ku3kyc 0 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 So I was visiting Hawaii on vacation and came across Hydroptere after a tourist booze cruise. Since I followed this boat for years I decided to come back when I was sober and take some pictures. What I found was an Abandoned Vessel notice. The boat was obviously not in use and not being kept up. After I took pictures I found the Harbor Master and he told me the story from his perspective. The boat arrived around TransPac and had no planned berth. They were denied by many harbors including this one. But after begging and promising to be out at the next record attempt, they are granted permission. The crew docked, tied up, and left. That was the last contact the Harbor Master ever had with anyone involved in the boat. No money ever showed up and all attempts to contact the owner(s) went unanswered. He even tried calling the sponsors who refused to have anything more to do with the boat. So the Abandoned Vessel notice went up months ago. The rigger and crane are scheduled to pull the boat, dismantle it and place all the parts on the hard, out of the way of upcoming events. Abandoned vessels cannot be sold as boats because there is no title. However the harbor has the right to dismantle the boat and sell it for parts and scrap the rest. This is the plan. He hopes to recover his legal, rigger, crane, back storage, etc. by selling the hydraulics and mast. Everything else is probably too unique to be of value. The crane is scheduled. This should happen soon. So I asked how much he was hoping to get, how much he would take if someone walked up to him today with cash? If someone walked up with $20,000 today the boat and all its legal issues would be theirs as long as it left the harbor. Is this how boats die? It's so sad. Link to post Share on other sites
Doug Lord 1,219 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Thanks for the info. I find it sad and unbelievable that the grand old lady of foiling could meet such an end!! Picture by Francis Demange- Link to post Share on other sites
Raz'r 3,670 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Come on Doug, fly over there and buy it! You can sail it back home for cheap. Link to post Share on other sites
Monkey 1,520 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Come on Doug, fly over there and buy it! You can sail it back home for cheap.That's hilarious! Just imagine... Doug sailing a real boat! I'm dying laughing. Link to post Share on other sites
warbird 445 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 .....hmmmmmmm....my boat partner and I are just now in the process of switching boats.......hmmmmmmmm? Link to post Share on other sites
Rasputin22 2,836 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 As long as it took them to sail the Hydroptere from CA to Hawaii, I'm not surprised the crew never looked back. It had lost its funding a couple of years ago while in San Francisco and had been almost abandoned there. I met the skipper and he was owed a good bit of back pay I think. I was surprised that the Kiteboat record attempt came about as it was. The boat got a bit of sponsorship from a company called Finesse on the West Coast. Enough to put their logo on it but not get it home. Call them up and ask WTF! http://finesse.com/company/press-room/news/2015/07/finesse-sponsored-hydropt%C3%A8re-arrives-in-honolulu/ Maybe they should send the bill to Prince Albert of Monaco In any case, it is a shame. Link to post Share on other sites
multihuler 212 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 I will take it! Seriously Link to post Share on other sites
Hawaiidart 103 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 They had an amazingly slow trip to Hawaii, but it wasn't the boat's fault. There was no wind for most of their route--it took hours to get from Koko Head to Diamond Head. We were warned in advance that the boat has a history of showing up and being abandoned for lengthy periods of time. The harbor master took them in as they promised to move before Transpac. Everyone associated with it disappeared and there it sat- right where we needed to put the deep draft vessels coming over in the race. Link to post Share on other sites
Raz'r 3,670 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Someone call up the guy at LendingClub Link to post Share on other sites
SCANAS 527 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Can't sell it because it has no American title? Can't it be seized & sold complete. You yanks have some whack rules. Maybe you should have accepted British rule 😀 Link to post Share on other sites
multihuler 212 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Sold! Link to post Share on other sites
SCANAS 527 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Did you pick it up CW? Did you sell CW? Link to post Share on other sites
Rasputin22 2,836 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 To add to your collection? I'll help you get it home. Link to post Share on other sites
Raz'r 3,670 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 You're one crazy dude! Link to post Share on other sites
