How could I forget to post this up. It was from 3rd May, second outing with the Maxi Dopero. Almost crashed the rig with the kite pulling to the right. It's sorted now, mind.
Quite like this one, I'll be investigating this avenue some more.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
00163 Low scores and reasonable air with a doodle
In a week of weddings and hangovers, I managed to get a whole load of experience in the fullbore department. A score of 40-2 out of a possible 50 at 300 yards showed me that I needed to sort something out. My coach, Sylvia, suggested that I hunker down a bit further - it was really windy and we were trying allsorts to lessen the impact of the wind. The elevation on the 300 yd score was really good, so I knew it had to be something to do with the wind buffeting the rifle. I tightened the sling and wore a jumper, which made it almost painfully tight and almost difficult to hold the rifle. But it did the job and I hit a 47-3 and a 47-5 at 500 and 600 yards respectively. So it looks like that worked, then. Pity I had to find out the hard way. To make things easier, I was put in the reserve squad (there were two of us), so my score had no impact on the team. Still, I was very pleased with the elevation on all the ranges and it bodes very well for the future.
Kitesurfing session at Ladies bay, with griff going upwind over to the Northern end of the bay by going around the big rock island in front of the sand bar and downwind into the Northern bay. As the tide came up he was watching it until it just came over the sand bar and then shot across it declaring "The bar is open!". And so it was. Good session, good conditions (if a bit choppy) and a few decent airs, especially when I used Dan's advice - popping off the chop or the swell. It really works, but I've got to get out more to practice it as often as possible in the hope of really cracking it.
I also got to do a quick ten minute doodle on the sand at Grand Roques, but forgot the kite line. Doh!
Kitesurfing session at Ladies bay, with griff going upwind over to the Northern end of the bay by going around the big rock island in front of the sand bar and downwind into the Northern bay. As the tide came up he was watching it until it just came over the sand bar and then shot across it declaring "The bar is open!". And so it was. Good session, good conditions (if a bit choppy) and a few decent airs, especially when I used Dan's advice - popping off the chop or the swell. It really works, but I've got to get out more to practice it as often as possible in the hope of really cracking it.
I also got to do a quick ten minute doodle on the sand at Grand Roques, but forgot the kite line. Doh!
00162 Backgammon board
I've recently found Google's free 3D design tool sketchup and it's renewed my enthusiasm for making a backgammon board.
I've been looking at several ways to make the backgammon design on the board itself and although I might make several, I'll probably do the first one as a decoupage project, if only because I want to try it out.
I've been looking at several ways to make the backgammon design on the board itself and although I might make several, I'll probably do the first one as a decoupage project, if only because I want to try it out.
Monday, May 22, 2006
00161 Photo dessert
The lack of images of hobbies and the like indicates that I've been doing nothing imaginative recently.
I'm waiting for a burst of motivation to finish the Dopero by making a nice new bag for it - a bit like a "topping out" thing.
Went out kitesurfing last Thursday in very gusty high winds - won't be doing that again. My 11 meter lofted me and dragged me towards the rocks. Had my hand on the release all the time, no problem. So after a brief attempt to get going I packed it in and borrowed Mike's 9 meter. Now I know I have to get some new kites. It was really nippy and easy to jump with, not to mention the gust handling ability - just superb.
In the shooting, it looks like I might be selected for the team to shoot against the NRA (the British national rifle assoc.). I'm feeling a bit guilty about this, as there are people whose experience tops mine. So the agreement is that if the weather is good, then I might go along. Well see. Fortunately the even t allows me to be coached. Hopefully Pete Jory will help with the windage.
In other news, my Mum has suggested that I give her the details of my rakeart set to give to the people at the Coach House Gallery in order to see if they want to host an exhibition. Where the money will come from to get the prints done I don't know, but I definitely need to go out and do some new stuff. Oh well, at least it's free.
I'm waiting for a burst of motivation to finish the Dopero by making a nice new bag for it - a bit like a "topping out" thing.
Went out kitesurfing last Thursday in very gusty high winds - won't be doing that again. My 11 meter lofted me and dragged me towards the rocks. Had my hand on the release all the time, no problem. So after a brief attempt to get going I packed it in and borrowed Mike's 9 meter. Now I know I have to get some new kites. It was really nippy and easy to jump with, not to mention the gust handling ability - just superb.
