Re: Just posted Bolger 7 File "Australian Micros"

Ho Graeme

Glad you liked the article and I think that AABB just want to be
advised of what is posted where ; I emialed them that I had posted
the article: Paloma Blanca goes to Kangaroo Island, and they emailed
back and asked the exact link, so they want to keep an eye on that
sort of thing.

The "bad" news is that Roger now realises that he needs a motor on
Paloma Blanca and is going to get one, I believe! He has,
apparently, had a few close encounters of the wrong kind.

Will get more articles this weekend to post next week

Greg

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "graeme19121984" <graeme19121984@...>
wrote:

>
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bolger7/files/
>
> Hi Greg,
> I've just seen the pics and Roger's article you posted in the

above.

> Thanks for that. That's good news that AABB don't mind posting so
> long as they are acknowledged. (I've thought of linking the sample
> PDF they have on Trilars to the Michalak group.) The photos are

long

> distance, but nevertheless one is on my desktop now, and the story
> is a good read, as I thought it would be. I look forward to reading
> the others when you can get to post them, as I do the return of

John

> Mann with goodies to post : )
>
> By the way, when do you suppose that story was written - 10 or 12
> years ago? Some time has gone by.
>
> Did people notice Roger's transom in the photo accompanying the
> article? - no outboard mount - twin drains.
>
> cheers
> Graeme
>
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@> wrote:
> >
> > Hello Graeme
> >
> > well AABB have given permission for us to post these articles on
> the
> > Bolger Discussion Group and I will be trying to post Paloma

Blanca

> > goes to Kangaroo Island, today! I also have the article about
> > Paloma Blanca with leeboads but that is up at Pindimar so will
> have
> > to wait till next weekend.
> >
> > AABB just want acknowledging that the article is from that
> magazine,
> > and they want to be informed when the post is actually made.
> >
> >
> > John Mann is in Adelaide this week and will be seeing Roger on
> > Friday, I believe he will be bringing some pictures, etc, back

and

> > no doubt John will be able to post some more!
> >
> > Greg F
>

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bolger7/files/

Hi Greg,
I've just seen the pics and Roger's article you posted in the above.
Thanks for that. That's good news that AABB don't mind posting so
long as they are acknowledged. (I've thought of linking the sample
PDF they have on Trilars to the Michalak group.) The photos are long
distance, but nevertheless one is on my desktop now, and the story
is a good read, as I thought it would be. I look forward to reading
the others when you can get to post them, as I do the return of John
Mann with goodies to post : )

By the way, when do you suppose that story was written - 10 or 12
years ago? Some time has gone by.

Did people notice Roger's transom in the photo accompanying the
article? - no outboard mount - twin drains.

cheers
Graeme

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@...> wrote:
>
> Hello Graeme
>
> well AABB have given permission for us to post these articles on
the
> Bolger Discussion Group and I will be trying to post Paloma Blanca
> goes to Kangaroo Island, today! I also have the article about
> Paloma Blanca with leeboads but that is up at Pindimar so will
have
> to wait till next weekend.
>
> AABB just want acknowledging that the article is from that
magazine,
> and they want to be informed when the post is actually made.
>
>
> John Mann is in Adelaide this week and will be seeing Roger on
> Friday, I believe he will be bringing some pictures, etc, back and
> no doubt John will be able to post some more!
>
> Greg F

Hello Graeme

well AABB have given permission for us to post these articles on the
Bolger Discussion Group and I will be trying to post Paloma Blanca
goes to Kangaroo Island, today! I also have the article about
Paloma Blanca with leeboads but that is up at Pindimar so will have
to wait till next weekend.

AABB just want acknowledging that the article is from that magazine,
and they want to be informed when the post is actually made.


John Mann is in Adelaide this week and will be seeing Roger on
Friday, I believe he will be bringing some pictures, etc, back and
no doubt John will be able to post some more!

