...I really just feel like bloviating a bit.
Finally got my 16 in the water a couple weeks ago. I took my time on the hard this year and added a new FF1 furler, sanded and painted the bottom, etc.
Must say, with the jib on the roller, I use the headsail every time out, and the boat handles alot (I mean alot!) better than primarily using the Main alone last year. 17 kt winds with 3 ft chop last nite, in Buzzards bay, what a great sail!
I am always looking at other boats (have had about 10+ sailboats, 34ftr the biggest), but decided today, the CP16 is the boat for me, period.
did you go with the small jib? If so, how is it working out ?
j
yes, it was the smallest of the three that came with the boat (looks like the original, same brand, think its Johnsons sails).
I had a sailmaker cut the hank-ons off and sew the tape on.
It seems to keep a nice shape and give me plenty of power and control.
Similarly, I just got back from a sail with my 16 in some lively air and also had a wonderful time. I tried out my solent stay and the standard hank on jib also for the first time today. I had a great day. The standard lapper was just the sail for today with gusts that made the shrouds sing a little bit. The Duluth harbor is quite shallow and big enough to kick up some nice chop. I got the fore deck washed off real good along with my face. In fact I think I ran aground today. I knew that I was crossing a sandbar, but I was sure I could make it. When my rudder kicked up I was a little surprised. My rudder doesn't hang very far below the keel, so judging from the angle that it was at I probably cut a nice little groove in the sand with my keel. I couldn't really tell though because I had a pretty good head of steam up at the time.
For the last four years I have been a dinghy sailor. My weekender requires perfect diligence and lightning responses in lively conditions. I have gotten quite used to that kind of sailing, so I have also been slow to trust the trustworthy CP 16. Days like today make it that much easier for me to trust the boat and I enjoy not having to react to every little thing. Blasting through the short steep chop in the harbor is a gas. Not getting tossed out of the saddle all the time is also satisfying.
It is supposed to be lively again tomorrow and I am glad that I left the Compac attached to the truck. I'll be going out again.
Al
hinmo,
sometimes when the wind kicks up, try sailing with the jib only. I was surprise how nicely the boat reacted to the rougher conditions.
Buzzards Bay/Nantucket Sound ( Bass River area)...similar conditions most of my sailing is done with a double reefed main and jib = more than enough sail for me....
j
JB - will do.
The last 5-7 years, when I had bigger boats, almost half the time I sailed with the jenny only. Reason being, they truly required two able sailors and with the "Admiral" aboard, we were about 1.5 able bodies.
Its refreshing to see the two sails filled and taught, but yes, I certainly will try one when its blowing close to 20
I too was amazed how well my boat sails under jib only during higher winds, actually sails better without the main and less stress on man and boat.......nies