Lee Edmonds:  Since CLC CCRs have built-in floatation, I’m guessing you are building from CCWBRA plans.  Also, since you’ve signed up for Urbanna, you probably want to get the floatation installed yesterday.  The floatation bags and balls that Kim mentioned, effectively tied in, work very nicely.  Tie-in straps can be simple or complex, whatever works for you and that you can convince a race inspector that they will hold the bags in place in the event of a flip.

Without going into all the pros & cons of foam floatation vs. air tanks, I’ve opted to seal off Frame 2 (using no foam), and use a 4″ inspection port for ventilation when out of the water.  Not difficult.  Doesn’t weigh much.  Works.  Our next CCR will have more floatation aft.  But that’s another story.  See you in Urbanna, Lee

Fred Allerton:    As Kim and Lee say, a few CCR boats have Optimist floatation bags stuffed under both side decks. They are available in 48L and 43L capacity. Boats #28 and #53 have steering cables routed under the decks, which reduces some of the available space for the length of the Opti bags, so the shorter 43 liter bags are stuffed into compression sacks to help fit the bags in between cable returns. If your cable is on top of the coaming as most are, then you shouldn’t have that problem. The bags are buckled-in under both side decks with straps. You have to tie them down good – otherwise they take right off with all the helium. Oops- I mean air! Annapolis Performance Sailing is another source for bags. OptiParts for full product line information: http://www.optiparts.com/products/ airbags.asp Fred #28

Chris Norman: Thanks for all of the replays. I’ll see you in Virginia.