If you think that sailing has become too complicated, then.....

[castaway]

take a look at this website. A really nice site for open boat enthusiasts.

http://www.openboat.co.nz/

After my few days sailing at the end of the summer in a Drascombe 'Long Boat Cruiser' I feel rather inclined to join 'em.

Regards Nick

 

[William_H]

OK I will bite...... I like my AWB i think a self draining cockpit. self righting hull, lifting keel and aluminium mast are really great. As for the complicated go fast bits well I can ignore them or just set and forget and it still goes really well, especially to windward. I love to be able to sail home against the wind with a rising force 6 and know that I will be home a lot quicker than in a traditional boat.
For my opinion I reckon an open boat (Drascombe) would be a lot more difficult to sail home under these conditions (and they seem to occur every afternoon in summer than my AWB with jiffy slab reefing.
I respect the old style boats and especially those who did and still do sail in them but don't try to tell me they are better in anyy way.
There that should start a controversy olewill (yes my boat is 25 years old but very light and modern)

 

[LeonF]

I agree.....I am sometimes nostalic for my dinghy days.....flasks, bailing with a welly, hiked over the side. Ahhhhhh......

 

[castaway]

Well ...I have all those bits on my ketch, but I was still suprised just how enjoyable it was to be sailing by your backside again in a small boat, and now better understand just what brought me to sailing as a kid.

I sometimes wonder if I would have ever bothered if I had been introduced to the world of boating on an AWB, where you are insulated from your surroundings, and the only smells are those of diesel and toilet cleaner!

All best Nick

PS 30 years ago I spent 6 months cruising on an 18 footer; it was great for 20year old, but I think I would rather use my present boat if I was to do it again!

 

[alex_rhind]

For a treat closer to home, try this - I learned to sail in Brown Bess, a beautiful little lug sail. I still sigh with affection and nostalgia when I see her out.

Hunter's Yard, Norfolk Broads

These days we own 31' of Moody GRP - it's not the same though. Sigh.

 

[oldharry]

[ QUOTE ]
I agree.....I am sometimes nostalic for my dinghy days.....flasks, bailing with a welly, hiked over the side. Ahhhhhh......

[/ QUOTE ]

Aaargh! ..... OOOO! my back!