Local Knowledge
The International Moth is an exceptional class, comprised of some of the most talented sailors with a camaraderie that is unparalleled. As I found out this past Spring in Florida, sailing the boat for the first time, there is a very steep and humbling learning curve. However once you are foiling (flying) over the water at more than 25 mph, in complete silence, there is nothing else quite like it. But the learning curve continues both on the water and getting in and out of the water.
On my maiden voyage while bringing the boat back to the beach for some minor adjustments, an onshore gust lifted the sail up and before I could react dropped the transom down firmly on the rear rudder foil. I didn’t think much of it until we pulled the boat up on the grass nearby and my friend, Paul looked more closely: “Joe, I think your rear foil is done”, he said sadly. Sure enough, there was a fracture line across the once beautifully sculpted carbon fiber artwork of a foil. “How much is a new foil?”, I asked, nervously? “About $1300”, was the reply. “Bummer”, I replied trying to think of how I was going to explain this to my wife who was skeptical of my move to a one person foiling dinghy.
Fortunately Paul had one bit of resourceful and wise advice: “Call Larry Tuttle at Waterat in Watsonville. He’s a master of carbon fiber repairs, in demand by AC teams and if anyone can fix it, he can”. Sure enough, after a couple of weeks, I got a call from Larry. “You’re foil is ready. No guarantees on how it will hold up but hopefully it still has some good life left in it”.
I drove down the coast that afternoon and picked up it up and was amazed! Thanks Paul for your great advice and thanks Larry for your genius and technical expertise! – Joseph Andresen.
