Radically-different craft

Press, 1 February 1986, Page 80

Radically-different craft

A new coxless four, which is radically different from the conventional racing craft, has been made for the Avon Rowing Club. Made from an East German mould, the boat was constructed by Mr Dave Elder, much better known in Christchurch as a yacht builder. Mr Elder said that the shell was a composite of several materials, but it was largely a kevlar construction. “The idea was to make it lighter and stiffer.” The coxless four,

which Mr Elder describes as an “experimental boat,” weighs only 54kg rigged. Part of the reason for the lightness of the boat is the somewhat unconventional rigging. Instead of tubular stays something resembling clothes line wires has been used. “I’ve gone right out on a limb with the rigging,” said Mr Elder. “But it appears to be all working." The method of construction he used for the boat was also different

with box sections running down each side. Mr Elder, formerly an outstanding skipper in the Javelin class, said that he had been fully occupied building yachts, but had seen some interesting possibilities' in building rowing craft.

At first, he said, it was “a bit of fun.” Now it was becoming a business. Last season he put out an eight, in association with Litecraft, and has now built about seven singles, but this is his first four. He is in the

process of putting together a coxed four, also for, the Avon Club.

■this year the premier coxless four is Avon’s No. 1 priority event for the New Zealand championships, which will be held at Lake Karapiro in the first week of March. Mr David Lindstrom, coach of ‘ the Avon premiers, said he was very happy with the new boat

“It has a lot of run. In fact it is so light and fast it is running away on the guys.”