Way to go, Doug. Congratulations! I guess there'll be no catching you now. I knew it would work. Rick M15 #337 Bluebird

Date: Mon, 6 Apr 2009 06:16:24 -0700 (PDT) From: Doug Kelch <doug_kelch@yahoo.com> To: Montgomery <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Subject: M_Boats: WAHOOO!! HOT DA@# and more Message-ID: <692444.22120.qm@web58705.mail.re1.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

First sea trials on the Gaff Cutter M15 were held Saturday in light and variable winds 0 - 8 kts.

SHE IS A KEEPER!!!!!

She is light on the helm and fast.? I was humming along at up to 4.5 kts in the 8 kt periods with little heel and a light weather helm while pointing.?

Much to my surprise she points extremely well and may even be able to point higher and go faster than she did as a sloop.

As expected the weather helm is a bit strong going downwind with that long boom/mainsail off to the side.? I guess I will have to get a large sail to pole out on the windward side if it proves to be excessive.

She does have a slight lee helm in the very light air even with the mast raked aft, but I can live with that.

What a hoot having it all come together.

No pictures as the trials were kept private due to the potential embarrassment but I hope to get some on the next outing.

There were a few things that need tweaking.? I had the forestay too close to the staysail and the roller furling rolled around the forestay.? I removed the forestay and I do not think I will put it back as the two jibs both have wire luffs.? A malicious attack by jealous boaters could dismast me with a knife attach on the halyards but I will take this risk.

YAHOOOOOOOOOOO.

Thanks

Doug