Sea Anchor - A smaller version

I sold the previous one on ebay and bought the next size down, which seems far more manageable. This size is aimed at boats up to 20 feet, while the other was for boats up to 25 feet - but I think the designer was thinking of a yacht/fishing boat, rather than a light weight boat, such as a Drascombe. The test will come when I try and use it on a windy day.

 

The wind did pick up later.

Mizzen Mast Step

Over time the mast step for the mizzen wears, in extreme cases all the way through. The continual movement of the mizzen mast will slowly wear through the GRP, this must be a particular problem for a boat which is kept on a mooring. Even the mast support will contribute this erosion, as the boat is trailed.

To prevent this becoming a problem I decided to clean the socket and then add a small amount of resin and tissue. Finally a used a thin piece of polypropylene to prevent wear of the actual GRP. This was held in place with a small amount of glue and held down by the mast support while it dried. The final picture was taken before the mast support was put in place.

Coast to Coast

We took part in the Sail Caledonia event which crosses Scotland, starting in Loch Linnhe and finishing at North Kessock on the Beauly Firth. The journey takes a week, with the boats being launched from Lochaber Yacht Club on Saturday morning and aiming to arrive at the community slipway in North Kessock by the following Friday afternoon. This was achieved with all the boats out of the water by 4.30 PM. A social evening was then held at Dochgarroch, with food, music and dancing, with everyone finally departing for home on Saturday morning.

http://www.sailcaledonia.org/

The route uses the Caledonian Canal, which links a series of natural lochs, including Loche Ness and is commonly known as the Great Glen. The canal was completed in 1822 and includes 29 locks. It was designed by Thomas Telford. The event is very well organised and provides the opportunity to complete the journey in company of other boats. There is a support barge, which provides a venue for the social side of the trip, as well as music and accommodation if required. Evening meals are provided on board the barge for all the participants. A series of races are organised during the week and boats are given the opportunity to complete the whole journey using just sail and oar.

https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/canals/caledonian-canal/

The weather was fine all week apart from a sudden shower on Monday and some drizzle on Thursday evening. However, the wind blew from the NE all week, so some long upwind legs had to be completed.
 

 

 

Corpach Locks - the first night

 

Neptunes Staircase

 

Sunday Evening - Garlochy Top

 

Round the Cans Race - Laggan

 

One boat came all the way from Switzerland

 

Descending Fort Augustus Locks

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WMbANND0tg&sns=em

 

 

 

South end of Loch Ness

 

Travelling through the last series of locks in Inverness