Greg F
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "graeme19121984" <graeme19121984@...>
wrote:

>
> G'day Greg,
>
> the AABB index
>http://home.austarnet.com.au/edrew1/aabb/aabbindex.htm#res

has "The

> Micro Modified" by Roger Keys at #6 66. "Micro and Martha Jane

News -

> Roger Keys Epic Adventure", not sure by whom, at #21 39, and some
> others. "Paloma Blanca goes to Kangaroo Island" by Roger is at #18
> 36. I haven't got those issues, and am not sure of the fair use,
> educational etc terms of copyright, but read the news today that
> copyright protections are to be changed including the permitting

of

> copying. I'm sure others internationally would like to read those
> articles - maybe posting them for a limited time would be ok?
>
> There are only two b&w photo copies of #leeboard Paloma Blanca in
> the Duckworks book at p60, so some of Roger's letters to the AABB
> editor that I have read, that aren't indexed,
>http://www.boatbuilder.com.au/default.htm
> must have contained some references to his adventures. Then again
> Roger's exploits may now be folk lore.
>
> Cheers
> Graeme
>
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@> wrote:
> >
> > Dear SOPado Graeme!
> >
> > Actually, as I remeber the article on Paloma Blanca, when she

had

> > the leeboards, that was in Australian Amateur Boat Builder some
> > years ago. As were the articles on Roger's exploits to Kangaroo
> > Island and the Gulfs. I have them all, but I guess we would

need

> to
> > get A A B B permission to scan and post them on this site??
> >
> > Wodyareckon? (sorry Northerners!)
> >
> > Greg F
>

G'day Greg,

the AABB index
http://home.austarnet.com.au/edrew1/aabb/aabbindex.htm#reshas "The
Micro Modified" by Roger Keys at #6 66. "Micro and Martha Jane News -
Roger Keys Epic Adventure", not sure by whom, at #21 39, and some
others. "Paloma Blanca goes to Kangaroo Island" by Roger is at #18
36. I haven't got those issues, and am not sure of the fair use,
educational etc terms of copyright, but read the news today that
copyright protections are to be changed including the permitting of
copying. I'm sure others internationally would like to read those
articles - maybe posting them for a limited time would be ok?

There are only two b&w photo copies of #leeboard Paloma Blanca in
the Duckworks book at p60, so some of Roger's letters to the AABB
editor that I have read, that aren't indexed,
http://www.boatbuilder.com.au/default.htm
must have contained some references to his adventures. Then again
Roger's exploits may now be folk lore.

Cheers
Graeme

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@...> wrote:
>
> Dear SOPado Graeme!
>
> Actually, as I remeber the article on Paloma Blanca, when she had
> the leeboards, that was in Australian Amateur Boat Builder some
> years ago. As were the articles on Roger's exploits to Kangaroo
> Island and the Gulfs. I have them all, but I guess we would need
to
> get A A B B permission to scan and post them on this site??
>
> Wodyareckon? (sorry Northerners!)
>
> Greg F

Dear SOPado Graeme!

Actually, as I remeber the article on Paloma Blanca, when she had
the leeboards, that was in Australian Amateur Boat Builder some
years ago. As were the articles on Roger's exploits to Kangaroo
Island and the Gulfs. I have them all, but I guess we would need to
get A A B B permission to scan and post them on this site??

Wodyareckon? (sorry Northerners!)

Greg F

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "graeme19121984" <graeme19121984@...>
wrote:

>
> Hi Greg,
> have you seen "Duck Flat - Wooden Boats - A Book Of Dreams" by
> Robert? There is a write-up on Roger's very early Paloma Blanca

with

> leeboards etc., and also on his later offshore cruising; or was

that

> by Roger in a later magazine article?
>
> Anyway could it be suggested to either of these gentlemen of

letters

> that as Paloma Blanca passes to a new master it is an opportune

time

> for a story. Roger's sailing exploits, design modifications and

rig

> handling, updates to what has been published, sketches, photos,

and

> philosophy would make for absorbing reading to the many interested
> in adventure and cruising a small boat. Not to mention all the

Micro

> afficionados, Bolgerados, boxboatados, and SOPados!
>
> Cheers
> Graeme
>
>
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@> wrote:
> >
> > hello Graeme,
> >
> > What Robert Ayliffe has agreed to provide is some photos of

other

> > Australian Micros and I was supposed to catch up with him at the
> > Wooden Boat Festival at the National Maritime Museum a couple of
> > months ago - unfortunately I wasn't able to get to it as I was

out

> of
> > Sydney at the time but I must now follow up Robert's offer!
> Thanks
> > for the reminder!
> >
> > GregF
>

Hi Greg,
have you seen "Duck Flat - Wooden Boats - A Book Of Dreams" by
Robert? There is a write-up on Roger's very early Paloma Blanca with
leeboards etc., and also on his later offshore cruising; or was that
by Roger in a later magazine article?

