MIT Sailing
75th Anniversary Fleet Renewal Project
TECH DINGHY Fleet of 30 Boats
More than twenty percent of all students learn how to sail while enrolled at the Institute. It is our most important tradition. Basic instruction takes place in a tech dinghy because it is a rugged, safe and responsive boat. Our present fleet of dinghies is showing significant signs of fatigue due to being levered up over the edge of the fixed dock. Keelsons have delaminated from their secondary bonds and we are having problems with maintaining the floatation integrity of the side tanks.
This past fall Halsey Herreshoff, designer of the 3rd generation tech dinghy, and Penn Edmonds, designer of America Cubed, came to MIT to discuss ideas for improving the next generation of tech dinghies. A new generation of techs might have a roomier cockpit, self-bailing capabilities and enhanced sailing dynamics. For the new fleet we are proposing a fleet of 30 boats to be renewed every 8 years. Included in the tech equipment proposal is a new interior mold, full size sail replacement every two years and storm sail replacement every four years. Since the boats will be outside year round they will need canvas covers to protect the fiberglass from UV degradation.
| Naming & Giving Opportunities | |
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| Give! | |
| Give! |
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Left: Donor Herb Voelcker enjoying a sail in the dinghy which he named for his MIT rifle coach, James K. Brahe. |
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Left: MITNA Commodores Dr. Patrick Lam (05-06) and Dr. Iason Hatzakis (06-07) go sailing in full MIT Doctoral Regalia after Commencement 07 |
| Right: A Tech Dinghy start during Advanced Racing. |
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Full boat donations or Fleet gifts will proudly display a plaque inside the cockpit area for all users to appreciate your generosity. All donors or groups of donors are invited to name their boat as well. Historically, names have been chosen to honor a coach, family friend, interesting inspiration or person of admiration. The choice is yours! We invite everyone to attend a fleet dedication celebration in early June, 2011. |
Contact
Candace L. Royer
Senior Associate Dean for Student Life
DAPER/DSL Office of Advancement
617-253-0153
clroyer@mit.edu
