Carriacou Sloops

[Worn Worx]

I've done a bit of on-line investigation on these craft, they sound fascinating.  I'm hoping someone in here has crewed on one or has any insight into sailing behavior.

 

My interest is piqued by the history of the boats and the little island they come from.  I'm angling on a series of youth adventure books that orbit around the boats and people of Carriacou.  This is not a re-hashing of "Pirates of the Cari-somewhere".  More like the "Hardy Boys" meets "Blackbeards Ghost" with a generous splash of family and friend values.

 

Anywho, if you've got a word to throw in the pile it would be much appreciated.  WW

[Hirilonde]

I  sailed to Carriacou a long time ago.  And having spent a winter sailing the Windward Islands I found the Grenadines one of my favorite areas.  I have seen those boats, but never sailed one.  Like many traditional craft they are built to fulfill a niche.  And in that they are beautiful.  I am not sure what you are looking for in the way of sailing behavior, though I couldn't really offer you any even if I did.  The Windward Islands run north-south, and the prevailing winds are easterly.  I would think they are designed to carry a load well while sailing off the wind.Sailing well to weather would not really be necessary, though I can't say they don't.  I think they are pretty, but then I think most traditional wooden boats are.

[Worn Worx]

Dave,

 

Your comments are very useful in the construction of good story telling and the more you can tell me about your experience the better a story I'll tell.  The smell of the wind, color of the seas in various states, nuances of making port that can only come from being there, that is the stuff that breathes life and texture to a good read.  I've read many accounts of solo-sailing and circumnavigation as well as my own experiences as a Navy Sonarman in the 70's and 80's, add to that all other facts both real and imagined, that's the fuel for a book that burns in a person's mind for life. Please, if you have the time or a book already published on the subject I'd very much like to read what you have to share and I'll be happy to credit you for your involvement.

 

As I said, my books are meant to take a reader from the very beginning of learning to read all the way through to the skills of an adult, all the while living a series of adventures with characters they met when they were just a child.

 

My question about sailing behavior is really a technical question regarding the motion of the boat, movement of crew, and specifically I'm looking for situations that the Captain of such a boat should avoid because the boat doesn't do it well.  This question goes beyond the accidental jibe and running aground that almost all boats and crew seem to dislike.

 

This invitation is for all members, please feel free to share, even the ridiculous and sublime are sought out and sorted through.  WW

[PAR]

These are descendants of well burdened working craft, the owners and crews of which, like most sailors found themselves competing against each other, on the way out and in. Some of the dedicated racers have been highly modified, compared to the traditional craft, but in general they're fairly limited in abilities, compared to a modern yacht of similar size and configuration. Their rigs and hull form hold them back up wind, but sheets eased they do sail well, though still dogs against a modern sloop. One look at the lines usually employed in these yachts, will tell you what they are and generally how they'll do.

[Hirilonde]

PAR - I guess one has to discuss sailing abilities in reference to the era and the purpose of the boat. 

 

I am still amazed some times at the performance improvements during my life time.  The only characteristic of a sailboat where I question if any improvement has occured, is the ability to safely heave to in a storm at sea or survival sail through it short handed.  I question if any modern cruiser or racer/cruiser can do it better than a Carl Alberg or Phillp Rhodes design.  But if you want to put on sailing miles, even cruising, today's designs will blow both of those designer's boats away.  But you have to give up beatuy in the process.  Having cruised on one last summer, I find an X-Yachts 362 rather ugly.  But it has more room than a 50s or 60s Alberg or Rhodes of the same length and can do 5-6 knots off the wind in barely more than 5-6 knots of wind.  And this makes the difference between sailing and motoring when you are trying to get some where on a cruise.

[PAR]

While it's true you have to compare apples to apples and these boats are bananas compared to a modern yacht. They do offer things a modern yacht can't, but their relatively predictable sailing qualities are understandable. Some manufactures continue to produce, less trendy designs, while others latch onto whatever latest racing fad is in favor - with styling only a guy with yellow paints and a bright orange shirt could appreciate.