Anyway could it be suggested to either of these gentlemen of letters
that as Paloma Blanca passes to a new master it is an opportune time
for a story. Roger's sailing exploits, design modifications and rig
handling, updates to what has been published, sketches, photos, and
philosophy would make for absorbing reading to the many interested
in adventure and cruising a small boat. Not to mention all the Micro
afficionados, Bolgerados, boxboatados, and SOPados!

Cheers
Graeme

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@...> wrote:
>
> hello Graeme,
>
> What Robert Ayliffe has agreed to provide is some photos of other
> Australian Micros and I was supposed to catch up with him at the
> Wooden Boat Festival at the National Maritime Museum a couple of
> months ago - unfortunately I wasn't able to get to it as I was out
of
> Sydney at the time but I must now follow up Robert's offer!
Thanks
> for the reminder!
>
> GregF

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@...> wrote:

>.... I'll talk to him re house arrangement and how it affected the
>boats handling.

Thanks John

>Aeneas Precht (Birdwatcher) hints at a good mechanism for
> reefing his Birdwatcher main. I wouldn't mind contacting him to
>get the mechanics. See link for brief description below,
>
> Cheers,
>
> John
>
>http://www.geocities.com/kayaker37/Aeneas_Birdwatcher.html

Aeneas system is good isn't it. A choice of three reefing options,
no need of a raincoat, and from whoa to go in 60 seconds!

cheers
Graeme

hello Graeme,

What Robert Ayliffe has agreed to provide is some photos of other
Australian Micros and I was supposed to catch up with him at the
Wooden Boat Festival at the National Maritime Museum a couple of
months ago - unfortunately I wasn't able to get to it as I was out of
Sydney at the time but I must now follow up Robert's offer! Thanks
for the reminder!

GregF

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "graeme19121984" <graeme19121984@...>
wrote:

>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Nels" <arvent@> wrote:
> >
> > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi John,
>
> > Also it would be of interest how he handled sails once the house
> was
> > added. I believe he had a second snotter position higher up the
> > mast?
> >
> > It would be great if Roger could share more of his experiences
> with
> > you. Let him know he has a fair number of admirers around the
> >globe!
> >Nels
>
>
> Hi John,
>
> What Nels said. I think it was Greg who said Richard Ayliffe was
> going to contact Roger about the Paloma Blanca modifications and
> provide us all with some more details than we have. It would be

very

> nice if you too were able to. Please pass on our warm regards to
> Roger and thank him for his lead.
>
> Cheers
> Graeme
>

Graeme & Nels,

The second snotter line runs through a second block attached to the
same point as the original snotter block. It is attached to the sprit
boom about one meter (39.371"0 from the tack end of the boom by using
thumb cleats. This arrangement allows the sprit boom to be held fast
at a point nearer the mast when the sail is reefed and the boom moves
forward. Roger had lines through the tack grommets to tie down the
reefed tack position. He also had small gauge cordage through the
clew grommets to pull the slack area of the reefed sail down. I'll
talk to him re house arrangement and how it affected the boats
handling. Aeneas Precht (Birdwatcher) hints at a good mechanism for
reefing his Birdwatcher main. I wouldn't mind contacting him to get
the mechanics. See link for brief description below,

Cheers,

John

http://www.geocities.com/kayaker37/Aeneas_Birdwatcher.html

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "graeme19121984" <graeme19121984@...>
wrote:

