Conference unifix::sailing

    I wouldn't go so far as to say they're raced in Marblehead.  One
    Marblehead resident owns one and trailed it around the country to
    regatta's as part of his olympic campaign.  Occasionally he even
    sailed it in Marblehead.  But there is no regularly scheduled racing
    for FD's there except for one regatta in the Fall which is open to all
    olympic class boats.  The sailor's name is J. B. Braun.  He used to be
    affiliated with Hood Sails and may still be reachable by calling them. 
    If you're not successful, I have his number at home.
    
    You could also call Jane Fonda's current boyfriend at his office in
    Atlanta.  He was US FD champion back in the early sixties.
    
    - gene

    I sort of recognize your delemma. A few years back when seeking
    equipment and information on my 470 I was convinced that I was the
    only one left on the planet with one. Then I did some research while 
    shopping for my next boat and found that 470s and FDs really do exist
    after the Olympics. If I had joined boat/us I'd have found all kinds of 
    stuff for my 470 that I find now and think, "Hmm, someday when I'm not
    spending money on the S2....". The rigging and equipment is out there,
    any marine supply outfit can help you out. 
    	As for racing I don't know of any local, but I'm not in the FD
    circuit. Check out the magazine "Sailing World", they cater to
    performance boats and this month happends to cover Olympic campaining
    and stuff. Hold on I'll see what I can dig up.
    
    	I find that an Olympic class regatta is happening in Marblehead on 
    Sept. 5-8 this year, all classes (I bet that would be fun to watch, 
    but if you're not campaining I wouldn't expect to race, but what do I 
    know). And sure enough we find that J.B. Braun who lives in Marblehead
    is a class contact. Also it may be of interest to you if you do want 
    to campain to know that th worlds are being held in New Zealand in 
    December. This is the June issue and there is more information than 
    I've listed here like the 470 worlds are in Austalia in December, I'll
    miss them I have to ski, besides I need a new mast. Oh but check it 
    out, there's a 470 regatta in Darien, Ct next weekend! 
    
    I'd like to sail an FD some time
    Geoff

    Hi,
    
    I used to sai fd's here in holland 10 years ago before i swaped to
    solings. If you have specific questions maybe i be able to find awnsers
    here.
    
    Rudy den Outer@UTO
    
    Soling H-22

	Well, it took me all summer to get the FD in reasonable shape.  The lines
all had to be replaced and this was complicated by the previous owner's apparent
lack of knowledge of fundamental mechanical laws (I had started out assuming that
he knew more than I about rigging her but quickly found some out right moronic
set ups).   She is now running well and a real thrill to sail whether at the helm or
on trapeze.  In fact she is so fast that I'm now finding that my lake is too small to 
do much of anything but get a lot of practise on  maneuvers.    I confess I didn't
know what exactly I was getting into when I bought her but my previous 
experience with sailing Hobies helped out alot.

	To my dismay, I missed reply .2 and also missed two FD races in
Marblehead in September.  It would have been nice to meet some FD old hands
and get some tips.   It would also be nice to see some FDs which are competitive as
I believe mine is a bit elderly.  Oh well, next year.  Sailing World indeed does list 
the races.  Does anyone remember an issue of Sailing World which delt specifically
with FDs. 

	One thing that is very much on my mind is whether the buoyancy is
sufficient.  We've had her very close but never capsized.   All she has are two
kayak bags in each side for lift.