Posted this on a cruising forum but no responses so I thought I would try here.
Anybody here sail on a Whitby 55' Ketch? I am looking for how you felt about it. I understand it is an old heavy cruising boat, not a modern cruiser/racer, but it does seem to have a tall mast and carry a lot of sail area.
How does she sail in 15 knots apparent on the beam? When does she need to be reefed? Difficult to pole out the genoa with such a large sail? Ever been in a blow on her? How about steerage in a marina and backing up? Do the typical bow thrusters work well on it?
Anybody here sail on a Whitby 55' Ketch? I am looking for how you felt about it. I understand it is an old heavy cruising boat, not a modern cruiser/racer, but it does seem to have a tall mast and carry a lot of sail area.
How does she sail in 15 knots apparent on the beam? When does she need to be reefed? Difficult to pole out the genoa with such a large sail? Ever been in a blow on her? How about steerage in a marina and backing up? Do the typical bow thrusters work well on it?