>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Nels" <arvent@> wrote:
> >
> > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi John,
>
> > Also it would be of interest how he handled sails once the house
> was
> > added. I believe he had a second snotter position higher up the
> > mast?
> >
> > It would be great if Roger could share more of his experiences
> with
> > you. Let him know he has a fair number of admirers around the
> >globe!
> >Nels
>
>
> Hi John,
>
> What Nels said. I think it was Greg who said Richard Ayliffe was
> going to contact Roger about the Paloma Blanca modifications and
> provide us all with some more details than we have. It would be very
> nice if you too were able to. Please pass on our warm regards to
> Roger and thank him for his lead.
>
> Cheers
> Graeme
>

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Nels" <arvent@...> wrote:

>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
>
> Hi John,

> Also it would be of interest how he handled sails once the house

was

> added. I believe he had a second snotter position higher up the
> mast?
>
> It would be great if Roger could share more of his experiences

with

> you. Let him know he has a fair number of admirers around the
>globe!
>Nels

Hi John,

What Nels said. I think it was Greg who said Richard Ayliffe was
going to contact Roger about the Paloma Blanca modifications and
provide us all with some more details than we have. It would be very
nice if you too were able to. Please pass on our warm regards to
Roger and thank him for his lead.

Cheers
Graeme

Mark,

The size of the original sail area is about 119sqft. I don't know
exactly the new sail area but would say that about 10 sqft would have
been removed, so its probably about 109 sqft. That 10 sqft comes from
the peak, so just take that off the reefed area for the main (see
plans). I have not tried furling the mizzen, but that is probably a
reasonable suggestion in really heavy winds. I like having the mizzen
available in "emergencies" to keep her nose into the wind,

Cheers,

John

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, Mark Balogh <mark@...> wrote:
>
> John,
>
> Thanks for the account and photos. Would you please mention the sizes
> of the main full and reefed if you know them? Also in stronger winds
> have you ever tried sailing with the mizzen furled?
> Thanks,
> Mark
>
> On May 7, 2006, at 9:39 PM, mannthree wrote:
>
> > Nels,
> >
> > I dont know whether the motor being down would have helped much other
> > than to slow her down a bit. The last thing I want to do is to slow
> > her down in a blow, because its such an unusual experience to have a
> > bit of adrenaline pumping whilst sailing a Micro, so I wanted to
> > savour every moment. The great thing about sailing the boat is that
> > she can handle the 25 knots OK, but it is tthe flukey gusts around the
> > headlands and bays of the harbour that make for an uncomfortable ride
> > because one has to be forever on guard for the stronger gusts and wind
> > shifts. With the main fully reefed, the boat balances pretty well in
> > these conditions. I remember asking Roger Keyes what he did in
> > "serious" conditions and he replied that he dropped the main, pulled
> > the mizzen in and then battened down to make a cuppa tea and wait it
> > out. He emphasized that one had to have enough leeway to do this. By
> > the way, I will be visiting Roger in Adelaide next week and it seems
> > that he may be disposing of Paloma Blanca. I had contact with his son
> > who may take her of Roger's hands,
> >
> > Cheers,
>

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@...> wrote:

>
> Nels,

I remember asking Roger Keyes what he did in

> "serious" conditions and he replied that he dropped the main,

pulled

> the mizzen in and then battened down to make a cuppa tea and wait

it

> out. He emphasized that one had to have enough leeway to do

this. By

> the way, I will be visiting Roger in Adelaide next week and it

seems

> that he may be disposing of Paloma Blanca. I had contact with his

son

> who may take her of Roger's hands,
>
> Cheers,
>
> John

Hi John,

That is most amazing - considering all the miles Roger sailed
without a motor. It would be interesting how a small storm jib
forward of the mizzen mast and with the tack attached to the deck
might help a Micro fore-reach a bit in a blow and hold station? I
believe Bolger suggested a set-up like that for the Chebacco. It
would create a bit of heel while quartering into the waves and maybe
smooth out the motion? Could even be made from a piece of poly tarp.

Perhaps it is not worth the effort, if you are already snug below
decks. Bolger also suggests that the best way to improve
seaworthiness in a small boat is go below and lie down:-)

Also it would be of interest how he handled sails once the house was
added. I believe he had a second snotter position higher up the
mast?

