EASLOOP
Well-Known Member
Well, after an embarassingly inordinate length of time my son and I got Otty Bird out in to the environment she loves. Fully rigged with Genoa and main we creamed along the length of the Medway almost to the Thames estuary. As we changed for each tack it was terrific to feel her bite deep into the water as the sails took up the new challenge. It was absolutley brilliant - no engine noise or other noise other than that created by the hull through the water, and the wind. Coming back was less dramatic as we had only light airs. Tried to goosewing which was somewhat successful, but not fast enought for Matthew ( he is now hooked - he has a natural ability to take advantage of even the most light of airs.)
You may remember my missive on the batten effect. Well the mainsail crackled and popped as we sailed along. On a few occasions the flapping sent vibrations down through the mast (keel stepped) and caused the hull to shimmy. Didn't mind that though as I wanted to see the effect on the wooden hull of unusual movement. She stood up to it well. Will be making up new battens now - I know what will happen, I will be sanding the plywood battens I will make when upon reaching for the varnish the original battens will come to light. (Doesn't happen like that though does it).
Time to rebuild the cabin furniture now - over the winter that is.
happy sailing
You may remember my missive on the batten effect. Well the mainsail crackled and popped as we sailed along. On a few occasions the flapping sent vibrations down through the mast (keel stepped) and caused the hull to shimmy. Didn't mind that though as I wanted to see the effect on the wooden hull of unusual movement. She stood up to it well. Will be making up new battens now - I know what will happen, I will be sanding the plywood battens I will make when upon reaching for the varnish the original battens will come to light. (Doesn't happen like that though does it).
Time to rebuild the cabin furniture now - over the winter that is.
happy sailing