Hi, I'm new here.

[Jeff MacDonald]

I've been lurking for a while; reading everything I can about the Core Sounds. I finally decided that a CS17 is the boat for me. I'm a competent woodworker but I want to go sailing next season so I'm working with Ray to build a hull for me to finish. Forgive me for not rolling my own.

I've enjoyed all of y'all's writings, especially the 'trip reports'. I look forward to regaling you with my own in the coming months.

[Ken_Potts]

Welcome aboard Jeff!

Don't start with the "forgive me if I don't roll my own" - Ray's got to make a living and you've got to go sailing (it's a match made in heaven).    I'm looking forward to reading about the progress on your boat (especially including the trip reports) and I'm looking forward to photos of another Core Sound from Ray's shop.  If I was boatless and looking to sail in the springtime I'd definitely be looking for professional help (but I'm almost as slow as it gets when it comes to building).  Make sure you force Ray to post lots of pictures of the build - Then he can force you to post lots of sailing pics. 

What's your geographical handicap, anyway? (where are you?)

[Jeff MacDonald]

Thanks, Ken.

I'm in Hollis NH. The very nearest body of water is a little over a mile away. Being about a boat-length wide and maybe three long it'll be great for learning those close-in maneuvering skills! 

There are a handful of small lakes under an hour's drive from here, Massebesic probably being the nicest. Winnipesauke is under two hours away and, once you start traveling that far, there are many places on the seacoast to put in such as Camp Ellis ME, Rye NH, Cape Ann MA (my birthplace). I also look forward to getting out on Cape Cod Bay, Buzzard's Bay, and Vineyard Sound. And I'm fascinated by the Maine Island Sail Trail.

I sailed Force 5's many years ago and, up until a few years ago, my father and I shared a Balboa 26. I want a boat in which to teach my girls to sail that's small enough to haul around yet big enough to be safe and relatively seaworthy. I actually looked very hard at the Norseboat, and I think you have to admit that she's a fine looking, capable boat. But the Core Sound, while perhaps not the neo-classic beauty the Norseboat is, has an elegance all its own, IMHO.

[Ken_Potts]

  It sounds like you chose your boat well, Jeff.  You're in great trailer sailor country and you've picked a capable and fun design.  Having to drive to get somewhere to sail might spur you to drive just that extra little bit to explore new territory.  I've got a lake close by but that might be a handicap.  I only manage to drive the 3 or 4 hours to the coast a few times a year so I'm always out on Jordan Lake (today, for instance).

  And Core Sounds are pretty, if not traditional.  As usual I got compliments at the ramp today (my boat's got a funny, lumpy finish to it and lots of random ugly spots but the lines are still pretty).  There was a Laser race today that was also attended by a 505 and a couple of Flying Scots.  Half of the Lasers and the 505 spent a little time upside down and the Scots didn't launch but we had as much fun as they did without having to go swimming.  ;D

[Jim_Ral]

Ken:

What?  No swimming?! 

Jim

[inboil]

Ken-- I knew they were closing Dorothea Dix,but didn't realize they were giving all the patients Lasers! Hope you switched from beer to brandy-yesterday was one of several days lately that began colder here than Dixfield Maine( somewhat north of Ray), although that turned back normal today. Wish that I got 1/10 the use and joy from my boats that you get with Old Yaller.

[Ken_Potts]

Jim - No swimming that day.  Nobody was wearing shorts and I thnk there was at least one expensive cell phone on board.  ;D

Jim and Inboil - Y'all got to come back out on the boat.  Don't wait for invites.  Pester me.

The Laser crews were wearing wetsuits, we were reefed.  Given those two facts we might not fare favorably on a psychiatric evaluation.