OWNER / CONTACT DATA

Owner(s) Name:

Don & Betty Lessley

Owner E-mail

Dlessley@aol.com

Other Owner Info for Contact (Optional )

(415) 892-6534

Owner Plans with Boat

Sail the Ocean in Confidence.

Other Data About the Owner

Previous Boats, El Toro "Freedom", Cal 9.2 #007 "Freewind" Picked up the Nick Name Cap’n Demo (rhymes with Nemo) after I tee boned a 53’ powerboat, holing her.

BOAT BIO

Boat Name:

"California Girl"

Year

1967

Hull Number

#94

Sail #

6853

Previous Names:

"Victoria!" "BeBeTo" ; "Wind Wraith" both in Muskegon Michigan

Previous Owners:

Timm & Victoria Lessley, John Mettendorf; Kim Kroes

History - Races /Results:

Chicago Mackinaw (unknown years and placing); Bermuda Cup (Unknown years and placing); 3 Swiftsures (5^th, 1^st, DFL); 3 Oregon Offshores (3^rd, 2^nd, 2^nd), 2000 Pacific Cup (Finished 4^th in class after deadline)

History - Cruising /Destinations:

San Juan, 1999

Original Delivery Port :

Muskegon Michigan

Boat Now Laying:

Richmond Yacht Club, Richmond California

Rating -

Oregon 135 (129 base); SF – Northern Cal 117 (114 base); So Cal 115; T-pac 199,

Boat Theme Song?

Other Interesting Data:

RIGGING

Mast:

Mast Tune

Plumb, the mast has a "natural" bend in it which can be adjusted with the backstay, and cutter rig stay. I tend to tune the mast to take away all pumping and movement.

Spreaders:

Mast is now a modern double spreader rig.

Standing Rigging:

New die form discontinuous 304ss wire and buckles in 2002. Added spectra running back leads,  The backstay has isolators for the SSB antenna. 

Running Rigging:

Main sheet is rigged using the German Admirals Cup layout, which is trimable from both sides of the cockpit, and minimizes sheet length. Main wire halyard is located at the mast to enable "one man reefing", jiffy reef is set at the boom gooseneck. 2 Wire rope Genoa halyards are lead back to sheet stoppers on the cabin deck. The vang, Cunningham, 2 mainsheets, and topping lift are lead to the same sets of sheet stoppers as the Genoa. The spinnaker pole foreguy is looped to the cockpit, so it can be trimmed from port or stbd. Mounted above the Main winch on the mast on Port & Stbd are the Spinnaker Halyard winches. All rigging is external (stock) to ease replacement at sea.

Mast Winches:

Stock? Wire Main, 2 spinnaker, 2 auxiliary fiberglass.

Boom:

Original Section replaced with Ballanger section. This section has been opened up (windowed) along its length. At the outboard end is a Spectra velcro keeper. A custom gooseneck is installed. The boom is end sheeted. An out grabber is installed on the boom for the spinnaker. 

Whisker Pole:

Forespar extending.

Spinnaker Pole:

2 poles carried. Both for dip pole jibing, or two pole gybes. Both are 3.5" diameter, and J dimension in length. Both are Carbon Fiber.

Reaching Strut:

2 @ 2" diameter, open jaw on guy end.

Main Sheet:

Main sheet is routed using the German Admiral Cup system (pictures available). This system uses the minimum amount of line, and is very tangle free. A double ended system, the main can be adjusted from either side by the helmsman. A winch is used to make adjustments when under great stress. The layout has the benefits of mid boom sheeting with the strength of end boom setup.

Traveler:

Garhauer 6:1 adjustment to a Delran ball bearing car. (pictures avail) The traveler adjustment is lead forward to the helmsman position and is workable from either side (tack) of the boat. (pictures) 

Vang:

Garhauer Solid Boom. 6:1 with spring loaded topping lift. Control lead back to cockpit. (pictures) (www.garhauer.com)

Cunningham / Ooker

Simple system lead back to the cockpit sheet stoppers.

Flattening Reef:

Set up like mini reef, using winch on boom at gooseneck to set.

