John Mann

Lawrie, The Belhaven looks to be a well thought out boat and would be a challenge to build. However I'm trying to restrict myself to a length of around 16'. The problem is that there is always another interesting design about 2' longer that has better functionality, Cheers, John

Peter, Thanks for the offer and leads re boats. I will contact you off line with some questions. Jeff, Yes she is a Bolger Micro. I sail regularly on Sydney harbour, much to the amusement of the racing franernity. I don't think they understand the word "relaxed" when it is associated with sailing. The Bolger Micro with its cat-yawl rig has similar (or the same) characteristics as the Core Sound. The rig is easily balanced to windward and can be sailed hands off on a beat to windward in 10-15 knots. She has 400lbs of lead in a low aspect keel which makes her self righting (I've been knocked over with water coming in the scuppers at the beam). She isn't fast and windward ability is hampered in a chop and low wind by a pronounced rocker on a flat bottom. I have her on a mooring and can be off sailing on the harbour in 20 mins. All boats are a compromise to a set of requirements. I am exploring the Core Sound because a want a more weatherly and faster sailboat. I wont waffle on too much about her as this is a B&B forum, Thanks for the info and questions, John

Greetings, I discovered this forum whilst visiting the B&B sites and have browsed all the previous posts covering CS17 & 20's. I am familiar with the attributes of the twin sprit boomed marconi sail rig of the core sound series (I sail a Micro with a similar rig). I have appreciated the depth of knowledge and great pics submitted by forum members and have learnt a lot. I am looking for another design to build. I want something with the same sailing characteristics as the Micro, but more weatherly and faster. I have been looking for a design with a cabin, but most of my sailing is singlehanded daysailing so the core sound greatly interests me. I have seen a few Australians in the members' area so I guess that there are a few boats sailing here. I saw one on Sydney Harbour once and was impressed. I would love to see either a CS17 or CS20 up close and discuss with the owner their experience. Can anyone oblige? I live in Sydney Australia, Regards and Thanks in Advance, John [/code]