Energy

After the solar panels (6 x solbian 125w) , we added a D400 windgenerator and a watt and see hydro generator 600 watts 

this is coming to charge the 1200 amp batterie bank ( 6x mastervolt agm slim 12/200) that are linked to a mastervolt 3000 watts inverter/charger 

Solar panels

After spending a lot time to think about it, we finnaly moved on the solar panels project.

we installed 6 solara 125watts with individual controllers and a Phillipi monitoring system 

result is spectacular as we are now self sufficient as far as energy is concerned

     

TENDERLIFT is ON !!!

So far, since we have the boat, installing a tenderlift is the best upgrade we have done. It extends a lot the deck, raise the dinghy and actually don't add a lot of weight to the boat.
let's enjoy some of the pictures of the first evening on board of extended Clapotis.

A new cockpit fridge.

Thanks to our friend Valerie who gave us that nice recommandation (she is cruising in the Med on her 2nd Lagoon 450 ''Sacre bleu'') ,We changed our cockpit fridge for a Webasto that is twice bigger !

It takes some works as we need to modify the insert of the molds but the result is really good. Less electrical consumption, better efficiency and so much more fridge storage !

The ideal fenders

Once in a while, we get big storms in California. Time to verify that the boat is well docked and attached. Most important are the fenders to prevent the boat to touch the dock.

We got some flat fenders from Outils Ocean in France specialized in racing boats. These fenders are light, easy to store and very versatile in any positions.
They don't roll against the dock and their high compression capabilities protect the hull of the boat and doesn't damage the gelcoat. 

here is the link . http://www.outils-oceans.com/nautique/pare-battage-123-123.html

Thanks Santa... New Sails on Clapotis

On December 25th, Santa dropped off some big bags on the deck of Clapotis.

Clapotis got new D4 Technora / Kevlar double-taffetas protection. We tried the genoa yesterday and installed the new mainsail today.

New Nets on CLAPOTIS

Our Friend Etienne came from FLORIDA

He installed on Clapotis a new Net/Trampoline Knitted White Polyamide 13mm square.


Here is the link. http://www.atninc.com/atn-multihull-nets-sailing-equipment.shtml

TESTED AND APPROVED BY PAUL !!!

New Panel door for the systems

i wanted to keep an eye on all the systems ... and with the full panel wood door it was impossible...

So a master wood worker integrated a plexiglass panel that allows to check everything and see what is ON and what is OFF !!! The result is just awesome

HANDRAILS ... Comfort and safety

We added handrails on the transoms of Clapotis.

It is making the step on board much easier when you are docked sideway.

It is also better for safety as you have something to grab on the transom.

It is also making the dinghy docking easier. Every base has 4 bolts trough bolted with a nylon lock and washer in the back

Paddleboards storage

The challenge on a boat is always STORAGE...
When it comes to the toys, it is always a question should I take it or not?
Here is the best way I found to store my paddle boards . I am stacking the 3 on top of each other. The big one is 10'6, medium is 9'6 and small one is a paddle surf 8'6 purchased in Hawaii.
I stripe them around the davits. It works really well.

Update from September 2015... now they all have covers to protect them from the UV's !

Spinnaker set-up

when you have racing in your soul, you always want to perform and have the best set-up and trimming for the sails.

For the spinnaker, designed as I wanted by Incidences sails, I wanted to be able to cover the range between 130 and 170 true wind angle (TWA).

I have recycled a running backstay from Naos 30 (pacific cup 2012) and use it as a tack line for the spinnaker . So I can trim like if I would have an afterguy.
i also added a barber hauler to control the leech ofb The spunnaker.
In 8-9 knots of wind , I can sail at 5-5,5 knots at 140 degrees TWA. in 15 knots of breeze we go at 10 knots average at 165 degrees TWA.

GENNAKER set-up

When you are a racer, you are a racer forever.

When i started to think about Clapotis, i thought about couple of improvements specially for the bowsprit and the furling system for the Gennaker.

The Gennaker is a very important sail on a cruising Catamaran. On Clapotis it is a super turbo booster that make sail all the time in the average of 8 to 10 knots.

First..

- Bowsprit is longer than the original one.
- I installed a 2to1 tack-line with a Spinlock cleat (to avoid to climb over the bow pulpit)
- The furling line is coming back to the side
- When we use the spinnaker , we remove the drum and attach the tack line to a purchase system (my old running backstay on the First 30). this allows us to bring back tackline to the hull and get a better angle downwind.

Here are few pictures showing the details