Reefing System:

Jiffy Reef, 2 points + Flattening Reef using boom winch.

Topping Lift: Boom

Built into the solid vang, with a backup at the end of the boom, with a cam cleat adjustment.

Topping Lift: Spinnaker Pole

I use the cutter/staysail halyard, unless the staysail is flying. If the staysail is flying then I use a spare Genoa halyard.

Foreguy:

Double ended at the cockpit to clutches/sheet stoppers. Can be adjusted from either side of the cockpit.

Downhaul: Boom

Not necessary as the gooseneck is not usually adjusted, and is screwed down in place.

Outhaul:

Miniature "winch" built into the end of the boom, and adjusted by a crank.

Lazyjacks:

Not used.

Running Backs:

Self-storing system (pictures). The leads from the mast are wires, and are long enough to just touch the deck at the stays, with a block attached at the end. The Rope end is anchored at the spinnaker turnblocks, lead to the end of the wire block, and then back to stand-up blocks aft of the Main Winches. This is then lead to the Winch. The return system is a double-ended bungee, lead forward, on eyes on the top of the toerail. The bungee goes to a footblock on the bow and then back to the other side running back. With no tension on the running back lines, the bungee pulls both wire leads back to the stays. When tacking, the double ended bungee stores the (new) lazy side as the active side is taken up. 

Backstay:

Navtec Hydraulic. I’m unsure of correct tensions/pressures, so normally adjust to keep motion out of the mast, and bring up some of the headstay slack. This is normally as much as 1200#. At this pressure quite a bit of mast bend is noticed. (flattening the main)

Roller Furling:

Furlex, twin groove. Never used to date for furling.

Cutter Rig:

Detachable cutter stay. The stay attaches to a track, which is tied into the hull via a stainless strap that is anchored in the bow.

Cutter Rig Moveable Tack:

Read about this and I’m interested in more info. In the older (Period) books, an arced track was used to move the cutter tack to weather, for down wind use.

Chain Plates:

I had some water damage and dry rot so I pieced in new 13 ply Okume plywood bulkheads. I then doubled the thickness of the bulkheads, and tied them into the existing bulkhead.

Sail Tracks and Cars:

Added an inner sail track for my small jibs. The track is even with the Head Port light, against the cabin top. All cars are Garhauer.

Sail Track Movement:

No devices to move cars

Winches:

"stock" setup?, Barient Cockpit Winch Islands (2) Primaries, (2) Secondaries, (2) small winches; Cabin Top (2) Secondaries; Boom Barient (1) small; Mast (2) fiberglass at base, (1) wire (main halyard), (2) Spinnaker

Other Info!

Use Stan Honey's Outgrabber spinnaker sheet system to open up and stabilize the spinnaker. This device also is a incidental boom preventer when implemented

STRUCTURAL- DECK /HULL COMPONENTS

BOAT STATUS If Modified or Repaired or Known Weakness, Please Describe

I did replace the beam "oilcan" ribs (8), behind the navigator berth teak lath. Tabbed in 13 ply Okume Plywood.

Mast Structural Beam (under sole @ head)

No Mast Beam deterioration is noted.

Rudder:

Replaced rudder with Carl Schumacher designed Elliptical Rudder and Doug Grant Bushings 6-2000. 6000 miles to date with no problems and great heavy weather performance. Zephyr winds and backing up are a little more difficult, than with the stock rudder. (www.cal40.com) See Rudder Repair Project

Emergency Rudder:

A substantial permanent stainless mounting pindle set is mounted on the reinforced transom. A "cassette" is mounted on these when needed, and locked into place. Then an aluminum blade slides into the cassette and the handle which wishbones the Backstay is clipped on. The Rudder system was designed by one of my crewmembers at Boeing, and is built to withstand going sideways at 10 knots.

Hatches:

Forward hatch added above V-Berth for sail dousing and additional light forward. Other Hatches are stock.

Dorade Box:

"Stock"?

Decking:

"Stock" some spider webbing is noted at some locations.

