Boat Envy
by Steve Cockerill, Rooster Sailing 17 Apr 2008 10:38 BST
17 April 2008
Just delivered and test sailed a new Streaker with one of our new tri-radial flat Dacron sails. I set it up the rig with fairly slack shrouds although at 77Kg, I added a little more forestay tension to compensate for the flat sail and set the rake quite far back.
Launching was quick and easy. Wow – it was awesome! The new rudder stock designed by Sea Sure worked a treat and the tiller angle meant that I could use lots of mainsheet tension and the steering was still easy. When I bore away there was an instant whoosh – and we were off. I would have preferred a boat without a mainsheet jammer which meant I could not play the sail quickly enough in the gust for a seamless transition to an even faster whoosh, but no bother, got it out the cleat again and we were flying. But surely it was only blowing 12 knots; perhaps it was a gust of 15 ish.
I was trying to find a good angle to show off the boat without the late evening light being in the wrong place for the photographer. So a quick gybe to find a better angle. Man that was nice – she just feels great. Positive on the steering and off we go. Whhoossshhh. Wow its great sitting at the back on this broad reach. Wow, I love this boat. A quick tack – and yes the floor is clear – no bailers in the way, no centerboard case to avoid, and the toe straps fall instantly to the feet and they feel lovely and firm with an excellent hiking position.
This is amazing. I want one. I want one. I want one. Perhaps I can get one in time for the Streaker Northerns. BOAT ENVY!