It would be great if Roger could share more of his experiences with
you. Let him know he has a fair number of admirers around the globe!

Nels

John,

Thanks for the account and photos. Would you please mention the sizes
of the main full and reefed if you know them? Also in stronger winds
have you ever tried sailing with the mizzen furled?
Thanks,
Mark

On May 7, 2006, at 9:39 PM, mannthree wrote:

> Nels,
>
> I dont know whether the motor being down would have helped much other
> than to slow her down a bit. The last thing I want to do is to slow
> her down in a blow, because its such an unusual experience to have a
> bit of adrenaline pumping whilst sailing a Micro, so I wanted to
> savour every moment. The great thing about sailing the boat is that
> she can handle the 25 knots OK, but it is tthe flukey gusts around the
> headlands and bays of the harbour that make for an uncomfortable ride
> because one has to be forever on guard for the stronger gusts and wind
> shifts. With the main fully reefed, the boat balances pretty well in
> these conditions. I remember asking Roger Keyes what he did in
> "serious" conditions and he replied that he dropped the main, pulled
> the mizzen in and then battened down to make a cuppa tea and wait it
> out. He emphasized that one had to have enough leeway to do this. By
> the way, I will be visiting Roger in Adelaide next week and it seems
> that he may be disposing of Paloma Blanca. I had contact with his son
> who may take her of Roger's hands,
>
> Cheers,

Nels,

I dont know whether the motor being down would have helped much other
than to slow her down a bit. The last thing I want to do is to slow
her down in a blow, because its such an unusual experience to have a
bit of adrenaline pumping whilst sailing a Micro, so I wanted to
savour every moment. The great thing about sailing the boat is that
she can handle the 25 knots OK, but it is tthe flukey gusts around the
headlands and bays of the harbour that make for an uncomfortable ride
because one has to be forever on guard for the stronger gusts and wind
shifts. With the main fully reefed, the boat balances pretty well in
these conditions. I remember asking Roger Keyes what he did in
"serious" conditions and he replied that he dropped the main, pulled
the mizzen in and then battened down to make a cuppa tea and wait it
out. He emphasized that one had to have enough leeway to do this. By
the way, I will be visiting Roger in Adelaide next week and it seems
that he may be disposing of Paloma Blanca. I had contact with his son
who may take her of Roger's hands,

Cheers,

John

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Nels" <arvent@...> wrote:
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
> >
> > Nels,
> >
> > Yes I did have the motor down, but it was not running. I forgot to
> > pull it up in all the excitement. I had one reef in the main and
> the
> > boat was overpowered. We were running out of the Lane Cove river
> into
> > the Paramatta river which runs to the Harbour (you can see the
> bridge
> > in the distance). She literally flew as you can see by the wake.
> > I've been out in similar winds but with the sail fully reefed.
> There
> > was no pounding on the run, nor was there much when I turned back
> on
> > the beat, (boat was heeled).
>
> Hi John,
>
> Those are about the greatest photos of a Micro I have ever seen.
> Looks like you fellows were having a ball!
>
> You know, I was wondering if when running in a strong wind, leaving
> the motor down might be a good idea. Keeps the centre of gravity a
> bit lower and sort of acts like a sea anchor, and helping to prevent
> a broach.
>
> That main sail looks great.
>
> Nels
>

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@...> wrote:

>
> Nels,
>
> Yes I did have the motor down, but it was not running. I forgot to
> pull it up in all the excitement. I had one reef in the main and

the

> boat was overpowered. We were running out of the Lane Cove river

into

> the Paramatta river which runs to the Harbour (you can see the

bridge

> in the distance). She literally flew as you can see by the wake.
> I've been out in similar winds but with the sail fully reefed.

There

> was no pounding on the run, nor was there much when I turned back

on

> the beat, (boat was heeled).

Hi John,

Those are about the greatest photos of a Micro I have ever seen.
Looks like you fellows were having a ball!

You know, I was wondering if when running in a strong wind, leaving
the motor down might be a good idea. Keeps the centre of gravity a
bit lower and sort of acts like a sea anchor, and helping to prevent
a broach.

That main sail looks great.