Deck Hull Joint:

Deck / Hull joint leaks. Have not decided on the repair method, unbolt and re-caulk, or remove the toerail and Fiberglass over the joint.

Bulkheads:

Repaired at Chain Plate Locations.Scarfed in Okume Plywood, and doubled bulkhead locations for additional strength.

Bulkhead tabbing:

Bulkheading tabs are secure.

Decking Plywood:

All appears okay, no "hollow spots" known. All mounting holes have been oversized, filled with epoxy, and then re-drilled, to help keep the core dry.

Bottom:

No problems noted to date, Last bottom job revealed only two blisters, and they were smaller than a dime. I use a barrier coat, then an ablative coat, sanded that smooth, and then applied VC-17. No faring work known.

Topsides:

No problems noted to date, stock gelcoat is no longer shiny.

Keel:

A little damage to the leading edge. No Faring Work Known.

Tiller:

New H&L (2000) Ash/Mahogany

Tiller Bracket (the casting that holds it to the rudder-head)

New Stainless Bracket fabricated. The old bracket was missing, Victoria! came with a wheel, which is now removed and in storage.

Swim Ladder:

Portable rope type, "Jacobs Ladder"

Toe Rail:

Stock, and looking old.

Hatch Board:

I have two. One is a full piece screened, for bug control while at anchor, it stores on top of the fuel tank. The normal hatch board is cut into two pieces, so half of it can be removed for easier entry / exit during rougher weather, and maintain a higher "freeboard" The two pieces are lanyarded together and attached to the inside bulkhead. A pouch to store the pieces is mounted on the stbd side of the engine cover. (pictures) The sliding cover has a rope loop thru the teak rail so that the hatch can easily be slide open when below, and shut while on deck. 

Port lights:

Stock, I’ve replaced some glass due to breakage, and fogging.

Portholes :

Stock!

Headliner:

None.

Gel Coat:

Stock, a bit dull

Through Hulls:

Replaced, mostly bronze for grounding. (2) sink drain galley & head, (2) cockpit scuppers, (1) Head, (1) Knotmeter, (1) Depth finder, (1) Engine and sink water intake, (1) in transom for bilge pumps.

Other Info

COMPARTMENTS / STATIONS

Stair/Engine Box:

Stock

Anchor Locker

Stock

Ice Box:

Stock box, with a modified lid latched lid.

Head:

Cabinets replaced with custom built hanging pouches.

Drawers:

Stock

V Berth:

Stock

Galley:

Semi modified, Foot pump for seawater, 2 gallon alcohol stove with three burners and oven, cabinets reworked to accept (2) 2 quart vacuum pots to store hot water and hot coffee. Soap dispenser installed, new manual water pumps. Security belt installed.

Sole:

Stock

Stern Lazarette:

Stock, with the addition of lighting, and aluminum hanging racks for lines.

Hanging Locker:

Stock, with the addition of red/white lights

Chart Desk:

Installed a drafting parallel bar and chart securing system (pictures). Installed an elevated computer docking station to keep the computer off the desk, and secure. Installed a hanging chair / security belt at the nav station for use in rougher seas, and greater comfort. The belt looks a bit like a hammock and is quite functional.

Torpedo Berths: Starboard:

Stock, hatches are latched.

Torpedo Berths: Port:

Stock, hatches are latched.

Slide-Out berths:

Stock, with added lee cloths. The emergency rudder foil stores under the drawers, on top of the stbd berth, and shoved back until completely out of sight. Hatches under the berth have been labeled prepared to be emergency port covers.

Pilot Berths:

Stock, with the stbd berth shortened at the nav station bulkhead, to store (2) L-16 batteries, sunk behind the aft drawer. On longer voyages this is also the location of the spare water bladder. The bladder is retained by a custom bladder restraint, and then is covered by a hinged rack, that allows crew gear to be stored over the bladder. The lee clothes retain gear on both sides. The stbd pilot berth houses four plastic hinged cover tubs, in which was stored bulk food for the Pacific Cup Race and delivery.