couchsurfer 220 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 . ....not so bad if an anarchist took the jump Link to post Share on other sites
swangtang 20 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Sold! Still 2 days left to enter it in the R2AK Link to post Share on other sites
multihuler 212 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Already entered..... Crazy, no known cure.. Link to post Share on other sites
Rasputin22 2,836 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Still Crazy After All These Years Great multihull name! Link to post Share on other sites
Rasputin22 2,836 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 I actually took the the time to read that and while puzzled about its origin, I read it twice before noting the cross post apology. No prob. I think I know who you are talking about. Link to post Share on other sites
Raz'r 3,670 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Will Hydro fit in a container? Link to post Share on other sites
ZeroTheHero 47 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 If cakewalk really bought it, that's awesome! Thank god he did too because that boat could have been my financial ruin! Link to post Share on other sites
Great Red Shark 415 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Sure - with a big enough 'dozer pretty much anything can fit into a container. Once. This "boat" has had the screwiest 'management' possible - it sat on the west coat for how long ? Like a year + ? was not entered in Transpac, so they could pick a weather window of best opportunity, and then they pick a utterly crap launch date, slog out here at a snail's pace and like 2 weeks later Lending Club has the window to set a passage record ? Sounds like they must have stiffed the router too. Hawaii's ports have the reputation for being a pain-in-the-ass, but you gotta know - this kinda crap happens all too often - just not with full exotic machinery like this - who would have believed they'd bail on so much investment ? Link to post Share on other sites
Varan 1,988 Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 Already entered..... Crazy, no known cure.. Need crew? Link to post Share on other sites
PinkSpinnaker 26 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Look, there are 67,312 total members of SA. So why not have SA charge all of its members $1 or 50 cents. BOOM community racer. Link to post Share on other sites
billy backstay 1,080 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Look, there are 67,312 total members of SA. So why not have SA charge all of its members $1 or 50 cents. BOOM community racer. Hell, I'd pay 2 bucks! And forgo a bottle of "2 Buck Chuck" wine from Trader Joes!! so, who is this user "Cakewalk" and did he really buy it? What an EXTREME VERY COOL BOAT!! Link to post Share on other sites
ZeroTheHero 47 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Already entered..... Crazy, no known cure.. Need crew? x2! Link to post Share on other sites
SCANAS 527 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Sure - with a big enough 'dozer pretty much anything can fit into a container. Once. This "boat" has had the screwiest 'management' possible - it sat on the west coat for how long ? Like a year + ? was not entered in Transpac, so they could pick a weather window of best opportunity, and then they pick a utterly crap launch date, slog out here at a snail's pace and like 2 weeks later Lending Club has the window to set a passage record ? Sounds like they must have stiffed the router too. Hawaii's ports have the reputation for being a pain-in-the-ass, but you gotta know - this kinda crap happens all too often - just not with full exotic machinery like this - who would have believed they'd bail on so much investment ? Someone trying everything they can to keep their dream afloat. Can't blame them for that. I'd even ring him & ask if he wants to get involved. Link to post Share on other sites
Future MOB 13 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Already entered..... Crazy, no known cure.. Need crew? +1, seriously. Good for you to jump on it! Going to bring it back to the Bay? Link to post Share on other sites
Chapped 2 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 I got a complete tour of the boat when it was here in Long Beach. Everything very well done. Have a collection of photos in a file if you want to see them. Link to post Share on other sites
Great Red Shark 415 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 SCANAS - I'm not sure who or what you are referring to "someone trying to keep the dream afloat" - from what we're told the folks that left it have fucked off, not paid wharfage and aren't returning phone calls - that is NOT being a responsible mariner there. It's an interesting concept/vessel, to be sure - but biting off way more that you can afford isn't ever a wise move and sticking someone else for your ownership costs...well - say hello to my little friend, the chainsaw... - which to be SURE, would be a shame - but it's not the fault of the Harbor master that has been jerked around now, is it ? Link to post Share on other sites
