Getting close & Duckworks

Well I wish I could say that I had finished the second prototype. I missed every target date I have set. It has become so frustrating that I have been making mistakes trying to get caught back up. But I am getting close. Here are two shots of the board as of Sunday. I will put two coats of resin on the deck and then sand, sand, and sand some more. Paint will be next followed by the deck plates and outfitting. I may be done by 2011...ugh.



If anyone would like to have a set of plans for the Expedition Windsurfer, please contact me via email at mflandscapes@earthlink.net
I would be willing to send them a set for $25.00. I must say that these plans are for those who have had some boat building experience and they are printed on 8.5" x 14" (legal size) paper. I will include some notes that will help with the process.

For those who like to build their own toys, I have found a company that has excellent prices and great service. Duckworks has all the tools, supplies and toys you might need on your next project. Check them out at www.duckworksbbs.com

Early Morning on the Peace River

Is it really November? I think someone forgot to tell the weatherman that it should be getting cooler. Here in central Florida the temps have been in the mid 80s in the day and the 60s at night. I can still swim in our pool! Guess I would be complaining if it was cold and I had to wear a wetsuit. Weather like this is why so many birds winter here. Right?
So what are you going to do on a lazy Sunday morning? Put your coffee in a large mug and take a nice peaceful paddle on the Peace River.

As I paddled the Expedition Windsurfer up the river a momma pig and seven (I think) babies were feeding along the rivers edge. If you click on the image you can count the piggies. When they saw me the took off like wild hogs (imagine that) crashing through the under brush.

I'm getting close to completing the next version of the Expedition Windsurfer. I should have been done months ago. Seems that every time I have the time to work on the project, something comes along and gets in the way. Oh well, I will getter done in time to do some training before the Everglades Challenge... I hope.

Registered Trade Mark

It is official. The Expedition Windsurfer is now a registered trade mark of TFVentues.

After some negotiating with the US Patent Office we now have a the name trade marked. Now I just need to figure out how to put the mark behind the name whenever I use it.

To answer some comments to the blog;
Ian- thanks for the encouragement! I hope to have the new board done soon and get out on the water. I feel like a kid just before vacation.

Dan- I hope to be able to offer a set of plans and instructions on building process for the Expedition Windsurfer in a few weeks. I want to finish the current board and review my building notes with Matt before releasing.

I am excited with the looks of the new board. It should be faster and much easier to load gear into. It will be a real head turner.

Planning the next great adventure

Yes, it has been too long since my last post, but I have not been doing much other than working. That is all about to change though. I am on my first vacation since last…? Well I am off this week and I have a lot of things to do. I want to finish the second prototype of the Expedition Windsurfer. Get some things done around the house and do some camping this weekend. The weather report for Sunday morning has the temps in the low 60s possible upper 50s. Perfect weather for a camping trip!!! This has been a really hot summer for me and I need a break. I hope the weather will cool down as it should be for this time of year. Here in Florida they have changed the name of this month from October to Hotober.
I have been doing some preliminary planning for the new Expedition Windsurfer. My ultimate goal for this season is to enter and finish the Everglades Challenge (EC) in March. The EC is a small boat adventure race from Tampa Florida to Key Largo, some 350 miles. With that goal in mind I will spend a week in the 10,000 Islands and the Everglades. I might do a short trip to Anclote Key and visit the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs Florida. I also want to do the entire length of the Peace River, from Bartow to Boca Grande Pass. I can think of a number of other adventures to attempt but time and money might limit what I can actually do. Not to mention my family obligations. But it is fun to plan for the next adventure.
Trey

Dagger boards are in

I have the dagger boards now and will be glassing the cassette for them this weekend. I will also be going to the Tampa Boat Show this Friday to make a few contacts and see how the industry is holding up in these tough times.

On another note, we have another follower of the Expedition Windsurfer. Howard from Devon England. From the below info, Devon sounds like the perfect place to do some exploring on a Expedition Windsurfer. I will have to investigate that possibility.
Welcome Howard and thanks for your interest!

