Great day yesterday as I headed out for some sea trials, leaving the berth for the first time on my own was easier than I had imagined. New prop makes maneuvering much easier and I was able to reverse and turn with no problems. After a really wet Saturday (50mm and strong NW winds that had us rocking all night), Sunday promised better with the rain clearing and wind turning SW. Trialed the engine at a variety of revs including up to maximum - at which point we created a huge stern wave and not much more speed than 2/3 revs. Can even throttle back to 12-1400 rpm and still do 5 kts. A few rattles still present, but reckon it may well be the stainless steel rudder resonating as the prop wash hits it.
Not much breeze so motored around Tapeka Pt with the Tiller Pilot on and met some 4-5m swells and without any wind continued around to Roberton island where I anchored for a celebratory lunch. Little NW breeze 4-5kts filled in so slowly sailed off the anchor and around the island, Dark clouds and rain to the SE so continued sailing gently at 3-4kts back to Tapeka pt.then started the engine and cruised home.
I was a little anxious about docking on my own but all went smoothly and Kalai stopped on a dime and I was able to step off and tie up - my system worked! It could conceivably be more of an issue in adverse conditions, but not as difficult as I thought it might have been. Cooked up a big pot of Green Thai Chicken Curry ( though not in the pressure cooker!) and have enough for lunch and another dinner
Today promises to be fine, again with light winds, so will try and get the hatch painting finished and get that re-fitted. If the breeze fills in I may head down harbour for another sail as another front is due tomorrow with 30-35 kt winds and hail ( ah, the lovely NZ weather patterns rival Melbourne's changeable climate!). Wed - Saturday is looking fine though I will be back on the Naked Bus early Friday morning to head home Firday night. I have the Treadmaster non-skid to fix, but may leave that until another time to glue down (need a few fine days and warmer weather)
hi sailor of the high seas,
ReplyDeleteI finally worked out how to make a comment on you blog.
Clad to hear the prop works well and that your back in the rolling seas.
Q: what do you think of the S & G petrel as the next project?
we are all bunkered down here with colds, bit otherwise doing well
take care
Bj
Sorry to hear you are poorly - hope you all feel better soon.
DeleteThe Petrel (or three!) sounds like a good idea. Maybe someone could acquire the jig-saw kit and others could replicate?
Hoping to do some more sailing once the stormfront passes tonight...