PaulK 424 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Bon vent, Cakewalk! Sail fast. Link to post Share on other sites
couchsurfer 220 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 . ....for less than the cost of a moth Link to post Share on other sites
MisterMoon 312 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 If the world was perfect, someone would have bought Hydroptere and given it to Rimas to deliver.... somewhere. Link to post Share on other sites
ZeroTheHero 47 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 that's pretty epic..... Link to post Share on other sites
terrafirma 1,154 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 The French up to their tricks again.! This is a project for Sailing Anarchy Link to post Share on other sites
DA-WOODY 1,063 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Ship it to Bermuda (or sail it) and Sell the MoFo to a fool that would expect to make millions with it during the event formerly known as the AC Link to post Share on other sites
SCANAS 527 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 SCANAS - I'm not sure who or what you are referring to "someone trying to keep the dream afloat" - from what we're told the folks that left it have fucked off, not paid wharfage and aren't returning phone calls - that is NOT being a responsible mariner there. It's an interesting concept/vessel, to be sure - but biting off way more that you can afford isn't ever a wise move and sticking someone else for your ownership costs...well - say hello to my little friend, the chainsaw... - which to be SURE, would be a shame - but it's not the fault of the Harbor master that has been jerked around now, is it ? It's isnt the first boat to be chained to a dock & it won't be the last. Personally I more respect for someone who is busting his gut for sponsorship to keep his dream alive & who looses it all than someone who never gave it a go. Somewhere there is a very disheartened frenchman watching his dream machine being sold off for "parts" because he can not raise $20000 more out of the millions that have been spent on this thing. Link to post Share on other sites
Raz'r 3,670 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 SCANAS - I'm not sure who or what you are referring to "someone trying to keep the dream afloat" - from what we're told the folks that left it have fucked off, not paid wharfage and aren't returning phone calls - that is NOT being a responsible mariner there. It's an interesting concept/vessel, to be sure - but biting off way more that you can afford isn't ever a wise move and sticking someone else for your ownership costs...well - say hello to my little friend, the chainsaw... - which to be SURE, would be a shame - but it's not the fault of the Harbor master that has been jerked around now, is it ? It's isnt the first boat to be chained to a dock & it won't be the last. Personally I more respect for someone who is busting his gut for sponsorship to keep his dream alive & who looses it all than someone who never gave it a go. Somewhere there is a very disheartened frenchman watching his dream machine being sold off for "parts" because he can not raise $20000 more out of the millions that have been spent on this thing.I'm not so sure. I thought they had plans for the next generation. If so, the current is worthless. Like the Trimaran in the Oracle lagoon Link to post Share on other sites
MoMP 7 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 SCANAS - I'm not sure who or what you are referring to "someone trying to keep the dream afloat" - from what we're told the folks that left it have fucked off, not paid wharfage and aren't returning phone calls - that is NOT being a responsible mariner there. It's an interesting concept/vessel, to be sure - but biting off way more that you can afford isn't ever a wise move and sticking someone else for your ownership costs...well - say hello to my little friend, the chainsaw... - which to be SURE, would be a shame - but it's not the fault of the Harbor master that has been jerked around now, is it ? Dude, get your soul back. Seriously, mariners have existed 90% based on a man's dreams. These guys rode out that dream much longer than most. They left us with what would be a museum piece if it could fit on a wall. I think the owners hit a point where they had that deep, dark conversation where they realize they've spent everything. I hope someone picks this up with the ability to fund it and have fun with it. It's a legendary craft. Without dreams and craziness li,e this, we would all aspire to sail 1977 j24s and the sport would have died in 1979... Link to post Share on other sites
SCANAS 527 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Yeah they had an ocean foiler planned but doubtful they had the funding. Link to post Share on other sites
