An RC Boat for Tim
Nov 19, 2020
Marking the Life and Legacy of Tim Irwin
CORK 2020-2021 Fundraising Campaign:
Who: Tim Irwin — a keen competitor, a tireless volunteer and leader through the entire 50 years of CORK.
For five decades the success of CORK can be directly attributed to people who gave so generously of their time and talent. Tim led the way. His dedication to CORK and the sport of sailing was in a class of its own.
We have not chosen the boat to be the Tim Irwin as yet. Candidates are focusing on the Marinette line with very durable aluminum hulls and cabins.
One candidate is a Marinette 28-foot Sportsman model, currently located at a boatyard in the Kingston area. It has been stripped back to the bilge stringers, so we would be completely rebuilding the interior – a diesel power train, tanks, wiring, seating, steering, decking, etc. The open-back cabin would have the helm station, dinette table and seats, and a proper head. There is a roomy cockpit and good access to the foredeck. We would add a mast with crosstrees and yard, a ladder to the cabin roof and guardrails on the roof. A good windlass with an anchor rode will be essential.
The major work would be done by the local boatyard, but finishing work would be done as much as possible by CORK volunteers. Commercial connections would be called upon as much as possible to obtain equipment and supplies at reduced prices or as donations.
The second candidate is a Marinette 32, which is more of a cruising boat with a fully outfitted cabin. It would require a minimum of alteration to be ready for service. The question will be more one of whether engines and systems require work. There is a large number of these boats for sale for very reasonable prices, but all are in USA. While we can’t visit the USA just now, it is still possible to get a boat trucked to Canada, so the challenge would be a survey to establish the boat’s true condition. It looks probable to be able to have a fully functional 32-footer for about half the cost of rebuilding the 28-footer.
Why: We need to channel Tim’s energy. He’d be the first to say it’s the people that make CORK. Tim also knew it was the venue and access to race management equipment and boats that really allowed CORK to become a leader in hosting major regattas.
What: By commissioning a race committee boat in his name we keep his name alive while at the same time providing first class service to competitive sailors from across Canada and around the world.
A dedicated, specialized race committee boat will be the floating HQ for CORK regattas.
When: Over the next 10 months we are reaching out, across Canada and the world, to ask for donations to refurbish and launch a one-of-a-kind race committee boat.
Our goal is $50,000.
Your support of the CORK 2020-2021 Fundraising Campaign: An RC Boat for Tim will go a long way to making this a reality.
Donations can be made online through: windathletes.ca/athletes/cork
