Recent content by Dennis Connor

Have your son be careful with the swivel cleat the first few times out. Even on a little boat like the Sunfish, once the boat starts tipping, if the sheet is cleated it can be hard to uncleat. Back when I was designing the Stars and Stripes catamaran, I had the idea of using a swivel cleat...

Hi, the inspection port is probably needed for access. A little-known fact is that on Stars and Stripes we used thick plastic cutting boards as backers. They might be good for your need too.

I agree with Wavedancer. You will need all of your focus to keep your little boat sailing along. On Stars and Stripes I never permitted music on the trip to the race course or during practice, and of course not as I was defending the Cup. We needed all of our focus on our sailing. DC

We used a similar contraption on the Stars and Stripes catamaran so I am sure it will fit on that little Hobie 17.

I have never sailed a boat that small, but I did spend time on a Sunfish, which is almost as small. One thing I learned on the Sunfish that I carried over to all my Stars and Stripes was to not drill any unneeded holes in a boat. They are nothing but trouble. Some might leak, some can weaken a...

Fortunately I have always had plenty of money for only the best equipment on Stars and Stripes. But I understand your plight, and have some comments: - Bow handle - previous writer had good thoughts - Hiking Strap - you don't need it. They have only come from the factory with one for maybe 20...

I take great pride in the names of my boats. Stars and Stripes is almost universally known, and people like to support my campaigns due to the patriotic nature of the name. I don't understand why you named your little boat Dixie. In the Civil War, the north was the "blue" and the confederates...

Wayne, I think we should encourage the lad. I wish I had had a videographer with his enthusiasm onboard Stars and Stripes. If you would like to provide him video lessons, perhaps my private jet can swing by and take you to the Bahamas so you can mentor him. Dennis

I think you have omitted a few useful chapters from your textbook. My comments below Good idea.

Going to multiple sail makers will raise the price of competitive sails, not lower them. Look at Optis. Those sails cost $500+, and they are the same size as the cover I used to put on the wheel of Stars and Stripes when she was at the dock! What has happened with Optis is the sail makers...

I don't think that rudder came from a San Juan 21. Based on the mottled splotches, I think it came from an old rudder for Stars and Stripes that I left in a boatyard in San Diego. Dennis