frozenhawaiian 118 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 10 bucks says the boat, or at least parts of it will end up in jeff lansdown's boat junkyard down on sand island. honestly even if you just pulled all the hardware off the boat you could still easily duble, if not triple your money, kind surprised scavengers haven't started picking away at the boat yet. Link to post Share on other sites
multihuler 212 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 She was a lot more than $20k, and she will not be taken apart. As far as I am concerned everyone should get a ride! Link to post Share on other sites
PinkSpinnaker 26 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 but did you buy it? Link to post Share on other sites
Ishmael 6,797 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 She was a lot more than $20k, and she will not be taken apart. As far as I am concerned everyone should get a ride! Cool. Very cool. Link to post Share on other sites
joking 0 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 She was a lot more than $20k, and she will not be taken apart. As far as I am concerned everyone should get a ride! If you have actually bought it you are by far the coolest person I know of! Link to post Share on other sites
erictra20 1 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Don't worry. Alain Thebault's new successful company is loaded with cash: http://www.societe.com/societe/seabubbles-817510290.html Oh wait... Link to post Share on other sites
SCANAS 527 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 I got nothing but respect & admiration for Thebault. He's on Clean's shit list so he won't get much love around here Mock him if you've done 56 knots in an ocean going vessel. Hands up? Oh wait.... Link to post Share on other sites
High Flow 1 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 very cool I'd give some bucks for the funding in an SA fundraiser - for sure! Link to post Share on other sites
tomasis 1 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 well done, guy! https://twitter.com/TeamHydroptere/status/720534191964823553 Link to post Share on other sites
moody frog 81 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Don't worry. Alain Thebault's new successful company is loaded with cash: http://www.societe.com/societe/seabubbles-817510290.html Oh wait... Dreams and madness ... https://www.inverse.com/article/11551-sea-bubble-could-bring-driverless-car-tech-to-urban-rivers-starting-in-paris Link to post Share on other sites
Wess 2,722 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 She was a lot more than $20k, and she will not be taken apart. As far as I am concerned everyone should get a ride! More or less than the G4 bid, LOL!? well done, guy! https://twitter.com/TeamHydroptere/status/720534191964823553 And good luck if its you Cake. Heck of a history. Hope its got a future, but Lord knows what that would be. Could be one heck of a weekend racer in San Fran... I gotta be the first to ask: * What's it rate? Cheers, Wess Link to post Share on other sites
RKoch 1,004 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Well done, Cake. Link to post Share on other sites
multihuler 212 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Sold back to Alain this morning for marina fees. Wife's happy. Link to post Share on other sites
Raz'r 3,670 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 I bet she is! Link to post Share on other sites
in_TO 8 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Is that some sort of height sensor at the bow? Link to post Share on other sites
Icedtea 149 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Want to explain what happened there? Hell of a game Cakewalk! Link to post Share on other sites
ku3kyc 0 Posted April 14, 2016 Author Share Posted April 14, 2016 If it was sold back for back fees, it must have been with the agreement to get it out of the way. The guy was adamant that he wanted it gone. Where will it go? Link to post Share on other sites
neuronz 33 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Is that some sort of height sensor at the bow? They are using cameras on it for height sensing if I remember correctly. Link to post Share on other sites
multihuler 212 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 The boat has a couple of weeks to get out Link to post Share on other sites
StumbleNola 9 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Cakewalk, You can't just drop that bomb and provide no details. What's the scoop, this place runs on rumors and half truths after all. Btw if you are looking for crew I am happy to voltmeter the entire A-Class fleet for the trip home. Link to post Share on other sites
erictra20 1 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 @Cakewalk we do need proofs... Link to post Share on other sites
Doug Lord 1,219 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Is that some sort of height sensor at the bow? They are using cameras on it for height sensing if I remember correctly. They don't need a "height sensor" since the boat uses surface piercing foils whose altitude is controlled automatically with speed. Maybe an infrared "object" detector? Link to post Share on other sites