In the shooting, it looks like I might be selected for the team to shoot against the NRA (the British national rifle assoc.). I'm feeling a bit guilty about this, as there are people whose experience tops mine. So the agreement is that if the weather is good, then I might go along. Well see. Fortunately the even t allows me to be coached. Hopefully Pete Jory will help with the windage.
In other news, my Mum has suggested that I give her the details of my rakeart set to give to the people at the Coach House Gallery in order to see if they want to host an exhibition. Where the money will come from to get the prints done I don't know, but I definitely need to go out and do some new stuff. Oh well, at least it's free.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Friday, May 12, 2006
00159 Grande Roque battery
Well my excuse is that the computer's been broken, what's yours?
I've been out KAPing at Grande Roques and had a blistering session on Mike's Cabrinah Switchblade (12m) - man I've got to get hold of one of those.
The shooting's going well - I even won a spoon. How crazy is that. Not very. But in the meantime I managed to get on theteam to go to Jersey. There's only 8 of us going, so not bad really - and, yes, there were more than 8 people competing. And, no, there weren't 9. Or 10. Look just leave it.
I've been out KAPing at Grande Roques and had a blistering session on Mike's Cabrinah Switchblade (12m) - man I've got to get hold of one of those.
The shooting's going well - I even won a spoon. How crazy is that. Not very. But in the meantime I managed to get on theteam to go to Jersey. There's only 8 of us going, so not bad really - and, yes, there were more than 8 people competing. And, no, there weren't 9. Or 10. Look just leave it.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
00158 Katchup
So it's come down to this, a look back at the week. I thought I'd be able to avoid this, but hey.
This image and a couple of others were taken from an impromptu session with the Maxi Dopero (first KAP sesh) when we went to Portelet with Caroline, Steve and the kids. Iwas just showing them how it worked and it seemed a little pointless to miss an opportunity to KAP on a blue-sky day.
The kitesurfing was not so hot. Underpowered at the South and then the North ends of Vazon (I think it was Tuesday and then Sunday). The first outing at the South end of Vazon was quite a revelation. As usual I was suffering from the lack of low-end grunt from my 15 (because of the 5th line, as far as I know), and Mike lent me his 12 meter Cabrinah Switchblade. What a thing that was!. Powered up fully in 9 knots of admittedly constant wind. I'll be trying it out when he moves down a size to check out the high wind ability. If that's good, then I'll sell the Flexis (with a tear in my eye) and buy just the one 12m Bow. Man, that was a real moment.
Shooting was good. Coached again (by Peter Jory). Got a 73-10 followed by a 73-11 at 500 and 600 respectively. Would've won the B class trophy for the day had it not been for the lack of membership to the club (and perhaps the coaching). Shucks.
This image and a couple of others were taken from an impromptu session with the Maxi Dopero (first KAP sesh) when we went to Portelet with Caroline, Steve and the kids. Iwas just showing them how it worked and it seemed a little pointless to miss an opportunity to KAP on a blue-sky day.
The kitesurfing was not so hot. Underpowered at the South and then the North ends of Vazon (I think it was Tuesday and then Sunday). The first outing at the South end of Vazon was quite a revelation. As usual I was suffering from the lack of low-end grunt from my 15 (because of the 5th line, as far as I know), and Mike lent me his 12 meter Cabrinah Switchblade. What a thing that was!. Powered up fully in 9 knots of admittedly constant wind. I'll be trying it out when he moves down a size to check out the high wind ability. If that's good, then I'll sell the Flexis (with a tear in my eye) and buy just the one 12m Bow. Man, that was a real moment.
Shooting was good. Coached again (by Peter Jory). Got a 73-10 followed by a 73-11 at 500 and 600 respectively. Would've won the B class trophy for the day had it not been for the lack of membership to the club (and perhaps the coaching). Shucks.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
0157 Fullbore!
The first time since the summer of '89 and it was good.
A 48-4 at 300 followed by this 49-6 made me a very happy man after I'd figured out what the scores meant.
It did help that it was a sunny afternoon, although in my defense it was a new rifle and I hadn't done it for a bit.
The other club members were helpful to a fault as I've come to expect - what a nice bunch.
A 48-4 at 300 followed by this 49-6 made me a very happy man after I'd figured out what the scores meant.
It did help that it was a sunny afternoon, although in my defense it was a new rifle and I hadn't done it for a bit.
The other club members were helpful to a fault as I've come to expect - what a nice bunch.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
00156 Slipways and slip ways
We had guests this last week, which was very good, but meant no blooging. So in summary, kitesurfing twice, second time gave me just enough to cruise on the 15. Shooting - smallbore season is over and I've yet to go out fullbore.