Devon
On England's south coast, west of Dorset and east of Cornwall is Devon, a mostly quiet, rural county embracing about 60 beaches; on both north [generally less protected, windier and with more surf] and south [quieter, calmer but still some surfing done] coasts. Here are a few favourites:
North Devon
Woolacombe Bay in North Devon is a spectacular and lengthy [2.5 miles/4kms] stretch of sand with many awards for cleanliness - including the coveted Blue Flag - and a reputation for great surfing, particularly when the tide is in, but also plenty of family assets such as loads of sand, rock pools trapping interesting marine life and some quiet areas of water for toddler splashing. Woolacombe village hosts all the essentials - surf shops, kit rental, cafés and a good selection of accommodation ranging from camping and B & Bs to holiday apartments and hotels.When tourists are tired of beaches the North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is the place to go walking; the South-West Coast Path runs along the shore. In addition, north of Woolacombe are a cluster of pretty coves if somehow Woolacombe doesn't suit. Get there on the A361, 6 miles southwest of Ilfracombe.
Tunnels Beach tidal pool, Ilfracombe, north Devon
Ilfracombe offers the peculiar The Tunnels Beaches, a Victorian development where four hand-carved tunnels lead to private sheltered beaches with an adjacent large tidal, rock pool that is very popular with kids and supervised by a lifeguard. There are plenty of other smaller rock pools too, as well as facilities such as shop, bar, play hut, café and sea kayak hire. Open 10am - 6pm April-June,Sept-Oct and 9am - 9pm July and August. In 2009 entry costs £1.95 per adult, £1.50 per child, free for kids under 3; family deals available.
Westward Ho! hosts a great all-round beach environment with two miles of soft beige sand, beach huts, café, toilets and lifeguards. Part of the beach is good for surfing or windsurfing, watersports kit is readily available and, as usual, the gorgeous South-West Coast Path is a great draw for hikers. Get there from Bideford via the A29 - A386 - B3236.Read more: http://www.bugbog.com/beaches/british-beaches-uk/devon-beaches-uk.html#ixzz0QkRsiLN5

No hurricane Bill for us...just beautiful sailing!

The weather report called for 60% chance of storms with an approaching front in the Gulf. I waited until late in the day to set sail from the launch at Bishop Harbor. It looked as though most of the bad weather would stay off shore, and it did. I sailed out into the bay with a light 8-10kts of wind from the WNW.

I found a few nice holes in the grass flats to try out my new fishing rod. I had a beautiful Red Fish follow the bait and just when he was about to strike, he spotted me and took off. I fished for a little while longer and then just spent the rest of the day sailing. I spotted a couple of bottle nose dolphin, a school of rays and followed a three foot shovel nose shark for a few minutes through the grass flats.

It was a nice relaxing day on the water.

Just a " Day Tripper"

After getting some things done around the house Saturday morning, I decided to take the Expedition Windsurfer out for a short trip. I headed to one of my favorite places to paddle and sail...Bishop Harbor on the east side of Tampa Bay. I was only on the water for a short time when a thunder storm started brewing in the east. You can see it in the background of this photo.

This portion of Bishop Harbor was at one time going to be a housing development. The developer had dredged up large amounts of bay bottom making dry ground to build on. The dredged ground looked like fingers sticking out into the water. This disrupted the natural tidal flow and also allowed for invasive exotic plants like the Brazilian Pepper and Australian pines to take over.

Recently the state of Florida bought the land and they have returned it to its natural form. They eradicated the exotic plants and replanted with natives making the area look as though it might have looked before the developer came along.

It appeared that the storm was going to hit hard but just at the last moment seemed to split apart right over my head. Here is a shot of a lightning bolt I was able to capture. It only took about 10 tries. This is why the Tampa Bay area is the lightning capital of North America.

This photo makes the storm look worse than it actually was.

I never did get to sail but the paddling was great.

Great Adventures,

Trey

The Building Process

Yes, I should be much further along at this point, but I'm not.

Here is a photo of the board stitched together. I was actually at this point about a month ago, but decided to make some changes to the shape just before gluing. I discussed with Matt the changes and he felt that they would enhance the performance, both as a kayak and as a windsurfer, so we made the changes.

In the next step I will add a support form and the forward bulkhead and then glue the joints to keep the shape. Then next step will be to build the centerboard and fin trunk and install.

