Leaderboard

Just by way of update: I've found a slightly different way of rigging and de-rigging. With the Spindrift tied across the stern of the yacht, the lower half of the mast comes to about my shoulder height. I can pull it towards me, tipping the Spindrift over slightly, and then add the top half. Sounds awkward but it's far easier than trying to handle the mast in one piece. And I usually have a helper available. With this method I can rig and de-rig in much choppier conditions. It's been a bit of a game changer. Secondly, I was recently given an old windsurf rig. It's only 5.5m² and obviously the sail is the wrong shape really, but I've tried it out just for a laugh and it's got my 7yr old hooked. He loves how safe it feels- the boom is way up above his head, the load on the sheet is tiny, and the boat feels more stable with reduced weight aloft. It's been great for building his confidence and he's now happy to take the sheet and helm, and is learning rapidly. The other big advantage is that I can either leave the boat rigged, or lift the mast out in a few seconds very easily. This makes quick trips to visit other boats much more practical. It looks kind of silly and we can't go upwind anything like as well as the proper rig, but since the windsurf gear was destined for the skip I thought I would give it a try. And it's been a lot of fun

Took Norma t out on the local Wisconsin River today for a couple hours. I brought a young 28 yr old guy I met in church today who just moved into town this week. He hasn’t been in a sailboat before. I put him on the helm after a half hour. Fun and gentle sail today. Water didn’t feel too cold so I’m more comfortable getting out. I had hoped to get all three boats out today… kinda ran out of time and energy (busy early morning.) Avocet is still sitting on the driveway hooked up and ready to go. A little hookey time tomorrow before an evening meeting might let me get all three boats on the water for a spin. (No photos)