Nels

Nels,

Yes I did have the motor down, but it was not running. I forgot to
pull it up in all the excitement. I had one reef in the main and the
boat was overpowered. We were running out of the Lane Cove river into
the Paramatta river which runs to the Harbour (you can see the bridge
in the distance). She literally flew as you can see by the wake.
I've been out in similar winds but with the sail fully reefed. There
was no pounding on the run, nor was there much when I turned back on
the beat, (boat was heeled).

My mast is shorter (17' in length). It has progressed to that length
through my experimentation with a tabernacle (which broke), an
unsuccessful Solent lug and finally a shorter mast with a re-cut sail
with a luff of about 14'. The sail was recut by Ben Gemmel, a local
Sydney Sailmaker and champion skiff sailor. You can see that the peak
is shorter and it has 3 - 4 battens inserted at strategic positions to
give good shape. I think that the reduced sail area has made little
difference to performance and in fact the sail has much improved
shape. I rather like the look of the sail, in fact it demonstrates to
me just how important a well cut/made sail can be to overall boat
performance,

Cheers,

John

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Nels" <arvent@...> wrote:
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@> wrote:
> >
> > Hello All,
> >
> > I have just posted some (5?) photos of John Mann's Micro sailing
> on
> > Sydney Harbour today, Sunday 7th May 2006,in fairly strong winds!
> >
> Hi Greg,
>
> Viewing your photos leads me to a couple of observations I would
> like to have you help me with.
>
> I notice john seems to have his motor down?
>
> ...and:
>
> The mainmast on his appears shorter (or else the mizzen taller) and
> there seems to be some roach in his mainsail? Battens?
>
> Is John up to something he has not told us about I wonder??
>
> Love the photos showing both boats and especially the one with the
> other boats as well for comparison.
>
> Nels
>

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@...> wrote:

>
> Hello All,
>
> I have just posted some (5?) photos of John Mann's Micro sailing

on

> Sydney Harbour today, Sunday 7th May 2006,in fairly strong winds!
>

Hi Greg,

Viewing your photos leads me to a couple of observations I would
like to have you help me with.

I notice john seems to have his motor down?

...and:

The mainmast on his appears shorter (or else the mizzen taller) and
there seems to be some roach in his mainsail? Battens?

Is John up to something he has not told us about I wonder??

Love the photos showing both boats and especially the one with the
other boats as well for comparison.

Nels

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Nels" <arvent@...> wrote:

>
>> Would love to see the photos but I can't locate them. Looked in all
> the Bolger groups including Bolger7:-(
>
> Nels

Sorry I found them! In my excitement I missed the file:-)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bolger7/files/Australian%20Micros/

Great photos and I bet PCB&F would love to see them. Of course he
loves the cat yawl rig for it's balance when reefed down.

How was the dreaded pounding experience?

Nels

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@...> wrote:

>
> Hello All,
>
> I have just posted some (5?) photos of John Mann's Micro sailing on
> Sydney Harbour today, Sunday 7th May 2006,in fairly strong winds!

Would love to see the photos but I can't locate them. Looked in all
the Bolger groups including Bolger7:-(

Nels

Hello All,

I have just posted some (5?) photos of John Mann's Micro sailing on
Sydney Harbour today, Sunday 7th May 2006,in fairly strong winds!

Now, I have just realised that I haven't even asked John's
permission to post these pictures but I am sure that he wont mind
that they are posted (I hope, mea culpa otherwise John)

Today the wind blew! John thought 20-25 knots, I wouldn't have a
clew, but I can tell you it was blowing!! Actually, my boat,
Matilda Jean, still hasn't got the reefing system set up so we had
an exciting time! - at times! At one stage I am sure that we went
over to 65% or so?? Well, it sure felt like it!

Anyway, just after entering the Harbour from the Lane Cove River,
where John's boat is moored, we both decided to call it a day and
fled for cover, John reefed down well, back into the Lane Cove
River, and Matilda Jean stripped of all sail and motoring into the
wind back up the Parramatta River to the boat ramp at Drummoyne.

That's a nice boat that John has- and very nicely sailed!

Exciting day, though!