2nd trip in Brick
In a triumph of enthusiasm over good sense, we took our Brick out
today, though I measured gusts of 22 or so when using it as a
rowboat,
and later the gusts seemed stronger. Never really had a concern for
boat stability, but there were other problems.
Kept wanting to raise the tiller to duck under it to change sides.
With one person in the boat, it wouldn't be a problem, but with two,
it's hard to switch sides. I'll have to double check the plans. The
shifting around would have been handy for dealing with gusts. Partly
the problem is I'm used to single handing when sailing in rough
conditions, and another part is that I haven't dealt with anything
this rough, or at least windy in some years.
The boat was somewhat overpowered, reef points would have been handy.
It kept making these ominous cracking noises, but, as far as I can
tell, this was just the mast shifting in the step. I haven't found
any
cracks or damage.
The snotter attachment kept slipping down, and once, while trying to
raise it again, we lost control of the boom. It slipped out of the
loop at the clew, and we weren't able to put it back in the crazy
gusts we had. Then the mast was very hard to take down due to the
sideways drag on the sail jamming the step. Eventually I got it.
Maybe
should figure out how to rig a halyard? Also, I'll have to double
check rigging instructions.
Fortunately, I'd installed oarlocks this morning, in a different
position than on the plans to make room for another crew member. I
tried standing up, but, possibly because I was using 6.5 ft oars
instead of 7, this wasn't comfortable. Sitting on 3 boat cushions did
seem to work, though.
After a long slog to get in the lee of the shore, someone offered us
a
tow, but by then the rowing was easy.
All very comical to watch. Only lost 1 hat.
I'm still impressed with the boat. The tremendous stability was very
nice to have, and my s.o. says she is willing to go sailing again,
maybe even tomorrow.
today, though I measured gusts of 22 or so when using it as a
rowboat,
and later the gusts seemed stronger. Never really had a concern for
boat stability, but there were other problems.
Kept wanting to raise the tiller to duck under it to change sides.
With one person in the boat, it wouldn't be a problem, but with two,
it's hard to switch sides. I'll have to double check the plans. The
shifting around would have been handy for dealing with gusts. Partly
the problem is I'm used to single handing when sailing in rough
conditions, and another part is that I haven't dealt with anything
this rough, or at least windy in some years.
The boat was somewhat overpowered, reef points would have been handy.
It kept making these ominous cracking noises, but, as far as I can
tell, this was just the mast shifting in the step. I haven't found
any
cracks or damage.
The snotter attachment kept slipping down, and once, while trying to
raise it again, we lost control of the boom. It slipped out of the
loop at the clew, and we weren't able to put it back in the crazy
gusts we had. Then the mast was very hard to take down due to the
sideways drag on the sail jamming the step. Eventually I got it.
Maybe
should figure out how to rig a halyard? Also, I'll have to double
check rigging instructions.
Fortunately, I'd installed oarlocks this morning, in a different
position than on the plans to make room for another crew member. I
tried standing up, but, possibly because I was using 6.5 ft oars
instead of 7, this wasn't comfortable. Sitting on 3 boat cushions did
seem to work, though.
After a long slog to get in the lee of the shore, someone offered us
a
tow, but by then the rowing was easy.
All very comical to watch. Only lost 1 hat.
I'm still impressed with the boat. The tremendous stability was very
nice to have, and my s.o. says she is willing to go sailing again,
maybe even tomorrow.