The First of our new WB37 model was launched in Rockland, ME just in time to debut at the MBH&H Show.
Owners of the vessel (Promise) were present for the 3-day event and shared the excitement and enthusiasm of those who came aboard to check things out
Once the show was over, the ‘Promise’ was sailed back to our shop where she will receive her finishing touches and be sea trialed.
'Promise' is powered with a single 410 SISU engine and produces a cruising speed of 20kt with a top-end speed of 28kt. It is safe to say, we may need to talk the owners into entering her into next years 'Boat Races'.
Whereas we know that not everyone is looking to achieve that fast of a boat as their own, the WB37 does have great stability and handles very well making it a comfortable (and we hope a popular) choice for many of you mariners.
LATEST NEWS: 2010 Wind Blade Challenge - The first place winners were once again from Sumner High School in Sullivan. The team included Christopher Pickering and Blaine West from Steuben. They were each once again awarded the $50,000.00 Apprenticeship by the University of Maine at Orono.
2009 Wind Blade Challenge - High School students from across the state of Maine compete to design and infuse fiberglass wind blades.
There were 26 teams competing, taking 1st place were Christopher Pickering and Blaine West from Steuben and representing Sumner Memorial High School. Placing 5th and 7th in the challenge were also from that school.
West Bay Boats provided instruction to each of the teams representing two of our local high schools. The blades were later tested at the AEWC Center in Orono under a controlled environment. The total power produced over the course of a 3-minute time limit were displayed in Watts* Minutes and Peak Watt.
The winning team Christopher/Blaine scored an impressive 66.56 Watts with a peak of 23.91. By comparison, the team taking 2nd place scored 42.88 watts with a peak of 15.10 and the team placing 3rd, scored 37.61 watts with a peak of 13.70.
Pickering/West team were number 15th in line to test and by then the crowds excitement had somewhat began to wane. After the event we were told that when they approached the testing platform one of the engineers in the crowd was overheard to 'in effect' say, "that will never work, it was designed backwards; it won't be able to catch the wind". However, when the testing fans were turned on the 5-blade design began to spin - a hush came over the crowd of onlookers, followed by an enthusiastic applause. It was truly an exciting moment for all who were in attendance.
It was interesting to see how the different teams chose a strategy; while we, here at West Bay Boats, had fun helping them execute their ideas. We have listed below links where you can read about the article as published by a local newspaper and a few magazine articles which have a national circulation! (Photos Below)