Jon 2 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 R2AK? The perfect ride. Link to post Share on other sites
Great Red Shark 415 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Oh, so they CAN return a fucking phone call afterall, and pay the dock fees like everybody else. Neat. I guess I can go get my soul back now, eh, MOMP - or do you endorse stiffing creditors as a general rule ? Link to post Share on other sites
impetuous_donkey 19 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Sold back to Alain this morning for marina fees. Wife's happy. Sounds like one hell of a deal, congrats! Like everyone else if you need crew..... I'd damn near give my left nut to go for a ride on that thing Link to post Share on other sites
swangtang 20 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Already entered..... Crazy, no known cure.. So is Hydroptere now know as The Spirit of Mr Floatie 2? Link to post Share on other sites
Panoramix 1,466 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 To confuse more everybody : https://twitter.com/Alain_Thebault/status/720670518815432708 "Hydroptère history shows that it's never completely finished" Link to post Share on other sites
couchsurfer 220 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 To confuse more everybody : https://twitter.com/Alain_Thebault/status/720670518815432708 "Hydroptère history shows that it's never completely finished" ..noice try ......''the story of the # Hydroptere has often shown that it is never quite finished ;)'' ....methinks they're referring to the story,,not the boat! Link to post Share on other sites
mad 3,967 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Is that some sort of height sensor at the bow? They are using cameras on it for height sensing if I remember correctly. They don't need a "height sensor" since the boat uses surface piercing foils whose altitude is controlled automatically with speed.Maybe an infrared "object" detector? At 40 plus knots, fuck off Doug, you're being a fucking idiot. Again!! Link to post Share on other sites
PinkSpinnaker 26 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 I feel like I am going to see this boat in a drug bust sometime down the road. Cakewalk if you did buy it, lets go sailing! Link to post Share on other sites
Great Red Shark 415 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Well, it IS good news to hear that the boat sounds like it'll make good on it's basic debts, clear out of valuable, much-needed wharf space AND be going back to some of the very few people that can operate it ( this is not your fathers 60' offshore racing tri ). That's all great. Should we be impressed that someone pays their bills or pleased with the impression they have made here ? I don't care if it's "the fastest boat in the world" - (as claimed by them) - they still need to take care of business. Link to post Share on other sites
Raz'r 3,670 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Well, it IS good news to hear that the boat sounds like it'll make good on it's basic debts, clear out of valuable, much-needed wharf space AND be going back to some of the very few people that can operate it ( this is not your fathers 60' offshore racing tri ). That's all great. Should we be impressed that someone pays their bills or pleased with the impression they have made here ? I don't care if it's "the fastest boat in the world" - (as claimed by them) - they still need to take care of business. they're french. what can you do? Link to post Share on other sites
neuronz 33 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Is that some sort of height sensor at the bow? They are using cameras on it for height sensing if I remember correctly. They don't need a "height sensor" since the boat uses surface piercing foils whose altitude is controlled automatically with speed.Maybe an infrared "object" detector? I actually talked to the guy who developed it and although I cannot recall all the details they used it to measure the immersion of the boards to control their settings, because they can be moved with the hydraulic rams. Link to post Share on other sites
Emmanuel 0 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 What is the name of the Harbor that has it? Link to post Share on other sites
Alcatraz5768 415 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Well, it IS good news to hear that the boat sounds like it'll make good on it's basic debts, clear out of valuable, much-needed wharf space AND be going back to some of the very few people that can operate it ( this is not your fathers 60' offshore racing tri ). That's all great. Should we be impressed that someone pays their bills or pleased with the impression they have made here ? I don't care if it's "the fastest boat in the world" - (as claimed by them) - they still need to take care of business. they're french. what can you do? Link to post Share on other sites
Diarmuid 764 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Already entered..... Crazy, no known cure.. So is Hydroptere now know as The Spirit of Mr Floatie 2? S/V Foily McFoilface Link to post Share on other sites
