Leaderboard

Our sails are still of the sleeve luff variety. We opted for the third mast position mainly because it was there so why not. With the main mast completely down windage is reduced which was much needed sailing upwind in about 28 knots in the Newport river. Spray was booming off the bow and blowing back about 3 boat lengths in the wind. It was very wet and still very controllable. The anderson bailer kept up with water removal perfectly. I've always just sailed the reefed mizzen in its standard position but we had a calm anchorage to re-rig the boat so we took advantage of it. Conditions were very tough this year.

I like Don's solution.

Don, try that for your next passport photo. It should make for some interesting times going through airport security. PeterP

I think the leather thread was Chick's motor canoe'

I think most small boats need a sheathing, unless you can justify the modest weight savings. Small craft tend to get beat up, so the extra abrasion resistance is a requirement, not a convenience, the way I see it. The few pounds of sheathing isn't going to make any difference in her performance envelop, so . . .

I followed the race as best as I could and saw that the winds were 20 from the SW and gusting to 30. Alan called me after he finished and said that the current was pretty strong rowing through the Harlow canal. Strong SW winds tends to lower the water level in Pamlico sound and the water rushes up the canal to try to equalize. He was sailing the CS17 Southbound built by Ken. She has the lace on rig without reefing. Alan said that he went to the shore and rigged one of the masts in the third step and that she handled very well in that configuration. Ken, I think that she is faster in white.