Congratulations Doug! More strings to pull. I'm looking forward to the pictures. Bill Riker M-15 - #184 Storm Petrel -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces+wriker=mindspring.com@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces+wriker=mindspring.com@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Doug Kelch Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 7:16 AM To: Montgomery Subject: M_Boats: WAHOOO!! HOT DA@# and more 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 _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!