largethomas 0 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 What is the name of the Harbor that has it? Kewalo Harbor Link to post Share on other sites
surfsailor 283 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 SCANAS - I'm not sure who or what you are referring to "someone trying to keep the dream afloat" - from what we're told the folks that left it have fucked off, not paid wharfage and aren't returning phone calls - that is NOT being a responsible mariner there. It's an interesting concept/vessel, to be sure - but biting off way more that you can afford isn't ever a wise move and sticking someone else for your ownership costs...well - say hello to my little friend, the chainsaw... - which to be SURE, would be a shame - but it's not the fault of the Harbor master that has been jerked around now, is it ? Dude, get your soul back. Seriously, mariners have existed 90% based on a man's dreams. These guys rode out that dream much longer than most. They left us with what would be a museum piece if it could fit on a wall. I think the owners hit a point where they had that deep, dark conversation where they realize they've spent everything. I hope someone picks this up with the ability to fund it and have fun with it. It's a legendary craft. Without dreams and craziness li,e this, we would all aspire to sail 1977 j24s and the sport would have died in 1979... In 2016, Hydroptere - as cool and awesome as it is - basically IS the '1977 J-24' of foiling. Just sayin'. On the other hand, pretty awesome that it's not gonna be chopped up, I hope they can find the budget to bring it back to it's full glory and continue to campaign it. Link to post Share on other sites
SCANAS 527 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Hardly, how many ocean going foilers are there? Link to post Share on other sites
DA-WOODY 1,063 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Hardly, how many ocean going foilers are there? The Flyin Hawian & a GunBoat were Foiled by going out in the ocean jus sayin This is the Only one Ever to make it somewhere else across an ocean Faster than the current Link to post Share on other sites
Great Red Shark 415 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 neuronz - I was told by the crew, while standing aboard the boat that the foils, once down - were not movable under load. This, that said was one the problems with the light-air passage - the boards are massively draggy when deployed and not foiling. Link to post Share on other sites
MoMP 7 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Oh, so they CAN return a fucking phone call afterall, and pay the dock fees like everybody else. Neat. I guess I can go get my soul back now, eh, MOMP - or do you endorse stiffing creditors as a general rule ? Yes Shark, way to interpret. Same skill as my ex wife...... Impressive...... Link to post Share on other sites
Panoramix 1,466 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 To confuse more everybody : https://twitter.com/Alain_Thebault/status/720670518815432708 "Hydroptère history shows that it's never completely finished" ..noice try ......''the story of the # Hydroptere has often shown that it is never quite finished ;)'' ....methinks they're referring to the story,,not the boat! In the original French sentence it doesn't refer to the story nor the boat. If you prefer "Hydroptere's story has often shown that things are never quite finished." It could mean anything. Link to post Share on other sites
Timone 3 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Yep, it's here in Kewalo Basin. Just took this: Link to post Share on other sites
weightless 519 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Hardly, how many ocean going foilers are there? The Flyin Hawian & a GunBoat were Foiled by going out in the ocean jus sayin This is the Only one Ever to make it somewhere else across an ocean Faster than the current Williwaw. Link to post Share on other sites
SCANAS 527 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 ... That are capable of 56knots? Link to post Share on other sites
K38BOB 21 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Hardly, how many ocean going foilers are there? The Flyin Hawian & a GunBoat were Foiled by going out in the ocean jus sayin This is the Only one Ever to make it somewhere else across an ocean Faster than the current Williwaw. and an inspiration for hydroptere according to Alain Link to post Share on other sites
K38BOB 21 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Sold back to Alain this morning for marina fees. Wife's happy. Presumably yours? Say hi! Link to post Share on other sites
