Nice Shot

Here's a nice shot of Kamalii under sail, taken be George Hylkema from his yacht. George did much of the work on the rig.

A Trip to Catalina

We headed off to Catalina this weekend for a more serious shakedown sail. Really, totally, amazingly, utterly pleased with how Kamalii sails. She flys along, and beating out to Catalina in 16-18 knots of wind we were doing 8-9 knots, topping out at over 10. Coming back on a beam reach in about 15 knots we were doing over 8 knots.We are all blown away by how well she accelerates and holds a good speed at all points of sail.

We arrived at Catalina well after sunset and had our first experience at anchoring using the "crane". Not exactly the most efficient system but it worked. Had to anchor in 90' of water, but holding was good.

Spent Sunday morning working on various jobs and then sailed back for another night time arrival back at Newport. We did manage to break a few things - the shaft brake and both topping lifts, but easily fixed. We are aiming to be on our way before the end of the week.

The Rig

Under Sail.

Catalina in the morning.

Wayne works up a sweat on the aft deck.

Some video of her under sail - 8.5 knots.

First Sail

We have been for our first sail! Woohooo!

Kamalii sailed better than any of us expected. In 8-10 knots of  breeze on a tight reach we were chugging along at 5-6+ knots boat speed. The sail went well, no dramas other than the fact that our jib sheets are too short, so new sheets will be ordered tomorrow. Some minor tweaking of the rig to do, but otherwise all good. We plan on going out for another more serious trip in the next couple of days.

Heading out. Teak transom looking nice.

A very,very happy skipper.

Actual open water. The first time Kamalii has left Newport Harbour in 12 years.

More very, very happy skipper.

Back at Newport at sunset.

Here's some video, including shots of our filthy mainsail.

Update

We have masts, we have sails, we have a transom that has it's last layer on, new life lines - almost ready for a sail!

Rick will be sealing the transom etc over the next couple of days. We have some issues with the attachment point of the forestay which we are trying to resolve, but assuming that we get that sorted we will be off for a sail on Monday, gods willing.

Bit of a Fright

Jonathan and I were out yesterday cycling to West Marine to pick up a few bits, when Jonathan got collected by a car turning at an intersection. I saw them connect and then Jonathan disappear from view as he was dragged around the corner. One of those great "Uh Oh" moments.

Fortunately Jonathan was not badly hurt (as evidenced by the forcefully issued, yet eloquent, stream of obscenities pouring from him towards the driver) and got away with scrapes, cuts and bruises.

On an unrelated matter,  both the fridge and freezer have packed up. That this coincided perfectly with us finally repairing and activating the water cooling system for the refrigeration has not been lost on us.Still, much head scratching at the moment.