The clocks went back this morning, so---

[Pete H]

Hi Guys,

Here in the Great South Land (Australia) the clocks went back an hour this morning which means winter is in sight. Not here yet and yesterday's temperature was 86 degrees Fahrenheit, clear skies and light winds, last week though we had a couple of nights with temperatures just above freezing, it does mean I've only got time for about one more cruise with my Legacy "Muggler" before winter. So time for reflection on muggler's first sailing season.

About this time last year I ordered a Legacy from Hutchins Australian agents and six months later we picked it up. Never having actually seen one before we were thrilled when we set eyes on it. It is the prettiest little thing, and everyone who has seen it has said the same thing. We have had it out sailing several times and it performs very well, sails sweetly and motors along like a small power launch with out its mast, the six horse Evinrude having more than enough of oomph for the job.

Where we sail is a six and a half hour tow from home so all our trips are three or four day affairs. My wife and I are able to sleep comfortably in the Legacy's cabin, however everything else is a bit squeezy, getting dressed for me largely has to be done lying down, the website said  that the cabin has sitting headroom for two, it doesn't actually say for two humans though, certainly not for a six foot 200lb old guy.

Raising and lowering the mast can be done with one hand and launching and retrieving by floating it on and off the trailer is a piece of cake. This ease of handling is the main reason for buying the Legacy. My previous boat had a lot going for it but it took two strong people get it ready to sail and for launching etc. The Legacy is the boat that I hope to be able to keep sailing into my old age, hopefully right up to the fortnight before my funeral. The ease of rigging, launching, sailing, retrieving and towing was the prime consideration in my decision to purchase it, and it has worked just as I had hoped.

So, time for one more sail this season, we will do a three day trip the week after next and then put muggler in the shed until spring time.  Next month we are taking a camper van trip to central Australia for three or so weeks to do some desert photography so won't have time for any more sailing before winter. Even though our winters are mild, no frozen lakes or snow, sailing a small trailer sailer tends to be a wet business and camping in a tiny cabin like the Legacy's through the long winter nights is not my idea of fun, so one more sail to round out muggler's first season, then some time to get a few jobs done in the workshop.

I love living where we have four seasons (much of Australia has only two), and Autumn is my favourite, mild weather, cool nights, the leaves turning, golden here at the moment, later red. Love it! Then winter, love it too, just not for sailing.

As our southern sailing season ends your northern one begins, so best wishes, fair winds and calm seas to all.

[blocknshackle]

Thanks for the update, Pete.  It's always good to hear from our sailing mates from "down under."  Any photos you can share with us?

[Pete H]

Hi Blocknshackle,

One of the things I am going to learn to do this winter is to post photos on this site, I am normally using the iPad and I haven't worked it out. As soon as I get some time I'll give it a try on the laptop, at least Incan access the photos on that!

Cheers
Pete H

[kahpho]

Congrats on a great first season for you. I enjoyed reading about it. Pretty good little boat aint it.

mel

[wes]

Pete - Photobucket has an excellent iPad app that makes posting photos on this much easier. Free at the App Store.

Wes