Other:

ALL hatch covers are secured to stay intact during a rollover. Stove is mounted to also survive a 360 rollover

ELECTRONICS AND SOFTWARE

Instrumentation :

Nexus System integrated with the GPS, VHF, Computer, and autopilot (pictures). The system consists of (2) Multi displays, (1) Chart plotter, (1) Wind, (1) Steerguide, (1) Remote, (1) Server / Nav Computer, (1) MOB Button, (2) Trim buttons, All instruments are mounted in a removable pod for storage. (www.silva.com)

VHF Radio:

Horizon Intrepid with Remote Mic in cockpit. Waterproof handheld is kept in the Abandon Ship bag.

Position: (GPS/Loran)

(3) WAAS GPS’s, (1) DGPS, (1) Amplified Mighty Mouse Antenna, (1) portable RDF Radio. One GPS is used at a time, with two spares, all are portable for Abandon ship. The Main GPS is a Garmin 76 with ship power connection, and the Mighty Mouse Antenna Amplifier connected to the BNC connector. The two spares are also Garmin 76’s. The output of the GPS is sent to a Noland Multiplexer, where is is combined with the DGPS signal. The Multiplexer sends the modified signal to the Nexus system, Laptop Computer and to the VHF. Sounds difficult, but is actually a very simple installation. The WAAS allows the Nexus to compute Current set and drift, more accurately. The Mighty Mouse Antenna amplifier boosts the GPS signal 28db, satellite drop-out is now quite rare, and the strength bars are "Pegged"

HF Radio

ICOM 700 pro with auto tuner. Isolated backstay antenna, and Stock ground plane combined with additional copper strips and plates. Best reception to date, from Portland Oregon to Galapagos and to Tonga. Normally @ 1000 miles.

Radar:

None, but the Sitex PC Radar ties into the laptop seamlessly and overlays the display on the chart (Nobeltec) www.nobeltec.com

Weather Fax & Email:

Weatherfax & email are performed using a Pactor III SCS demodulator connected to the ICOM, and using SailMail & MaxSea and Expedition Software

Computers & Software:

Dell Laptop, with Nobeltec Navigation Software, Passport 3d charts and Nexus FDX, Expedition, and MaxSea Version 12..

Auto pilot:

Autohelm 4000+ 

Stereo:

Simple Car Stereo, with cassette, cd player/adapter

Other:

(2) Nexus Compass’, (1) Nexus Inclinometer, (1) Smoke Detector, (1) CO Detector, (1) hand held anemometer

AUXILIARY

Engine:

New Vetus 40+ HP Diesel (2003)

Ignition

Stock, with modified coil to prevent overheating

Engine Controls:

New Vetus Controls

Transmission

New Walther V drive.

Propeller

18" EHA setting on the two blade Max Prop. Very excellent so far. Superior power when compared to my old Martec, which failed twice in two years.

Shaft:

Stainless

Cutlass Bearing:

New, knurled and Red Loctited in, and then two set screws for additional holding power. I had one work out, so I really set this one in.

Gland:

"Stock"

Other:

Stock exhaust system, still works.

TANKAGE & PLUMBING

Fuel Tank

 – Galvanized @ 45 gallons, between torpedo berths.

Water Tank: /System

Stock, and an additional bladder in stbd Nav berth for extended trips.

Holding Tank:

20 gallon flexible tank in vee berth

Propane:

None

Alcohol:

Removed, Now use non pressure alcohol stove

Water Maker:

PUR 8 GPH

Heating / Cooling:

removed for racing

Refrigeration:

None – other than stock 100# ice box. Lid modified to withstand boat 360 roll.

Bilge Pump(s)

(4) Manual Gushers on board (1) electric in bilge, with (2) buckets for back-up. Manual Pumps: (1) accessible in the cockpit, (1) in the port torpedo berth, (1) Wye valved with the head overboard pump, and (1) board mounted portable.

Other:

ELECTRICAL

Charging: Engine Driven:

150 amp custom built alternator with Balmar ARS 12 adjustable three stage regulator, feeds into a West Marine 150amp combiner, monitored by a Link 2000 Charge Controller.

