SIGHTINGS sailing books
growing an international 110 fleet
Books make great gifts. Here are a few that the sailor in your life might like to find under the tree: Chasing the Cup (Jimmy Spithill [with Rob Mundle], $25) — If Jimmy Spithill had been born 200 years ago, it might well have been him who yelled, "I have not yet begun to fight!" Talk about a scrapper! Which is probably why he is one of the top
LATITUDE / JR DAVID WEST
WWW.NORCALSAILING.COM
While doing maneuvers through several other racing fleets to determine your pre-start strategy, you spy an International 110 from afar. It may not be obvious whether you're looking at her bow or her stern. "Designer [Ray] Hunt seemed very partial to double-ended designs, as in all his 10 series boats: 110, 210, 225, 410 and the 510," says International 110 class president Milly Biller with a smile. "When you sail them upwind, there is no wake whatsoever. This year, C. Raymond Hunt was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame. A quote from Hunt in the program booklet states: 'I ought to be able to design racing boats that wouldn't be so darned expensive.'" Novel for 1939 was the incorporation of recently developed marine plywood into the build. Having dedicated much of her life to sailing and restoring this pencil-thin classic, Biller proudly declares that there's a count of 23 and growing at Inverness Yacht Club on Tomales Bay. The design features a 24-ft LOA, 4.5-ft beam, 3-ft draft (with a fixed keel) and comfort for two (three at most) with improved upwind motion if one sailor employs a trapeze. "They are simply rigged and great boats to tow on the road," she says, adding that from a cost perspective these vessels are inexpensive to maintain and acquire — even if going the restoration route. "Sailors acknowledge the 110 is somewhat of a development class, and we are constantly experimenting with different sails, including composites." One day in 1963, Biller's father came home with an International 110. The two of them sailed the boat together frequently, until Biller
purchased her own 110 several years later. Up until roughly 2005, the Inverness count stood at four. Having been the manager of Richmond Boat Works for more than 30 years, Biller estimates she's been involved in the restoration of at least seven 110s. "The process is rewarding and often straightforward: Remove the bottom, check the frames and keelson, likely add new planks, fiberglass and paint, then you're ready to sail. Rigging is basic too. The cost of an older boat usually runs from $3,000 to $6,000, then add the cost of sails and rigging." A great thing about this fleet is that it's a close-knit family. Chances are if you're looking for a part, other owners will help you locate it. Newer boats are being manufactured by Westease Yacht Service in Holland, MI. As to Biller's tactics for fleet growth, communication and peer influence fuel things. She points to an active Facebook page, www. facebook.com/groups/International110, managed on the national level, and asserts that local sailors are very supportive; Biller herself is restoring one vessel, but the entire fleet has been pitching in. "This boat was donated by the widow of a fleet member. As a group, we've had several fun sessions working to bring back her glory." Regarding building up boat count, Biller references a recent raid north of the border, where her clan was able to acquire four vessels in British Columbia. Conditions are great for International 110 sailors on Tomales Bay. "We get plenty of sailing here. Afternoon summer breezes are continued on outside column of next sightings page Page 50 •
Latitude 38
• December, 2017