Finally, just went out for a proper low wind session on the Dopero which worked very well, although I still think there may be room for a minor bridal adjustment. Interesting things will come soon, I hope.
Oh yeah and I got to shoot the Lihou Slipway, although the light just faded as I lofted the camera - Still, not too too bad.
Finally, just went out for a proper low wind session on the Dopero which worked very well, although I still think there may be room for a minor bridal adjustment. Interesting things will come soon, I hope.
Oh yeah and I got to shoot the Lihou Slipway, although the light just faded as I lofted the camera - Still, not too too bad.
Monday, April 10, 2006
00155 Medal
Got this for best score in the 'B' team for the inter-insular between Jersey and Guernsey. Which we lost. Bummer.
Anyway it was over 15 yards and I managed a 98, 96, 99, 96 - obviously could've been more.
The final scores are here
Good day.
Anyway it was over 15 yards and I managed a 98, 96, 99, 96 - obviously could've been more.
The final scores are here
Good day.
Friday, April 07, 2006
00153 Tractor factor
So, three things here:
Shootin', 97, 97, 98, 98 - just before the Jersey trip - can I keep it up? Probablynot (I think that works really well as one word).
Maxi Dopero, finished. Needs a tweak. Don't we all. Pictures to follow seeing as I can't be arsed to post up two images here (imagine my surprise when I saw the two images I posted up here).
KAP - it's a tractor init. D50 doing well. Damn gusty, mind.
Shootin', 97, 97, 98, 98 - just before the Jersey trip - can I keep it up? Probablynot (I think that works really well as one word).
Maxi Dopero, finished. Needs a tweak. Don't we all. Pictures to follow seeing as I can't be arsed to post up two images here (imagine my surprise when I saw the two images I posted up here).
KAP - it's a tractor init. D50 doing well. Damn gusty, mind.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
00152 Air n' high scores
Another kitesurf/shooting double yesterday.
Kitesurfing at Pembroke - superb. After so many gusty sessions in a SWerly, finally a nice constant NEerly. Got some good jumps in and a rotation - albeit unintentional. Also better speed control in overpowered situations and som nice little jumps off the waves. Just great.
Shooting - four cards at 15 yards gave me a 96, 96, 97, 99. What an improvement, especially with the Jersey inter-insular coming up. My only problem is consistency and I don't know if this upward trend is going to plateau or go down. Thursday's the last shoot before the competition, so we'll get an idea then. I have been told to expect a drop of about 8-10 points because of the different lighting conditions and the added stress. We'll see.
Kitesurfing at Pembroke - superb. After so many gusty sessions in a SWerly, finally a nice constant NEerly. Got some good jumps in and a rotation - albeit unintentional. Also better speed control in overpowered situations and som nice little jumps off the waves. Just great.
Shooting - four cards at 15 yards gave me a 96, 96, 97, 99. What an improvement, especially with the Jersey inter-insular coming up. My only problem is consistency and I don't know if this upward trend is going to plateau or go down. Thursday's the last shoot before the competition, so we'll get an idea then. I have been told to expect a drop of about 8-10 points because of the different lighting conditions and the added stress. We'll see.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
00151 Open vertical keel finished
At last. It was a real hoo-ha, just because of the amount of detail and the accuracy needed to make all the edges meet. Glad that's over.
Just the reinforcements and elastic, spar cutting and bridal making to go followed by the ubiquitous bag, of course.
Just the reinforcements and elastic, spar cutting and bridal making to go followed by the ubiquitous bag, of course.
00150 Pooh sticks at Richmond
Went to Richmond to fly the D50 from the Genki (in the absence of the soon-to-be-finished Maxi-Dopero). Not enough wind to get more than two meters off the ground as this tantalisingly sharp image shows.
So instead I whipped up a Pooh Stick with fifteen minutes to go until I had to leave. It's another rule I'll add to the growing list - time limited Pooh Stick making.
So instead I whipped up a Pooh Stick with fifteen minutes to go until I had to leave. It's another rule I'll add to the growing list - time limited Pooh Stick making.
00149 D50 flies at Roquaine
And so it was, that the D50 went up smoothly and came down the same way. Beautiful day, reasonable subject, great results. Pin sharp and all the better for being heavier than the Optio, as it corrected itself faster after swinging off to the side.
