Factory Visit & Al Santini

[Tim Gardner]

Hey, all!

Vicki and I are spending a little time in FL for Vicki to decompress after 4 months of recovery dive before she returns to work. While here, Al Santini graciously offered to allow me to accompany him for a day of sailing on his Eclipse.
This was my first time on an Eclipse. I was struck by how similarly it sails when compared to my 19/II. Al made me take (heh, heh, sound familiar, Jason?) the tiller, where I remained All day.



Great day of sailing - My first ever sail in the Florida Gulf waters, so a day of two firsts. I also was struck by the arch mounted "traveler" - no mainsheet lines to get in my way of recumbance at the tiller. (save this thought for later). And lastly, how BY HIMSELF, Al had de-rigged the eclipse in less than fifteen minutes to travel (probably enhanced performance to show off and to get to the promised Beer at Marker 4 in Venice). Thanks AL! You can invite me back anytime!

Yesterday, I imposed my Incredible Bulk on the hospitality of the Hutchins Bros. Gerry and Richard. Richard greeted Vicki and I and introduced Buddy the SeaDog to Richard's 14 yr old Min Schnauzer named, you guessed it "Buddy".  The two Buds exchanged discreet sniffs and thereupon got along like a couple of old sailing "Buddies".



The tour Gerry, pictured in front of a new Horizon, above, gave us was interesting as expected, and I got to see a Legacy under construction, as well as several Suncats. Viewed the Launch prototype, and the molds for the 35 & 27s.
During my conversations with Gerry, I mentioned how much I enjoyed Al Santini's Eclipse, especially the Arch mounted traveler. I asked him if they could make a retrofit for the 19, to which he replied "We can do that! Sketch up what you want and send it to Richard, the Metal Wizard". BREAK OUT THE AUTOSKETCH!   Thanks again to Gerry, Richard and Buddy the Boat Building Dog.

The pic below is the Hull mold for the 19's



TG

[alsantini]

Enjoyed having you on board Tim. ? Especially enjoyed having dinner with you and Vicki. ? I know my wife Carol did too. ? Sail on... ? Noticed tandem axles under a Horizon? ? What is that all about? ? Always up for a Gulf of Mexico sail - come on down....

[Craig]

Al, Looks like the boat is actually a Horizon Cat with the tiller option. Hence the two axles. The double ports are the giveaway.

[Tom L.]

That is a Horizon Cat. Notice two windows.

Tom L.

[Tom L.]

Don't let the tiller fool you they are building the H.C. with a wheel or tiller steering.

Tom L.

[frank]

Glad you're having fun in Florida ! ? 

I'm sure you enjoyed your sail.....looks like a nice day to be out.
I'm thinking the Eclipse would be a pretty good sailor.

Always a good time at the factory. Would have been fun to see the 2 "Buddiy''s" meeting.
Does "old Buddy" still have the cough?

[Tim Gardner]

All edits by me?  What Suncat?  I thought I was mistaken once, but I was wrong.

Frank, Yes, Buddy still does, and Richard said his prognosis isn't good, said he didn't know what he was going to do when the time came.

[frank]

It wouldn't be the same walking in and not seeing buddy curled up at the end of Rich's desk....  He really is a fixture there.



Just looking at that "suncat" picture again......




At you and Gerry




I notice something missing.........















"hair colour"  :-)  :-)  :-)

(I can say that....totally grey too)