I just wish I had more energy at the end of the day to spend in the shop. It cant be old age setting in. NO WAY!

Great Adventures

40mph on open water!

How would it feel to travel at speeds of over 40mph on a windsurfer? What would it feel like to crash at that speed? A friend of mine would know. I received an email with the results of the Maui V Max speed race. Here is the report and links to the official results.
Over 40mph on open water…WOW!

After a few days of light winds the speed gods blessed us with some nice moderate 25 knot tradewinds. As usual the wind was inconsistent coming and going as it pleased promply dropping as soon as the course opened. The Iwindsurf site kept showing gusts of over 30 mph, but these were not to be found on the speed course. Most sailors rigged something close to 6.5. Unfortunately at the most advantageous tide the wind was not co-opperating and when it did finnally fill in the tide had come up and the course started to get bumpy. The trick at that point was to find a stretch of flat water in amongst the lumps.
35 knots seemed to be the number of the day but then Erik Beale came in with a good run (wanting to get it logged in just in case of mishaps later). Eric's 37 knotter motivated the boys to get back out there and try a little harder. By 3:30pm the chop was getting quite bad and it seemed clear the best runs of the day were behind us. When Alex discovered Peter John had just beaten him by 1/10th of a knot he headed back to the water in a last ditch attempt to find a puff and velvet before the course closed at 4pm. Alex was unable to overcome the rough water and had to settle for his earlier 38.2 knot 100m run behind Peter John's 38.3 knot run despite having the highest peak speed of the day of 39.1. Erik held on to 3rd followed by John Smalley with another 0.1 knot margin over Tom Hammerton.
This was a very impressive day with the highest speeds of the year in all divisions. Carl Grundy put in an impressive 30.7 knots in the wave division and Tracey Harrap - the only womens competitor so far - just snuck over 30 with a 30.1 on some gear borrowed from Terry Alkemade. Chris Freeman competing in his first GPS contest in the wave division rewarded himself with a forward loop at the end of every run when he went faster. A good time was definately had by all.
It was a very international fleet with visiting sailors from the Southern Hemisphere Chris Adamson (AUS) and Terry Alkemade (NZ) as well as fellow Kiwi transplants Tracey Harrap and Peter John. The UK was well represented with 5 sailors, Erik Beale, Carl Grundy, Chris Freeman, Tom Hammerton and John Smalley. Olaf Sutor was the lone European competitor waving the flag for Germany. The fleet was completed with the two American sailors Matt Daniels and Alex "wear-a-hole-in-the-ocean" Aguera.
For full results go to: http://www.mauivmax.com/sunday,july26clickforresults
Peter and Alex move to the top of the speed ladder bumping Pieter Bijl down to third in Open with Carl Grundy moving to the top of Wave: http://www.mauivmax.com/mauivmax2009speedladderresults
Thanks to Dain, Marc, Ayesha, Chris, Liz and Anne for keeping an eye on things.

In The Shop

Yes , it's been too long since the Expedition Windsurfer has seen water under the keel. The issue is that for some strange reason I need to work for a living. That does not leave me much time to play. Know what I mean?
Here is the latest;
1. I have the drawings for the new and much enhanced version of the Expedition Windsurfer. My friend Matt Layden has done a fantastic job with the design. Check him out at http://www.microcruising.com/pictures.htm
He is also been the focus of an article in the latest issue of the magazine," Small Craft Advisor".
2. I have been hard at work in the shop getting the next version built. If the design works well we will find a manufacturer and offer the Expedition Windsurfer to those who want some adventure in their lives. But that is still down the road a ways.
3. I was asked by a few folks if I would send them instructions on how to build the board. Like Ettore here. " Hi Trey,I read your article on the windsurfing mag. I really like what you have done with your windsurfing expedition. I live in Maui and I always wanted to built a board for camping trips. Would it be possible for you to share how to built one.AlohaEttore" The short answer is yes I will offer the plans to those who like to build their own toys, but not until I have the design right.
4. Longboard Windsurfing Journal published my story " A windsurfer's guide to Cayo Costa and Cabbage Key" Check it out here http://www.lbwindsurfing.com/
Thanks to all of you for your interest in the Expedition Windsurfer.
Great Adventures,
Trey

Jared and The EXP on TV

Last week when my son Jared and I went windsurfing at Ft. Desoto he made the news. Check out the video here. http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/sports/chris_crafts/Chris_crafts_tampa_bay_water_060509

It is just a brief shot, but Jared looks good on the Expedition Windsurfer.

