sailing Dauntless

Well after the tropical cyclone passed (which prevented any sailing on launch day) we had four great weeks of summer holidays to sail in.

(The holiday and the subsequent knuckling back down to study have been the reason for the long delay in posting).

We’re wrapped with how the boat goes. I’m very happy we chose the Navigator. And especially glad we had the big race rig.

We’ve tested her in all kinds of conditions up to a gust of about 30 knots (which was more than I liked). Four crew in 15 knts and she just goes! Any more wind and you have to start reefing, but we’ve got two big reefs which work well.

We were concerned about how lots of the systems would work, but for the most part they were really good. Apart from the rudder which we tore off twice. The first time was beating in 15 knts in a good chop. Frantic reactions from Zac and me were all that kept us upright, and got the sail dropped.

We’ve had the gennaker up about three times. Not in too much wind so far, but looking forward to more of that, as it could be fairly exciting!

launching Dauntless

today's the day

After 2 years and 8 months, today’s the big day.

They say the time it takes to finish any job will expand to fill the allotted time. We've been pretty busy with finishing off this last week. And I have to admit late last night we were still gluing, and I have to get out there now and do a bit of coating.

All the systems on the boat have had much thought and discussion go into them, but we'll find out how they work this afternoon.

One of several shopping trips.

The foils got their final coat.

Last weekend we dragged her outside again to stand the rig.

Yes, and the forecast for today is 25kts, gusting 35!

Come 4 o'clock we'll find out how she likes the water. I'm a wee bit excited...

nearly finished

The long lack of posts has not been because we've stopped working on the boat, it's because we've done little besides work on the boat. We set the launch date for January 19 and have since been working our little hearts out.

The coamings ready for action.

The gunwales ate an enormous amount of time; sanding them flush with the deck without scratching the deck, and plugging them.

Dad and Zac re-built the trailer they built for the old Frostply dinghy.

Fitting the trailer to the hull.

Varnish begins. The first coat of many!

Outside for the first time. We had to take her down to the riggers to get the mast stood and the stays and spreaders fitted.

Spreading the mainsail out on the lounge floor was scary! We started wondering if we really needed the racing rig.

More painting and sanding. (The story of the Christmas holidays.)

The cockpit masked up, ready to apply the non-slip particles.