.. from the incredible array of shrouds, ropes and shackles round the mast; it took some time to get familiar with them all, as they were there for purposes such as raising and lowering the roof and mast, as well as for raising and lowering the sails and holding up the mast.
Then I had to get used to a gaff rig, which was new to me. As I hauled up the gaff, I had to judge the correct angle between the main mast and the gaff. I knew when I'd got it wrong as the sail had wrinkles in it. When I got it right, Leander looked just like a traditional Wherry, and we are all very familiar with the sail shape we were aiming for, as a Wherry is used for the logo for our favourite beer, Woodforde's Wherry (yes it is brewed on the Broads).
In this picture you see the sail after I had put two reefs in. This was necessary on our second morning when we woke up to a howling gale. As the reef had to be tied in by threading a rope in and out of all the holes along the bottom of the sail, it took quite some time to put in.
All the effort was well worth it though, and it is so much fun to do it all yourself and be responsible for your own progress; much more satisfying that turning a key and starting the engine of a plastic pig (as we call the Broads cruisers).
Even so it was nice to relax on the boat when all the jobs had been done.
Lots of love Eddie and crew xxx
1 comment:
It all looks very complex Eddie - a lot for bear paws to cope with! I'm sure your natural affinity with the water and vessels of all sorts helped and also your sailing tuition in Egypt last year. Bet you were out like a light the moment your furry head hit the pillow!
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