Launched Minnie on 20th August at Suffolk Marina, Levington. Mast raising not too strenuous thanks to the Dennis system...thanks Dennis....but still want an aluminium / carbon fibre one!
Ramp v. steep / long but v. straightforward using their cable / pulley system.
First sail on 21st in Orwell / Stour with winds from F3 to F6 , being cautious ,
used reefed main plus staysail. Good workout , but shipped quite a bit of water via the outboard well when we hit chop. Any ideas re plugging / covering the opening , whilst allowing cockpit drainage?
Saw another Cape cutter on the way back in , white sails , didn't get the number....just a brief wave , as I was lowering the main.
Next trip was SYH to Brightlingsea on the 28th , returning on the 29th. Wind F0 to F6....sea breeze related. Ran with the tide each way...East Coast necessity...with sog up to 6kts. 25 miles , approx. 6 hours.
Full main plus genoa.....well over canvassed for me at F6. Some problems with the furling system , but re rigged on return and should be better next time.
Much enthused by the sailing and planning a few mods. plus longer trips.
Ian