Hi Guys, been trying t work out how to ease my dizziness problems, to ensure I can keep sailing. I have owned and learnt from many boats, more than 22 counted a few years ago, and only one boat remained that I wanted to try.
She is a Shearwater sailing canoe fitted with outriggers. They are very well made and outside my limited means, but a second hand one turned up which I was fortunate to buy.
I have just had my first two sails in her and she works very well for me so far. Small sail, only 4 m, very easily driven and resonsive to sail, comfortable sitting facing forward and no dipping my head for tacking - the thing that makes me dizzy.
Here are some pics and a video of my first sail. Note how you never see the outriggers in the water - they are raised to miss the water in normal sailing but be there if needed.
Picasa Web Albums - 11576796960220832... - Shearwater fi...
and video
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy816d_-Fi8]YouTube - Shearwater sailing canoe, first sail in the Solent[/ame]
and a Solent Potter yesterday, in 13 knots average gusting 17 knots. Quite windy and bouncy down the Solent, but lovely and peaceful coming back all through the marshes.
Picasa Web Albums - 11576796960220832... - Tanners Lane ...
I have to say that the outriggers were very welcome. Allowed me to relax and enjoy sailing a canoe without worry I would capsize any minute.
So, perhaps Beth could be more widely built and enjoyed with similar lifted outriggers? No one likes them for there looks, but they are very popular for sea sailing here in the UK.
All the best everybody
Brian