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.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
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
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
Thursday, September 10, 2009
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
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
Saturday, August 22, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
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.
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
Thursday, August 6, 2009
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
Sunday, August 2, 2009
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.
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.
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