Great Adventures,
Trey

All work and no play

For the past three weeks or so I have been busy remodeling my in-laws workshop and doing a bunch of home repairs. I have not been able to windsurf or paddle and I have been feeling like a drug addict needing a fix, so today my son and I snuck away for a few hours of windsurfing. The winds were out of the west at 10-15kts. Jared sailed the Expedition Windsurfer while I sailed my old formula board with a 9.1 race sail. Here are some photos of our day.

It's out!

The issue of WIND SURFING magazine with the article about the EXPEDITION WINDSURFER is out. I just received my issue in the mail a few days ago. The article was written by Ian Berger and the photos were taken by Britt Viehmann of North Beach Windsurfing. I want to thank those guys for their interest and support in my project. I also want to thank Josh Sampiero, the editor of the mag for running the article.
Currently, we are moving forward with the refinement process of the board. Matt Layden, the navel architect has sent me preliminary drawings with changes to the shape of the board that should enhance speed and function and at the same time keep it's unique characteristics. I am also working on developing a retractable fin system that should make the board much more user friendly.
Again thanks to all who are interested in the EXPEDITION WINDSURFER!
Great Adventures!

One of the activities we enjoy in my family is canoeing or kayaking on the Peace River here in Florida. Aside from the beauty and solitude that the river affords, it also offers a look into the past. Peace River is popular to fossil hunters the world over. I rarely pass over the river and not see someone knee deep in the river digging for fossils.
Here are just a few of the sharks teeth we found on a short trip on the river. Occasionally we will find a really nice one and have my mother- in- law wrap it so it can be worn as a necklace or hung on something. The bottom picture is just such a tooth that I am sending to Richard in the U.K. for winning the "spot Trey's dollar" contest.

LIVE AND LET LIVE- not this time!

By my own definition I am a naturalist. I firmly believe we have a responsibility as the higher of all earthly creatures to care for those that are, let's say, in a more vulnerable position than ourselves. If we properly care for the small things, those that make up the natural environment around us, we can maintain the delicate balance of life on earth. We benefit ourselves by caring for those small things.
So it was with much trepidation that I took my shovel and decapitated the colorful little snake shown here. Why would I do such a thing? I have three beautiful kids who love to play in the same back yard this fellow was making a home in. I normally will not kill a snake of any kind unless it has fangs and is in the same yard I call home. While in the woods I enjoy observing them from a distance. Live and let live.
So my question for you is; What kind of snake is this and do you think I did the right thing in killing it?
Great Adventures!

Comments from Cayo Costa!

While on Cayo Costa I met a number of very nice people. Here is a comment from JJ, a volunteer at the park. She provided me with much needed information about the history of Cayo Costa.
The information has been very helpful in writing my article for Longboard Windsurfing. I have a few more changes to make to the article before submitting it. My first version was a bit too long and wordy so I am streamlining it and should have it done today.

JJ thanks for the kind words:-)

JJ Cayo Costa volunteer said...
"Trey, thrilled with your photos of Cayo Costa and comments about the park and rangers. I'm sharing all with the park staff and everyone we know who loves Cayo Costa. It was terrific to meet you and see your expedition windsurfer/kayak. Do visit us again. You are a great advertisement for Cayo Costa."

We Have A Winner!

It appears that Richard has won the "SPOT TREY'S DOLLAR BILL CONTEST"
I wrote "The Expedition Windsurfer 09" on my dollar bill at Cabbage Key.
Sorry I did not see the comment sooner. I do not always go back to read the older posts.
If Richard will email me his address I will have a nice prize in the mail shortly.
My email is; mflandscapes@earthlink.net
Thanks for playing!
Great Adventures,
Trey

Slide show of Cayo Casta

I am still trying to learn how to make slide shows and incorportate music. Here is my latest attempt.

Let me know what you think. Please post a comment.



