__Line Control Model Sailing!________________

Pared down to its two most essential elements, a sailboat requires a method of controlling the sails position, relative to the wind (so it can go), and controlling the boats direction (so it goes where you want it to).
This is done by adjusting the mainsheet (a line that holds and adjusts the sail in position) and the rudder that holds or changes the boats direction of travel.

The line control method of controlling a model sailboat uses a line that positions the sail and guides the boats direction of travel.

With our models, the control line (fishing line) acts as an extended mainsheet.  The control line is kept on a kite spool (or winder) held in one hand, and the other hand controls the lines tension.
- The mainsheet, attached to the sail, passes through a fairlead at the stern of the boat and connects to the control line.

When the wind swings the sail, you resist the pull on the mainsheet and hold it where it produces the most energy and the boat sails forward.
You then move with the boat through shallow water, or allow the boat to sail off as you continually feed the boat more line.

The tension on the line keeps the sail trimmed and also maintains the boat on a steady course. Line tension is also used to turn the boat.
A sailboat pivots when it turns, the front (bow) moves in one direction and the back (stern) moves in the opposite.
By angling the line, or by changing your position in the water, relative to the boat, and applying the right amount of tension, you can shift the stern towards you, thus, alter the boats' course and change tack while still maintaining control of the sail.

The ideal location for sailing can be wherever one can wade in safety and comfort, sandy tidal flats and shorelines of oceans and lakes. A pair of quality water shoes should be worn.

Being in the water heightens the sense of connectivity between you and the model, you are able to study and respond at close range to the sailing conditions, even make adjustments to the rigging and centerboard when needed.

This does not exclude you from just sailing from the shoreline, or a dock, the models can sail 'kite like' for hundreds of feet, and retrieved by rewinding.

Sailing when in the water at a close distance (10-20 ft.) is good for speed and quick manoeuvring. The greater the distance the less directional control you have, however, as distance increases, line drag (friction) automatically tensions the line and helps to hold the boat on a steady course.

As with all things done well, it takes practice. The basic manoeuvres can be learned in a day, yet each time you sail you will learn more.
Sailing our boats present a challenge other model types do not. And that makes it all the more fun. The same mistakes made in a full size board boat apply to sailing our models. A poorly executed jibe (turn) or a sail held at a wrong position can make your model capsize just like the real thing.

With practice you realize how attuned you become to wind direction and force, approaching weather (wind puffs and waves), the sails' shape and the constant attention that is required to sail any boat regardless of its size.

To find out more about seader sailboats and this unique method of sailing and crafting visit our, 'Frequently asked Questions' page, to see example models, visit Fairlead.

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__Seader Sailboats, Concept and Development__________

Many sailing schools use detailed model sailboats as an aid in their 'on shore' training sessions. Seader Sailboats were first conceived as a downsized version with the added ability to demonstrate, in water, the fundamentals of sailing a board boat using the line control method.

'Board boats' are different than 'keel boats'.  Keel boats rely on ballast to keep them upright, board boats rely on wide, flat hulls.

A keel boat must have a sail plan designed to match the underwater (lateral) profile of the hull to achieve a balanced helm. But a boat with an adjustable keel can shift its centre of lateral resistance to adapt to different sail plans.
A prototype model made from cedar, was rigged with 'scratch' materials found in a kitchen drawer.

One simple idea followed another, resulting in a humble looking, but fully functional sailing model. It became apparent that the learning value of a model presented as a 'hands on' craft, was far greater than a pre configured model. (you learn more about sails and foils, if you design your own.)

A craft that anyone with modest abilities could learn, using 'scratch' materials anyone could find, at little or no cost.
-One that puts the world of sailing in the palm of your hand, from knot tying to designing a ballanced sail plan. Our boats can be rigged to practically any fore-and-aft design from ancient to modern times.

Recycling, and the use of common materials make it easy for you to craft your design concepts. The development of methods and materials used for crafting Seader Sailboats is on going, with new ideas coming all the time.

The solid hull design chosen is a good one and does not need to be altered, however, since boat hulls come in different shapes we have chosen a design that enables you to modify the hull, if you choose, to produce design-specific sailing characteristics, using simple woodworking tools. ( We also have a simple woodworking page. ) The decorative aspect of your boat, paint, stains etc. is up to you, we even give you a few tips. As a 'craft' you are not limited to only using the materials and methods suggested, but encouraged to develop some of your own ideas and share them with other enthusiasts on-line.

__about Seadercraft___________

Seadercraft Canada is a home based business. Each model is handcrafted in my workshop.

....Just in case you were wondering, the name 'Seadercraft' comes from the wood (cedar), and the sea, (what I sail in).

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