrs?
The Area III schedule is online. Please check it out. I haven't yet established a possible Radiance schedule and probably won't until the BOY (boat-of-the-year) schedule is released. In general, I'm thinking of doing the usual CCYC wed night events, an assortment of AIII buoy events (tbd based on crew input), the AIII port to port schedule (might not do the 1st mchgn city race), the verve, and possibly an occasional CCYC weekend event. Sandy & I are hoping to get some nice cruising in as well.
The boat's in 'great' shape. That is my spring commisioning plans are modest compared to the past. There's the woodwork in & out that is screaming for attention. The deck needs a scrubing like it's surgery time and I should replace/re-fit the port lights (cabin windows) and hatches to keep the sea at bay. The holding tank will need to be re-installed. After the mast step is welded it will require re-installing. The prop requires a ss shim to be made. Spinnaker halyard replaced and re-run. A little bit of annual fibreglass fairing (running aground in mchgn city didn't help), and a good washing and waxing and that annual quick coat of vc and we're off and sailing! All in all a very reasonable list.
Well, that's a bit of an update. I wish everyone a great holiday season and hope we can rendevouz soon.
Stay warm,
Cap'n Ben

Tuesday, 21-May-2002

Ahoy,
At long last, Radiance is in her new berth at Montrose Harbor. Slip “O-15” the farthest west slip in the harbor.
The boat is in great condition. Thanks to all of the hard work by so many. The running rigging upgrades, and the electronics upgrades are basically complete. Some “fine tuning” is still required. The teak is still in need of re-finishing, and then the deck sorely calls out for a really good scrubbing. Please let me know if anyone has a suggestion on when this work can be done.
We’ve got a great season to look forward to. Port to Port races, “grand-prix” Area III buoy races, Wednesday night “Beer Can” races, Friday night Wine & Cheese sails, the NOOD regatta, the Mackinaw race, and on and on…
That's about it for now.
See you on Radiance.
Cap'n Ben

Thursday, 28-Mar-2002

Ahoy,
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, to all that have worked so hard on preparing the bottom for a fast race season.
Last weekend, the final push for the bottom, was especially COLD. I'd guess at a high of 36 and quite gusty (wind chill of about 15). Demetri, Ross, Geoffrey, and Robert were quite stalwart in their display of fortitude. THE BOTTOM IS "DONE" as far as sanding goes. What's left is some minor epoxy filling, and barrier coat touch up, touch up sand, and then the VC17 bottom paint. Whewwww.
This Saturday, March 30th, from 10am to about 4pm it's time to attack the HULL. Wash, compound, and wax time. We'll also begin the process of teak cleaning and brightening. This is typically work that does not require "brute strength". Please let me know if you can come down and help. We've got a baby sitter, so Sandy will be leading this operation. Extra supplies that would be helpful for you to bring include: step ladder of 6' -12' length (the boat is up pretty high); heavy duty rubber gloves; any aggressive scrubbers (nothing made of steel or iron) like brass, bronze, or copper scouring brushes, etc.. We will have some of these supplies but with more showing up, it might be nice to have more tools. DRESS WARM, maybe bring a spare pair of shoes (if they get wet), and I strongly recommend a hat of some sort. Rain gear as an outer layer may be appropriate (to guard against that overzealous hose operator).
I'd like to work on Sunday as well. As this is Easter, some may not be available. Let me KNOW!
Thanks all. Really, Spring is here.... Spring is here.... Spring is here.... Spring is here....
Well, sort of.
Cap'n Ben

