G'day,

Glad it went well, George.  Infusing Nida is tricky.  I would not drill holes in the core, you will use a fair bit of extra resin.  George's suggestion would be better.  The big problem is the edges.  Exposed edges could be tapered using a hot household iron, but joined edges will be messy as you don't want a solid resin edge for weight, bending and stress reasons.  A solution would be to  taper them both at 45 and overlap them.  On big boats, you could leave a gap and join the inner and outer skins.   You could also bog the edges before infusing.  None of these are ideal.  Unless there are labour/time considerations, i would lay it all up wet and bag it.   I would also talk to Nida and ask for their advice. It is possible that a thicker layer of scrim would act as a transfer medium

Funny story:  I got a phone call yesterday from the guy that bought the 420 sqm/450 sq' Outleader kite.  He makes boating movies for a living.  He has chartered Brindabella (80' maxi) for Sydney Hobart, sold half the crew positions ($10,000 each!) and because the forecast is for fresh northerlies, wants to fly the kite in the race and film it for a future TV show.  Could I come over and show them how to work the kite?

So, I leave here at 0005 on Boxing day, fly to Sydney, get to the boat at 0900 and we cast off at 1100, race starts at 1300.  A beat out of the harbour, then bear away, drop the main and hoist the kite.  Next stop Hobart.  A boat full of kite virgins, including the inevitable few who think they know what they are doing and the world's biggest traction kite.  Add in the stress of the race, the on board cameras, a dozen media helicopters, huge spectator fleet and we have the recipe for a flawless display.  ;-)   I will let you know how it went when i get back.

regards,

Rob

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