Great Red Shark 415 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Oh, so they CAN return a fucking phone call afterall, and pay the dock fees like everybody else. Neat. I guess I can go get my soul back now, eh, MOMP - or do you endorse stiffing creditors as a general rule ? Yes Shark, way to interpret. Same skill as my ex wife...... Impressive...... I don't see a reason to drag your ex into this, but then... I wasn't the one that married her ! Why do I get the feeling that you wouldn't be nearly as keen a champion for the 'maritime dreamers' if they owed YOU a lot of money ? All I meant by my initial posts is that when you tie up a busy dock space in an island state with precious few harbors and then fail to honor your promise to move it (this was a significant hassle for the volunteer Transpac staff), or pay the bill or make contact to the harbor authority, you really can't be surprised when they get tired of your shit and send your boat to the landfill - occasionally awesome contraption or not. The Solar flight guys are back in town (the Swiss guys trying to fly around the world with a solar powered plane) - they too had difficulties and had to lay up here for the past 9 months - but they did what they said they would do, and paid their bills - see the difference ? Link to post Share on other sites
Texas Strong 1 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 Sold back to Alain this morning for marina fees. Wife's happy. Presumably yours? Say hi! Alain's wife. She can't stand having him around the home. Link to post Share on other sites
Great Red Shark 415 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 SCANAS - I'm not sure who or what you are referring to "someone trying to keep the dream afloat" - from what we're told the folks that left it have fucked off, not paid wharfage and aren't returning phone calls - that is NOT being a responsible mariner there. It's an interesting concept/vessel, to be sure - but biting off way more that you can afford isn't ever a wise move and sticking someone else for your ownership costs...well - say hello to my little friend, the chainsaw... - which to be SURE, would be a shame - but it's not the fault of the Harbor master that has been jerked around now, is it ? Dude, get your soul back. Seriously, mariners have existed 90% based on a man's dreams. These guys rode out that dream much longer than most. They left us with what would be a museum piece if it could fit on a wall. I think the owners hit a point where they had that deep, dark conversation where they realize they've spent everything. I hope someone picks this up with the ability to fund it and have fun with it. It's a legendary craft. Without dreams and craziness li,e this, we would all aspire to sail 1977 j24s and the sport would have died in 1979... Here's the THING Momp: They DIDN'T have that Deep, dark conversation with the guy they stuck with their very large boat - you know, the guy that runs a BUSINESS, not a museum. I'm at least as much a fan of craziness as the next guy, I just don't think I have the right to stick someone else with the tab for my dreams. - What do you think the reception the NEXT big Tri is going to have when they ask for a little bit of courtesy there ? Link to post Share on other sites
SCANAS 527 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 You don't buy a marina & expect boats won't be abandoned from time to time. Cost of business. Like an excavator owner who back over powerlines. Link to post Share on other sites
MoMP 7 Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 SCANAS - I'm not sure who or what you are referring to "someone trying to keep the dream afloat" - from what we're told the folks that left it have fucked off, not paid wharfage and aren't returning phone calls - that is NOT being a responsible mariner there. It's an interesting concept/vessel, to be sure - but biting off way more that you can afford isn't ever a wise move and sticking someone else for your ownership costs...well - say hello to my little friend, the chainsaw... - which to be SURE, would be a shame - but it's not the fault of the Harbor master that has been jerked around now, is it ?Dude, get your soul back. Seriously, mariners have existed 90% based on a man's dreams. These guys rode out that dream much longer than most. They left us with what would be a museum piece if it could fit on a wall. I think the owners hit a point where they had that deep, dark conversation where they realize they've spent everything. I hope someone picks this up with the ability to fund it and have fun with it. It's a legendary craft. Without dreams and craziness li,e this, we would all aspire to sail 1977 j24s and the sport would have died in 1979...Here's the THING Momp: They DIDN'T have that Deep, dark conversation with the guy they stuck with their very large boat - you know, the guy that runs a BUSINESS, not a museum. I'm at least as much a fan of craziness as the next guy, I just don't think I have the right to stick someone else with the tab for my dreams. - What do you think the reception the NEXT big Tri is going to have when they ask for a little bit of courtesy there ? Here's the point. I was focused on the boat and its future. Not some business owner's issues.. There are laws in place for this type of event, right? If the right thing to do is sell it off, do it at a profit if possible. Just a shame it's this boat and not some 4ksb. Link to post Share on other sites
