We designed Helter Skelter in 2003 to the New Zealand sportboat rule for yachtsman Phil Jameson. Phil built the boat to a high standard using vacuum bagged carbon/epoxy laminates. Helter Skelter has pretty much been the boat to beat in the New Zealand sportboat class ever since. With her easy lines and well balanced rig/appendage…
Wild Oats XI successfully repeated her 2012 Sydney Hobart Line Honors performance in this years edition of the race against a formidable group of contenders. Wild Oats XI was sporting the Bieker engineered daggerfoils, forward daggerboard and ballast bulb fins from last year as well as a new Bieker Engineered side foil. Wild Oats XI…
It has been a long gestation process, but we have finally finished the majority of the design and lofting work for the Jester class proa. Attached is the Sailplan and Arrangements for the boat. We also have the construction drawings for the Hull, Ama and Beams completed. The foil and composite part drawings will be…
A rare Seattle snow this morning, viewed from the office deck.
It took a while but we have found time to carefully work through the lofting of the new proa. The picture above shows the 3D solid model of the lofted boat. This includes details such as puzzle jointed butt joints between parts (rather than scarffs) and tabs on the frames with matching slots in the…
RIDING BIEKER BOATS ENGINEERED / CORE BUILDERS BUILT FOILS It was an epic battle on San Francisco Bay – ending in an eight race Oracle Team USA winning streak to win the Cup after being down 8-1 in a first to 9 event. It was a hard won regatta – both on the water and…
Progress continues on pace in Seattle on the 26-foot plywood commuter cat being built by Gordy and Judy Cole.
A Successful Debut for the new Riptide 35 and 41 at the 2013 Southern Straits Classic Race! In an atypical repeat of sailing conditions, this years Southern Straits Classic out of Vancouver British Columbia was a similar race to last years event, with predominately light air for the first half of the race and moderate…
The Riptide 41 “Blue” had a successful initial sea trial this weekend, easily hitting 22.8 kts on her first spinnaker reach. No breakages, perfect balance, rock solid steering……a good day on the water. Boatbuilders Jim Betts (right) and Geoff Thilo (left) completing a few last tasks before sailing. The cassette style twin rudders allow the…
Rig details for the Shilshole 27 that is under construction across the Sound in Poulsbo are coming along. We’ve worked out the running back arrangement and designed the composite shroud chainplates. You can also see the pop-top in action in this view. See the Shilshole 27 build blog here.