nathanlee
Well-Known Member
I've just realised I said Southwold, but I actually meant Felixstowe ferry. It's this mac keyboard, you see.
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Erm, yeah, so I woke up at 0300 this morning, and felt pretty horrid. Checked the forecast once more after receiving a skype message off lenseman, and it contained the threat of a 6. Usually I'd be happy to go for it, but since I was feeling rough I decided to change plans. I am, after all, not racing anything, although admittedly I'd feel a better sense of achievement if I push myself, which I will, have even.
So, seeing as I've made load of mods to the boat, I though I'd just potter around the Deben to test them out. The port winch I've fitted has done the job since I can now get the reefing lines on the main really tight. The sails were perfectly balanced coming up the river, and the main now sets very nicely considering it was double reefed.
The new position of the tiller pilot is still not working. I mean, the tiller was light as a feather, and I was giving it minimum input. Close hauled she had a tiny bit of weather helm, but I could hold it with one finger. The TP just wouldn't steer the boat if a gust hit, and this is on a flat river! I spent ages playing with the seastate setting, finally setting it to calm, then did the same with the gain, trying both extremes, but it's still not working. It just doesn't react quick enough.
This is slightly despairing. I simply cannot do the three day hop without a rest, and heaving to whenever I need to leave the helm is just plain stupid. I am beginning to think my only realistic option is going to be to take on crew for the big hop(s).
Right, well I'm still feeling rough so I've cheekily picked up a buoy next to the Deben Trojan dredger at Felixstowe ferry and I'm going to rest for a while and eat lots. If I'm ok when the tide starts coming back in, I might make a little hop up to the Ore so as not to waste the good conditions.
/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Erm, yeah, so I woke up at 0300 this morning, and felt pretty horrid. Checked the forecast once more after receiving a skype message off lenseman, and it contained the threat of a 6. Usually I'd be happy to go for it, but since I was feeling rough I decided to change plans. I am, after all, not racing anything, although admittedly I'd feel a better sense of achievement if I push myself, which I will, have even.
So, seeing as I've made load of mods to the boat, I though I'd just potter around the Deben to test them out. The port winch I've fitted has done the job since I can now get the reefing lines on the main really tight. The sails were perfectly balanced coming up the river, and the main now sets very nicely considering it was double reefed.
The new position of the tiller pilot is still not working. I mean, the tiller was light as a feather, and I was giving it minimum input. Close hauled she had a tiny bit of weather helm, but I could hold it with one finger. The TP just wouldn't steer the boat if a gust hit, and this is on a flat river! I spent ages playing with the seastate setting, finally setting it to calm, then did the same with the gain, trying both extremes, but it's still not working. It just doesn't react quick enough.
This is slightly despairing. I simply cannot do the three day hop without a rest, and heaving to whenever I need to leave the helm is just plain stupid. I am beginning to think my only realistic option is going to be to take on crew for the big hop(s).
Right, well I'm still feeling rough so I've cheekily picked up a buoy next to the Deben Trojan dredger at Felixstowe ferry and I'm going to rest for a while and eat lots. If I'm ok when the tide starts coming back in, I might make a little hop up to the Ore so as not to waste the good conditions.
