There will be two major additions this year to Tatoosh. One is a new foresail and the other is a replacement dinghy.
New Foresail:
Recall that a few years ago, I removed the over-sized genoa that came with Tatoosh; it was too big for the rig and made it hard to balance the boat. The geometry was such that it could not be re-cut. [ it has found a second life as material for Neil's sewing business and there are a number of bags,etc made from it].
The sail I have been using is a high-cut Yankee; which is great for offshore. The high clew gives good visibility forward and keeps the sail out of the waves. However, for coastal sailing it is a bit small. Also, the geometry is such that the sheets need to be re-routed when close-hauled as they interfere with the shrouds.
This is being solved with a new sail under construction by UK Sails in Sidney, which will be ready mid-April.
New Dinghy:
The old Zodiac had to have the floor repaired last season and needs to be replaced. For offshore I also need a life raft. I bought into the logic of a neat solution from Portland Pudgy in Maine: sailors put a lot of cash into a life raft, never use it (hopefully!) and in a lot of cases, when it is needed, it doesn't deploy properly. Finally, once you are in the liferaft you are not able to take any active measures to get anywhere if needed.
Their solution is a non-sinkable dinghy that is certified as a life raft, which means you have duel use from a single investment. Check out the details at www.portlandpudgy.com. Last year I was able to check out a Pudgy in person in Seattle with Ralph and I was sold. It is stable, easy to row and well made.
I struggled with colour choice ( do I go for red to "match" Tatoosh colour scheme, or yellow, which has the greatest visibility in USCG tests for safety equipment).... ended up ordering yellow.
I am expecting delivery of this sometime before April. I may need to get smaller engine for it, or revert to rowing only, but will solve that problem later.
If anyone knows of anyone in the market for a used 10' inflatable, let me know!
Next posting will be me whining about the spring work list!
New Foresail:
Recall that a few years ago, I removed the over-sized genoa that came with Tatoosh; it was too big for the rig and made it hard to balance the boat. The geometry was such that it could not be re-cut. [ it has found a second life as material for Neil's sewing business and there are a number of bags,etc made from it].
The sail I have been using is a high-cut Yankee; which is great for offshore. The high clew gives good visibility forward and keeps the sail out of the waves. However, for coastal sailing it is a bit small. Also, the geometry is such that the sheets need to be re-routed when close-hauled as they interfere with the shrouds.
This is being solved with a new sail under construction by UK Sails in Sidney, which will be ready mid-April.
New Dinghy:
The old Zodiac had to have the floor repaired last season and needs to be replaced. For offshore I also need a life raft. I bought into the logic of a neat solution from Portland Pudgy in Maine: sailors put a lot of cash into a life raft, never use it (hopefully!) and in a lot of cases, when it is needed, it doesn't deploy properly. Finally, once you are in the liferaft you are not able to take any active measures to get anywhere if needed.
Their solution is a non-sinkable dinghy that is certified as a life raft, which means you have duel use from a single investment. Check out the details at www.portlandpudgy.com. Last year I was able to check out a Pudgy in person in Seattle with Ralph and I was sold. It is stable, easy to row and well made.
I struggled with colour choice ( do I go for red to "match" Tatoosh colour scheme, or yellow, which has the greatest visibility in USCG tests for safety equipment).... ended up ordering yellow.
I am expecting delivery of this sometime before April. I may need to get smaller engine for it, or revert to rowing only, but will solve that problem later.
If anyone knows of anyone in the market for a used 10' inflatable, let me know!
Next posting will be me whining about the spring work list!
