Rigging and sails, the coast taking not always obvious
After the trailer has been adapted to receive the boat, I can put the mast in place. For the rigging I had to change the slatted rigging screws originally supplied for clevis rigging screws. The first ones do not allow a precise enough adjustment.
Taking measurements for the focus
Now that I am satisfied with the rigging, I can proceed with its first installation. This is the opportunity to install the furler, it is the choice I made for a complete and practical furling of the jib. And above all to be able to lower the jib without having to dismast as is the case when the jib rope is used as a forestay.
The sails were ordered according to the measurements I made myself:
- For the jib, I install a halyard that represents the perimeter of the sail. It is then sufficient to record the dimensions of the 3 sides and the square projection of the tack point.
- For the mainsail, I ask that it respect the gauge.
Sail tests in the garden
After some concerns about delivery times (the manufacturer has difficulties with his subcontractor who cuts the leashes), I take possession of them in La Rochelle at the end of May. Just enough time to try it out next to the house before participating in the 60th anniversary of the Marauder which takes place in the Jura on Lake Vouglans, 550 km from my home port!
First launch on the Charente
First launch
After having put "Désiré" in the water of the Charente for the first time (March 30, 2018) without its mast, I made my first rounds in the water under sail on a small lake at the gates of Angouleme. The nautical base of St Yrieix which is installed there welcomes me warmly (it is it which saw the beginning of a young sailor named François Gabard!).
Launching for the first tests under sail
This will be done with the family for my greatest pleasure. I'm far from perfect, but this is a first attempt rich in information and emotion.
Launch for the Marauder's rally
Rally for the Marauder's 60th Anniversary
My boat was born sixty years after the construction of the first marauders who were sold at the time to the BHV for 5000 francs! This anniversary will be celebrated during the national event organized by the ASM (Association Sportive des propriétaires de Maraudeur) on the Vouglans lake in the Jura.
To make this first big move, I make several equipments to transport the engine and the rigging:
- an engine mount in the cab (to centre the weights during transport)
- a telescopic support on the transom, fixed on the rudder females to receive the mast. Telescopic, it helps me to lift the mast when I look at it alone.
A friendly welcome will be given to us and the boat will attract the curiosity of the guests. This will be an opportunity to get to know a large number of members.
A baptism for with great pomp and circumstance
"Désiré" will be named in the presence of the president of the association Jean Louis Dalloz with whom I have had a regular dialogue since the beginning of this construction and who has given me precious help.
The bow of "Désiré" was sprinkled with champagne. We didn't consider breaking the bottle, its shell wouldn't have withstood the impact. Epoxy molded plywood is strong, but still strong!
