click here to see a 5 minute video

Domosofa.com is coming along nicely. She is now in re-fit being prepped for a new paint job before we put the hull branding on. Nick and I spent a weekend fitting the chainplates that will accommodate the new carbon rig, as I'm taking off Nicks old wing mast and replacing it with a more traditional carbon tube that is a little lighter, plus it is not fixed in column, so I'll have a little more control over the sail shape.

The other advantage of this mast is the narrower lower spreaders which will enable me to maximize my foresail area, as well as being able to sheet the jib a little further inboard. I'm also putting on a new set of longer rudders which have been made in Slovenia, so all in all, she should be lighter, more powerful and have a better 'grip' when she gets over powered.

The guys at 'Kemp Sails' have been busy designing a new set of sails for the new configuration and over the season's racing, we hope to fine tune this setup further so we can really get the most out of her. Thanks Kemp!

I'm also glad to report that I have positions on the start line of four of the five races I entered.

The single handed Pornichet Select 6,50 , the solo Trophée Marie-Agnès Peron the double handed Open Demi-Clé and, so long as I complete 500 miles of races and my 1000 mile, solo qualifier, I also have a position on the exciting Les Sables d'Olonne to Azores and back race. The Mini-Fastnet, I am still on the waiting list, but not too far down it and with a few drop outs, I hope to be on the start line.

Launch date has yet to be set in stone, but domosofa.com should be touching the water in Penzance in about 3 weeks time. Keep an eye on this spot for more news!!

Cheers, and all the best,

Andrew

© Copyright 2006 solochallenges.com Mini Transat 2007 - All Rights Reserved