spindrift sailing

[markja]

I had my Spindrift out last weekend and got the nerve to try a capsize. That was fun. The water was warm and it was fairly easy to climb on the daggerboard and pop it back up. I found it easier to swim around to the stern and climb in.

The hollow mast had a cup or two of water inside when I got back to the dock. Are there any reasons not to drill a small hole (~1/4" D.) just above the mast plug so it can run out?

I also discovered a little water sloshing around in the forward half of the side seat tank. I am guessing it got in the after half where I cut a hatch and then got between the bulkhead and seat top somehow when capsized. When the plywood seat top was glued down, I might have not got the epoxy to bond to the top of the bulkhead...It doesn't sound like a lot of water, but I think I should add hatches to the forward seat half now so I can dry it out.

Great boat to sail so far. I will try to post some more pictures here.

Mark

[markja]

Yep. I haven't yet felt the need to reef it. the winds are pretty light on the lake I usually sail on.

[Axel]

Dear Mark,

enjoyed your pictures. I had the same problem and drilled a small hole into the mast; just above the wooden foot, facing aft. It works great and does not seem to affect the strength of the mast.

Happy sailing,

Axel

[Bob W]

Looks like a great time!

And just which lake do you sail on?  That shoreline sure looks like it could be in northern California.

Bob

[markja]

Bob,

The pictures were taken at Lake Sonoma,near Santa Rosa. Is it the dry brown hills in the background that gives it away?

[Bob W]

Mark,

Yeah, pretty much, along with the oaks scattered on those dry brown hills. :-)

I'll have to check out Lake Sonoma once I get my boat built.

Bob