 Specifications |
Early Summer in the Solent |
| Practical Boat Owner called this 6-berth
double-ender "a serious cruiser"
with a rugged feel and powerful, easy-going
gait". "Her manners and balance
are impeccable." Well, that I have not
only survived but also enjoyed several gales
and one typhoon in this tiny boat is proof
enough. |
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| Early Summer is cutter-rigged. I was going to sail her home single-handedly even though Midori, my wife was coming as far as the Mediterranean. That's why I decided on the Cutter-rig, and I think my decision was a good one. When the sea begins to get rough, take the inner jib down and sail with the yankysail and the double reefed main. If the sea gets rougher furl up the yankysail and get up the inner jib again. If the sea gets even rougher, take down the mainsail and run before the wind with the inner jib. After that get the stormsail up. When you are tired of the rough sea, simply bring her up to the wind and lie to. The toughest sea that I have ever encountered was 50 to 55 knots winds gusting 60, and it lasted only several hours. Because I was in the middle of the Atlantic I didn't have to worry about the lee shore. So I've never used the trisail yet. |
| Inside Early Summer drawn by Midori |
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