Splashed the Horizon

[alsantini]

Well Carol and I spent an enjoyable day on the intercoastal starting at the Venice Train Station launch ramp.  I had decided that I needed experience with an inboard since ALL of my previous boats ( had outboards.  We went 25 miles total landing at docks, and piers to practice.  I did get better as the day went on and Carol really likes the boat!  2 for 2 - amazing.
Monday I will hoist the sail with a friend for my intro to Horizon sailing.  The Gulf looks ready, the boat is ready and so am I.https://photos.fife.usercontent.google.com/pw/AP1GczOT1hzIARMiHO0npq81vdgTul9hI8JBYwp0PM-c274qUV3YDFRYhdhIlg=w1455-h1938-s-no?authuser=0

[crazycarl]

Wow! 25 miles for a shake down cruise is a long cruise. Glad to hear your enjoying it.  With your background an inboard is a wise choice.

I couldn't get the link to load. Just a blank screen.

[kickingbug2]

post some pics for the icebound

[Cpy23ecl]

I'll be interested in seeing what you think about sailing the cat rig vs the sloop.  I'm considering selling the eclipse and going to a picnic cat.

[alsantini]

Sailed twice this week.  I found the difference to be minimal.  Easier, and efficient.  So far I do not miss the Genoa.  I have improved my actions so that I am in the water in about 15 minutes and about 20 to get out and ready for travel.  The difference in pointing cannot be seen.  I have found more weather helm than the Eclipse BUT adjusting the centerboard up eliminates the weather helm.  I need to find someone who has specs for shroud tension at rest.  I have a Loos gage but no spec??  I have also found the Triad trailer easier to retrieve the boat because of the keel guided that it has.  Get the boat anywhere near centered and the guides bring the keel right to center.  Back up a bit and crank it up.  Easy.  So far, I have absolutely no complaints about the Horizon.  Well made and a great sailing boat.

[alsantini]

BTW.  The pic was taken on the Gulf of Mexico off the town of Venice, Florida

[kickingbug2]

seems to me that one year we voted a horizon cat the prettiest boat at the CLR. it is that

[kickingbug2]

  of course there is roger's rob roy

[alsantini]

Actually, it was Chris's SunCat that was voted as best-looking sailboat in attendance.  He got a rabbit trophy..... LOL

[kickingbug2]

    thats true, but the bpat i mentioned was a couple of years before you joined the fleet, his boat was brand new and had a red hull. i will say that the cats are "sweet"

[crazycarl]

They were from Peoria if I remember correctly.