Thunderbird Internationals announced for Toronto, August 2010

4:10 PM Tue 10 Nov 2009 GMT

'That Damn Thang follows Full On into a weather pin.' John Morris Click Here to view large photo

August in Toronto is usually hot and sunny. For 2010 we also hope that it will be windy as ITCA Fleet 10 hosts the Thunderbird Internationals.

Fleet 10 has hosted the event three times previously at Ashbridges Bay Yacht Club; 1981, 1991, and 2001. The event is open to all registered Thunderbird Class Assoociation members.

394 Looney Tunes. - John Morris Click Here to view large photo

In August 2008 the Thunderbird celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Thunderbird class sailboat was designed in 1958 by Seattle Washington naval architect Ben Seaborn, in response to a request from the Douglas Fir Plywood Association (now APA - The Engineered Wood Association) of Tacoma, Washington for design proposals for a sailboat that would '... be both a racing and cruising boat; provide sleeping accommodations for four crew; be capable of being built by reasonably skilled amateurs; provide auxiliary power by an outboard motor that could be easily removed and stowed; and out-perform other sailboats in its class.'

That Damn Thang. - John Morris Click Here to view large photo

The Thunderbird's performance and longevity can be attributed to a lightweight hull (3,650 lb /1,656 kg) and rig with V-bottom hull and hard chines. Outstanding stability is provided by a 1,530 lb/ 694 kg cast iron keel of advanced design with a 4.79-foot/1.46 metre draft.

1228 RockIt follows 647 TDT into a weather mark. - John Morris Click Here to view large photo

Dates: August 6 - 14

Venue: Ashbridges Bay Yacht Club, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Program: Aug. 6-7 Registration and Measurement
Aug. 8 Practice Race, Opening Ceremonies
Aug 9-13 Racing schedule

Information: www.abyc.on.ca/f10_int/

Contact: fleet.ten@gmail.com

by John Morris