No one has correctly identified my dollar bill at Cabbage Key. Remember that you can click on the photo to enlarge it and get a better picture. I promise to send you something nice if you get it right.



Great Adventures!

Photos for WIND SURFING MAG.

Believe it or not Wind Surfing Magazine is doing a article on the Expedition Windsurfer. Here are some photos that might be in the mag. I should have lost some weight!
I am not sure when the article will be published so stay connected!

A Windsurfers Guide to Cayo Costa and Cabbage Key Cont.

The sail from Placida to Cayo Costa was a long one. Only 9 nautical miles as the crow flies, but having to sail up-wind the whole way made the trip 20 miles long. The winds varied from 10kts in the early part of the day to about 15kts in the afternoon. Having the ability to carry supplies and safety gear provides a whole new prespective to adventure on a windsurfer. The photo above shows one to the many islands that I sailed past. This one had a seabird rookery.

The park rangers office and dock are located on the east side of Cayo Costa. I pulled my Expedition Windsurfer up on the small sandy spot in the background. Behind me is Pelican Bay. A small lagoon protected by Punta Blanca Island to the east and Cayo Costa to west. It provides a great anchorage for boats cruising up and down the west coast of Florida.

This is the gift shop on Cayo Costa. It is small but has all that any traveler might need including cold drinks. I especially appreciated that since all I carried with me was warm bottled water...no cooler. The park rangers and the staff are all very helpful and attentive. I arrived 30 minutes after closing and did not have any reservations. When I told the park ranger I had just windsurfed 20 miles to get here the look on his face was perfect. I could just hear him thinking "you poor soul, why on earth..." He and his staff went out of their way to help me get my gear to the camp ground 3/4 of a mile on the other side of the island. Thanks guys!

The trail from the ranger's office and gift shop on the east side of the island takes you through the various natural habitats. From the mangrove swamp on the east side through the hardwood hammocks pictured above, to the coastal grasslands and pine forests on the west side of the island. The park consists of over 2,400 acres that make up one of Florida's largest unspoiled barrier islands. For those interested in learning about the natural environment this is a real paradise.

Along the trail to the rangers station. Evidence of the past.

People come from all over the world to fish the waters surrounding Cayo Costa and Boca Grande Pass.

What is different about this white sandy beach in Florida? No hotels, condos or tourist traps.

If you look closely you will spot a bald eagle on the beach.

Now what did I do with my hammock?

Just a short two miles from Cayo Costa is Cabbage Key. Cabbage Key is a real special place. It was originally built in the 30s as a winter home. Oops, let me start over. Originally built by Calusa Indians as a year round residence, then into the winter home and now as a restaurant with cottages. Famous around the world, you never know who you might meet at Cabbage Key.

Jimmy Buffet, author Randy Wayne White, Florida's current govenor, Charlie Crist and many others have visited this rare gem. I recommend the cheese burgers, they are world famous. Hey, an expedition does not have to be all work, right?

Thats right, those are dollar bills taped to the walls, ceiling, just about everything. Legend has it that an old fisherman came in to wet his whistle at the bar and taped a dollar bill with his name on it. He said that he may not ever make any money at fishing but he would always be able to get a drink at Cabbage Key. Today people from all over the would tape up their dollars. As much as $70,000 is on the walls at any time. The owners of Cabbage Key donate the money to a charity.

I will send a special gift from Florida's ancient history to the first person who correctly identifies what I wrote on my dollar bill.

The trip was a blast. My sail home was a dead down wind run with winds in the 15kt range. It only took me two hours to get back to Grande Tours. I will mark this expedition as one to do again soon.

The Windsurfers Guide to Cayo Costa and Cabbage Key

The trip started here at Grande Tours in Placida, Florida, some 9 or so miles north of Cayo Costa. Grande Tours is a kayaker's dream. Situated on Coral Creek it provides access to both backwater paddling and the more open waters of both Charotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. The manager, Mary, and her staff are knowledgable of all things kayaking. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced kayaker, they have just what you need. They also provide various tours of the area including guided eco-tours, night paddles, Calusa Indian History tours or kayak fishing guide service.

Take a look at their carpeted kayak launch! Bet you wont see that at every kayak shop.