Monday, 11-Mar-2002

Ahoy all. We’re on the schedule now, which has been updated thru July. Actually, we’re ahead of schedule in regards to the bottom work.
During the last month we’ve been graced with more reasonable weather. Ted, Robert, Geoffrey, and I, have made great progress with the bottom. Ted, single-handedly has done the grunt of this work with a great second hand going to Robert. We’ve got about 2/3 of the 220 grit sanding yet to do. Some epoxy filling and sanding, and the bottom is ready for VC17. Probably 12-15 “man” hours left on the bottom. Then we begin on the teak brightening, cleaning, and varnishing. Lastly there’s the hull and deck cleaning, waxing, and buffing. I’d like to get most if not all of the new electronics installed before we launch and bring the boat up to Montrose. The new running rigging will be installed at Montrose.
The race schedules have been finalized at Area III and at CCYC. My current plan is pretty much as last laid out. All CCYC Wednesday evenings, and all CCYC Area III hosted races (except for the Spring Opener in which I’m the PRO and Radiance is the crew). Weekends are occupied with either an Area III port to port race, an Area III BOY buoy race, or the Nood and Mackinaw race. After the Mac we’ll continue with the concepts as stated herein. The Verve remains an uncertainty.
Peace and fair winds,
Cap’n Ben

Tuesday, 12-Feb-2002

Can you believe this winter ... and what fun to browse sailboats and seminars like Geoffrey's at Strictly Sail. All great fuel that feeds the longing for the sea.
Ted, Robert, & I continued with our bottom sanding last Saturday the 9th. I'd guestimate about 1/3 of the boat is now ready for a 220 sanding. NOTE that weather permitting it's back to the boatyard this Saturday the 16th. Help is welcome!
Finally, after numerous hours, sitting by the fire, our new wheel is ready to be installed. Regarding the web page, I've added some great new technical links. The animated rules and Bruce Farr's how to sail the boat are especially informative.
Cap'n Ben

Monday, 28-Jan-2002

Ahoy, this past sixty degree weekend allowed us to begin the bottom prep work.
Ted & I began sanding with our electric orbital sanders (we have 3) with 100 grit paper. In about 1-1/2 hours time we covered about 30 square feet. The resultant area of our work is basically ready for final bottom paint. What this means is that we will not be doing more epoxy barrier coat work (rolling and tipping). We sand down the VC17 along with the orange peel and stop when she’s perfectly smooth. That’s it. We’ll have a little bit of epoxy bottom work to repair the yet to be removed SSB grounding plate area and wherever there are minor repairs needed.

I’ve decided to nix the Windward Sheeting Car for the traveler this year. Doing this job requires removing the track, either replacing the track with a higher profile version$$ or re-building the teak track support member$$$. Doing this would also mean probably replacing the traveler end fittings$$$. After we’re done, when the boat’s at rest, there’s now a track across the cockpit seats. Not crazy about that, tripping, resting, etc..

Sitting by the fire with Sandy & Jacob, I’ve gotten a lot done on the wheel lacing kit. The herringbone stitch required is pretty cool. It’s not a difficult stitch but on the rim with the foam padding I have to pull the thread real tight so as to bring together the sides of the leather (which is a pretty good fit). Doing so, I occasionally will break the thread. That requires unstitching, tying off, and starting a new run with another 8 feet of thread. Status: all 8 spokes stitched, wheel rim about 3/5 complete.

I’m planning on being at Strictly Sail Thursday for exhibits and boats. Thursday, upon closing, I’ll likely head to the Ale House on Navy Pier (Charlie’s?). On Saturday, I’ll check out some seminars including Geoffrey’s Making of the Mackinaw video. Hope we can rendezvous!
Sandy & I are thinking of a Radiance party at our house in late February. Stay tuned….
That’s the latest.
Cap’n Ben

Monday, 07-Jan-2002

1. The bottom of the boat needs to be made smooth. If not we'll die in medium to light air (aka the Mac). I've got a plan for this (ha ha ha ha, no really I do....)
2. New running rigging needs to be installed (rope clutches, halyards, down hauls, topping lifts, reef lines, etc.). Some or a lot of this may be done in our slip at Montrose. Of course I'd like to get this done prior to the river trip if possible
3. Wash & wax the hull above the waterline.
4. Apply VC17, wax the prop and launch.

Fair winds,

Site updated by Cap'n Ben on Tuesday, 1 April, 2008