Charging: Shore charging:

30 amp service to a Heart Interface 1500 watt inverter with three stage 70 amp charger, controlled by the Link 2000 charge controller

Charging: Wind Power

None

Charging: Solar Power

None

Battery System:

Starting (1) Seavolt 700 cca battery, (2) Trojan L-16 six volts series for twelve volt, with ABYC Fuses.

DC Distribution:

Waterproof Fused Hella Panels, 12 circuits.

Interior Lighting:

DC lights mostly red/white dome lights, AC

AC Electrical System:

From the Heart Interface Inverter, If shore power, direct to dc circuits. If no shore power, and inverter switched on, then inverted from house batteries. "Stock" Chris Craft AC Fuse box.

Cathodic Protection:

None Special, Zinc on Prop shaft, Zinc on a wire for anchoring/docking

Grounding:

All electrical DC grounds are from a main bus bar. The bus bar is connected to the engine via 1/0 cable

RF Grounding:

Stock RF Ground at waterline supplemented with 50’ of 3" copper strap glassed on hull interior, and a 3’x3’ copper plate in the torpedo berths. The RF ground plane is bonded to the two bronze cockpit through hulls.

Bonding:

All metal parts, mast, lifelines, through hulls are bonded with #8 ground wire.

SAFETY:

Jack line:

Mountain Climbing webbing attached at the stern Genoa rail dead-man, through the bow cleats, and return. Rated to ORC Current Regs (2000).

Life Lines:

Stock Style, Bare wire per ORC Current Regs.

Flare/Signal:

See Abandon ship Bag, All Are SOLAS.

MOB System(s):

Crew extraction hoist which hooks to boom end, or spinnaker halyard.

Life Raft:

Switlik MD-2 6 man offshore in valise, with offshore packing and insulated floor – 80 lbs.

EPIRB:

NCR 406 Category II

PFD / Harness’:

All working PFD’s are Sospender Water activated with built in harness. (stored below are Mae-West's for Abandon Ship)

Abandon Ship Bag:

Floatation bag, with water activate strobe. Complete with VHF radio, SOLAS flares, water, food-bars, whistles, dye, streamers, flashlight, SOLAS parachutes, SOLAS smokers, water activated inflatable "ring" GPS, EPIRB, Mirrors, Fishing Kit, Spare Medicine, Credit cards, Passport, spare glasses, thermal blankets. Two additional Plastic Jugs with lanyards and water activated strobes carry (12) SOLAS Parachutes, (2) 3 min. Smokers, Dye, (6) flares, (2) Collision Flares, and a reflective kite.

First Aid Kit:

(2) Kits

Survival Suits:

none

Hull Breach Kits:

Underwater epoxy, Demolition Hammer/axe, misc. plates, wooden plugs, expanding foam, self tapping screws.

Rigging Repair / Clearing Kit:

Banding Kit, Big Rigging Cutters, Saber Saw, Sheet Metal Cutters, Rivet Gun, Drills, Roto Drill.

Fire Protection:

Automatic Halon in Engine Compartment; 8 ABC Fire extinguishers.

Other:

Sea Anchor; Spare running lights; (2) Relief Bands for Sea Sickness, electronic shock gizmos that really work, no lie! (2) Thermal vests

GOFAST AND

Sails: Main

New Quantum Carbon Fiber Main, Bank Cruising Tridial dacron

Sails: Genoa

(1)50% - (1)80% - (1)100% - (1)125% Carbon fiber - (1) 150% Carbon Fiber (1)Drifter – (1) Yankee (1)Blast Reacher

Sails: Roller Furling

Sails: Spinnaker

Banks 0.5, 0.75 1.5 & 2.2 0z, Quantum Airx Max AP runner, Airx 500vmg light air

Sails: Cutter / Staysail

(3), (1)Tallboy, (1)Spinnaker cheater, (1)

Sails: Storm

(2) Storm Jibs, (1) Storm Trisails

Sails: Other

Blooper

Faring the keel and bottom.

None known, just long boarded – no fillers

? Ideas?.

Cal 40 Strategies:

Creative Ideas: