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Many thanks to both Ray and Charles for the time and effort taken to ensure that no one left Carsington without a smile and a great deal more knowledge and ability than they arrived with. Thanks also to George for his selfless action . Three top quality ambassadores for the Sprint 15.
It did strike me on the way home that some of the masts which we thought were leaning to one side may have been doing so due to the loose rig tension we recommended, so before you put your masts back up check the shroud lengths are equal, or with the boat absolutely level (use a spirit level on the beams) get someone to pull hard on the forestay check to see if the mast is upright.
Jim, where did you get that FAB double trailer from!?
The Carsington Training Event was brilliant. Last year I went to the Hobie Cat Centre for a taster session and then later for a "Cat Conversion Course" (one day only). The taster cost me ?35 for an hour or two's crewing on a Hobie 15. The instructor managed to drop the mainsheet and dump me in the drink when I was on the wire. Being foolhardy I then paid ?135 for a maximum of 4 hours sailing in very light winds on a Hobie 18 whereupon I learnt how to get out on the wire and helm (that's all - I didn't even get to launch or return to the shore).
So, ?7.50 for the wealth of instruction, practice and information available over two days was an absolute revelation to me. It was all high quality and cleverly presented so that everyone's needs were catered for. A great bonus was the friendly and sociable atmosphere which permeated the whole event - even when rounding the windward mark...
I hope to be able to make it to some more Sprint 15 events, and I'm very pleased I bought one of these excellent boats.
Thank you to Ray and his team for all of their time and effort.
I'll have another look at mine sometime soon. I did check it on the day when you thought it might be leaning over a bit. All I did was measure from the mast-head to each chain plate using the main halliard. It's a rough method but there appeared to be no difference either side. I hadn't thought about the rig tension, though.
By the way, what do you call that nice string you use to tighten your tramp with - ie what is it made of?
Nick extoles the virtues of dyneema (spelling?), I don't think mine is that particular brand, but it is 8 plait (I think).
If you speak to your chandler you want minimal stretch & a very smooth finish.
We didn't talk about how to tighten the tramp, some people use lumps of wood as levers, others create majical gizmos out of bath sealant guns & pulleys. I put a mole grip on the port side of the second eye (to pull against) & use the mainsheet hook to pull the rope between the eyes tight. At this point use a second pair of mole grips to hole the rope on the first eye tight. Release the mole grips on the second eye, pull spare rope through the second & third eyes, apply mole grips to port side of third eye. Repeat process all the way along.
Hope this makes sense (it's easier to show than explain!).
Just proves the point, all the gear no idea.Obtained it from John Postalthwaite when I bought 1811 from him. Assume it is home built as it is so well though out and rides well empty or loaded.
Feel free to use it any time as home is only 4 miles from the A1 near Wetherby,so easy access for yourself if you travel from Halifax.