Great Red Shark 415 Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 I'm still rather dumbfounded that they came out at such a lousy interval in the weather that they had NO chance of having the boat perform as intended, and then talking to the crew - finding out that several weren't experienced offshore multihull sailors, but some kiteboarders with a bit of foiling time - it made me think the wheels must have come off of the program (which happens to development teams sometimes) I mean, here they had an opportunity to show what that boat could do and they blew it about as badly as possible - what was up with that ? I get them being short of funds - but can't really forgive them for going dark on the harbormaster, and it ISN'T like there's not a less-expensive place it could have been moored about 5 miles away where it wouldn't monopolize a busy dock-front. But no, it came into Kewalo, tied up and 2-3 days later not a soul was around and nothing's been touched, they just cleated it off and split. In mid-July. Weird, no ? Link to post Share on other sites
largethomas 0 Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 [...] but some kiteboarders with a bit of foiling time [...] But no, it came into Kewalo, tied up and 2-3 days later not a soul was around and nothing's been touched, they just cleated it off and split. In mid-July. Weird, no ? This feels like a case of French sailing. And I mean that in the "I love my French"-est way possible. Link to post Share on other sites
AlphaPuppy 5 Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 This boat should be in a museum and not about to be dismantled and chain-sawed. That is really, really sad. Wish I had the money to save it and put it up in said museum. Where are the rich people supposed to dominate the sport? We need one of them to step up, buy this thing and donate it to a museum so it can be preserved for posterity. We'll all be gratefull eventually. Link to post Share on other sites
Cuplegend 0 Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 Hydroptère Twitter confirm that boat has been sold and back soon to San Francisco. Alain Thébault has signed a DNA with the mystery buyer.http://www.courseaularge.com/lhydroptere-abandonne-vendu-20-000.html Link to post Share on other sites
BernardoGuy 0 Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 The problem here is that the story is not consistent - the abandoned vessel notice is dated 03/15/16 - the picture was taken on 04/05/16 a few weeks after - this thread was started on 04/13/16 one month after the abandoned notice - a french guy published it yesterday morning and it generated a few comments on twitter.. - a few hours later the @TeamHydroptere twitter account (managed by a PR company) published a tweet saying the boat was sold AND was going back to San Francisco soon ( )%C2"> - and now a french magazine is saying the boat is sold for parts for $20K I thought she was going back to SF??? - and guess what there is a NDA signed by the seller and the buyer. NDA is an easy way to avoid tough questions isn't it? Why did they react and said the boat was sold only after the abandoned notice was made public? This whole story is a shame. Link to post Share on other sites
ku3kyc 0 Posted April 15, 2016 Author Share Posted April 15, 2016 The problem here is that the story is not consistent - the abandoned vessel notice is dated 03/15/16 - the picture was taken on 04/05/16 a few weeks after - this thread was started on 04/13/16 one month after the abandoned notice - a french guy published it yesterday morning and it generated a few comments on twitter.. - a few hours later the @TeamHydroptere twitter account (managed by a PR company) published a tweet saying the boat was sold AND was going back to San Francisco soon ( - and now a french magazine is saying the boat is sold for parts for $20K I thought she was going back to SF??? - and guess what there is a NDA signed by the seller and the buyer. NDA is an easy way to avoid tough questions isn't it? Why did they react and said the boat was sold only after the abandoned notice was made public? This whole story is a shame. I posted the pictures after I got home from vacation. The french magazine just asked me for permission to use the photos a couple hours ago. I suspect they are a bit behind in the story. I also suspect I was used by the Harbor Master just to gain publicity and get things moving. I wonder how much of his story was true? Maybe he was in contact with owners all along and spun the story to get things moving. I don't know. There is some big fishing tournament based out of the harbor coming up in a short time, like weeks. The boat is parked at the weigh in station and really doesn't have another location to go to. That is the deadline to get it out of there. Link to post Share on other sites
ku3kyc 0 Posted April 15, 2016 Author Share Posted April 15, 2016 If anyone really needs it, I can give the contact information of the Harbor Master. I have his card. But the basic contact information for the harbor is on the abandon notice. Link to post Share on other sites
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