Can't wait to try more.
Can't wait to try more.
Monday, April 03, 2006
00148 Maxi Dopero spar holder
Finished this small detail of the lower sail and tonight I've finally done the OVKs - man that was painful work - my back was killing me. Pictures to follow tomorrow.
Friday, March 31, 2006
00147 Lower sail with spar
Finished most of the big sewing jobs, now to knuckle down to the details like the keel and the reinforcements for the spar pockets. The lower sail is all hemmed up (as shown here) with a spar pocket immaculately sewn in (I am the bomb). The upper sail is all hemmed up and waiting for Dacron reinforcements. Miscalculated the lengths of bridal line needed, but I'm going to Dan(Harradine)'s house tomorrow and he's offering up dyneema lines, which I should be able to sheathe and use instead. Result.
00146 The New D50 has landed
... shortly before I send it off again under the kite. Wind's looking good for tomorrow aftee and so are the light conditions - now I just have to hope I don't screw it up. It's like starting all over again.
In shooting news, shot the first two cards ever at 15, a respectable 95 followed by a reasonable 93. That was Tuesday. This Thursday I got drafted into the "Elliot Bowl" - teams of four, each member picks a "start" which is added to their card score when finished. It's wierd, because you have to start by getting as high a score as you can on the first seven or so targets, then hopefully try to lose marks as you near the end. I picked a start of 8, so I needed a 92 - which I got in the first round (it was a knock-out competition). In the final, I got 103, which counts as a 97. I adjusted sights right off to the 7 ring, but scored a bull - pants luck.
Kitesurfing today - gusty as hell again, but boosted a massive air off a wave at Vazon in cross shore winds. Airborne for at least 3-4 seconds, got around 20 foot at least (translates as twenty foot max) - just sublime. Apart from that it was a bit of a struggle and I can't wait for a clean onshore. Camaaaan you onshores.
In shooting news, shot the first two cards ever at 15, a respectable 95 followed by a reasonable 93. That was Tuesday. This Thursday I got drafted into the "Elliot Bowl" - teams of four, each member picks a "start" which is added to their card score when finished. It's wierd, because you have to start by getting as high a score as you can on the first seven or so targets, then hopefully try to lose marks as you near the end. I picked a start of 8, so I needed a 92 - which I got in the first round (it was a knock-out competition). In the final, I got 103, which counts as a 97. I adjusted sights right off to the 7 ring, but scored a bull - pants luck.
Kitesurfing today - gusty as hell again, but boosted a massive air off a wave at Vazon in cross shore winds. Airborne for at least 3-4 seconds, got around 20 foot at least (translates as twenty foot max) - just sublime. Apart from that it was a bit of a struggle and I can't wait for a clean onshore. Camaaaan you onshores.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
00145 Cut the topsail
Topsail's cut, next I'll be marking out where everything goes and sewing on the hem band. Or maybe I'll start on the bottom sail, just to get all the major cutting out of the way.
Kitesurfing today - really gusty and overpowered again, this time at Vazon. Mike had a 9 meter up to my 11 and consequently was much happier. Dan had a 12 and was overpowered too. Got a glimps of what it's like to do a good size jump off a wave. Must try that again.
Shooting - two 15 yard targets back-to-back gave me a 95 and 93. Quite respectable as the scores were supposed to come down from a 25 yard score. I'll be shooting four targets back to back on Thursday in practice for the Jersey match.
Kitesurfing today - really gusty and overpowered again, this time at Vazon. Mike had a 9 meter up to my 11 and consequently was much happier. Dan had a 12 and was overpowered too. Got a glimps of what it's like to do a good size jump off a wave. Must try that again.
Shooting - two 15 yard targets back-to-back gave me a 95 and 93. Quite respectable as the scores were supposed to come down from a 25 yard score. I'll be shooting four targets back to back on Thursday in practice for the Jersey match.
Monday, March 27, 2006
00144 The Maxi Dopero making has begun
I've sewn all the material together ready to make the topsail. Now all I've got to do is measure out and cut the top sail pattern, then hem it and add some dacron reinforcement where the spars and elastic meet the ripstop. Then we're on to the lower sail, then on to fixing the elastic and cutting the spars. Oh, and making and sewing the open vertical keels (OVKs) and attaching the bridle.
The fun just never stops.
Oh, hang on. It's stopped.
Probably best.
The fun just never stops.
Oh, hang on. It's stopped.
Probably best.
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