Sunday 3rd July 2011

Temp: 23
Wind:13 to 15kt's - Force 4.
Vis:Good

After doing some reseach the previous night, it dawned on me yesterdays poor performance was down to the boat trim, mainly the weight in the stern with Me, Kathy and 'Oggy' the outboard weighing in at nearly 470lb's.. quite a lot for the stern of a 14ft boat with a total weight of 580lb's

Before setting off today we tidied the cabin, moved as much weight as far forward as possible, i'd even bought a concrete block from home to store in the forecabin.

We set off from Wilsons at about 11.15 am, this time much more professionally than the previous day, having sussed the Fuel on/Off stickers on the outboard are back to front!

We again stopped at the floating mooring, had some quick lunch then got out the new mail sail, tidied the boat and set off, motored a little but soon as we were out of the navigational channel up came the sails.

Wow what a difference a day makes! with the extra weight in the bow, the extra wind over yesterday and the new sail - Whisper felt like a different boat!

She could tack on demand, head very close to wind and even in fairly choppy seas was totally dry and stable, pulling in the boom to be close hauled still didn't get her heeling at all - i didnt feel uncomfortable or worried once.

I wonder if she gives too much confidence, sailing in an F4 in a 14 ft boat with 130lbs of ballast is probably a time to be thinking about a reef.

Saw an old Leisure 17 sailing on just her genoa.. she was doing a good speed!