Sunday 17th May 2009

Yet another quick sail on Matilda Bay in light winds (about 5 knots), this time with my sailing buddy Russ. The sailing was very peaceful and relaxing, but I think I have enough experience at light air sailing for now - come on weather! Let's have a nice 10-15 knots!

The trip was good in that it gave me another chance to practice setting up and launching the boat. With my recent modifications to the rig I'm capable of putting up the mast unaided and can be sailing within 20 minutes of arriving at the ramp.

For anyone interested in the rig modifications here is what I have done. Previously the forestay and jib halyard passed through the deck at the stem and ran through a block back to the side of the centreboard. OK for making fine adjustments when racing with a crew - but not so good when single handed cruising. So, I put on a new stem fitting and have run all the control lines on the outside of the mast. This will also allow me to fit mast head bouyancy. The jib halyard passes through a 2to1 block at the head of the sail and then down through a jam cleat. To raise the mast I just have to push it in to position and then haul down on the jib halyard (which is always in place). Then I tie a loop in the halyard below the cleat and shackle on a 4to1 purchase which allows me to really get some tension on it.

Not sure how it affects performance, but this set up has allowed me to:

• raise and lower the mast single handed
• use roller furling on the head sail
• insert mast head bouyancy
• clear the inside of the cabin of control lines

So - it works for me.