Micro-Sailboat

This page was uploaded on 4th June, 2001. Nearly all the preparations for the boat's 'water baptism' were completed. When being launched for the first time I hoped she would not disappear under the water before rising again, as is the case when a bible believing Christian is baptised!

The first picture is rather dark, but it shows the sail plan, which enables good forward vision, and the boom is high enough for the crew to duck under when tacking.

Her relatively wide beam ( 4 ft 10 ins ) can be seen in this next photo.

 

From the port quarter, you can see the galley box with the lid open and the Gaz stove in place. It is in front of the closed washboard.

Oars are stowed on the side decks and their blades slot into shallow boxes attached to the aft transverse coaming. Their shafts fit into semi-circular notches in the forward transverse coaming and are held in place by a simple lashing between the chainplates. (Lashing not there when picture taken.)

 

The tiller has a long extension, which enables me to steer when I am seated on the side deck. It is attached to the rudder by a box through which passes a bolt.

A Huntingford Helm Impeder facilitates instant locking of the tiller.

The stern hatch fits snugly to the deck and is retained by two brass bolts. (Not fitted when photo was taken.) Both hatches and the washboard have rubber seals, which make them absolutely watertight.