More to come soon.

Home safe and sound- GREAT TRIP!

What a great trip!
I sailed my expedition windsurfer a total of 37.5 miles, stand-up-paddled 5 miles, camped on Cayo Costa, eat a cheese burger on Cabbage Key, met some really great people, saw lots of wildlife, got sun burnt and watched the sun set into the Gulf of Mexico.
As soon as I get caught up on my work I will post a complete story of the trip.
This video shows me just after arrival and after setting up camp. Boy was I tired!

Cayo Costa

Another great adventure for the Expediton Windsurfer & SUP!
I plan to sail from Placida on the West coast of Florida to Cayo Costa, a state park on the a beautiful island just to the south of Boca Grande pass. I will be leaving on Monday and returning on Thursday. I have been asked to write another article for Longboard Windsurfing, the on line journal. I know that this area will provide some excellent adventure to write about.

You can follow my progress by logging onto the following site. It is my progress tracked by SPOT satellite messenger. http://share.findmespot.com/shared/gogl.jsp?glId=0x1fKSKl1DcB5Uki1h9aUx8f8LlmVK8FK

Alex Agurea on the waves

Hey folks,
I know that it has been a while since I posted, but I have been busy getting my business ready for the season. I have a landscape maintenance company and we are about to get busy with the warm weather.

I received an email from an old buddy who lives on Maui. Alex has been windsurfing since the 70s like me. In fact it was his dad who started selling the Windsurfer class boards that got us into the sport. Alex went on the become a world class racer and wave sailor. Check out the photos of him on the waves! Looks like fun!

Bishop Harbor to Shell Key Preserve

Here is the boat all packed and ready for paddling. My plan was to paddle out of Bishop Harbor and set sail and sail to the Gulf and then to Shell Key Preserve.

Here, outside of BH the wind was almost nonexistent so I decided it would be best to paddle to East beach on Mullet Key and if the wind picked up, I would sail on. Note the Sunshine Skyway in the background. Only 4.5 miles away. Paddling at 3.5kts I should be there in a little over an hour. Well...

Almost to the Sunshine Skyway. Check out the bow wave on the freighter. Traffic was busy today. At least 6 of these big ships passed me as I paddled along.

Well only two and a half hours later I made it to the bridge. The incoming tide was brutal. It pays to play by the tides.

The sun was setting as I approach Shell Key Preserve. The wind never did come up enough to make it worth rigging up the sail. I had to take a break at East Beach to let my lower back rest up. I am not in shape for paddling.

Here is my messy camp. The weather was beautiful wish you could have been here.

Here is my gear just before loading. From left to right:

• first aid kit and personals in small blue bag
• two food bags, orange with snacks stored in deck bag for easy reach, the green bag has meal supplies, the red bag in back is the mess kit
• green bag has miscellaneous items like head lamps, bug repellent, extra matches, etc.
• black bag is camp cloths
• red bag is paddling cloths-warm weather and cold
• skinny blue is mat for bed
• sleeping bag
• tent
• in the deck bag I had my charts, note book, binoculars, sun screen, deck light and a survival kit.

I also packed 4 gallons of water, a tarp and a newspaper. Everything fit fine and I actually had more room in the boat for storage.

Look! it all fit.

Noisy visitors

Conchs playing tag.

Here are some of my learnings from this trip.

The boat performed to my expectations. I was able to reach my destination and have all the gear I needed for at least 3 days out. It paddled well in all conditions that I met and did so efficiently.

Below are some observations:

1. A retractable fin is a must. The boat paddles so much better with a fin, however the fin has to come off to paddle through the shallows.
2. Having a bit more free board would make the stowage process easier and keep the rider drier.
3. It is important to be able to stow the sail and rig while on the water. If I had decided to sail out of Tampa Bay I would have had to change my plans and de-rig while on the water. I need to practice this maneuver more before I attempt the EC.
4. As I paddled across the bay it became very apparent that I am in no shape to do the EC this year. My lower back was in extreme pain even with a backrest.
5. Although I had a great time, it would really be better to have a few friends along to share the fun. I need to get busy and build some more boats.

So now that I have decided to pull out of the EC, what will my next adventure be?