We'd like to hear how you and your Mega got along last summer.
We had a blast...the admiral loved the time spent on it.
Had the typical audience last spring when I stepped the mast myself, before letting it float off the trailer. Basically in awe watching the 41' spar being raised.
After the show, a few watched as I backed from the ramp, engaged the thruster to maneuver in the tight quarters of the ramp and fuel pumps, and leisurely made my way to my slip.
Made for some interesting conversation on our deck later on.
After a number of 'tours' above & below that weekend, we eventually got to the shakedown sail.
I'm far from a 'seasoned' sailor, but we ventured easily above 6 knots many times on different reaches, over the summer. Had some fun downwind with our chutes too.
With regards to pointing to the wind, I found it performed well...certainly better then I was lead to believe for this boat.
Some might have noticed that I decided to run a single point cabin top mainsail sheeting arrangement...obviously restricting my ability to completely centre the boom (while maintaining ease of trim) a natural necessity for pointing....
but with such a large sail area I wanted to run full time gybe preventers - with those in place I am able use the windward preventer to bring the boom to centreline or further when I want to heave to.
This resulted in a very functional and safe mid boom sheeting set up (including the boom vang)
My best friend of 34 years and I played hooky one afternoon and spent four plus hours burying the bow during a small craft warning North of Lake Erie's Long Point. Not another boat in site the whole time.....what a rush!
Have to say, the high freeboard, narrow beam & and flared bow made for a confident & comforting sail that day. Although the decks were soaked,we stayed dry the entire time.
As mentioned above, we had to heave to for 20 mins while my friend (&VP) had to join a conference call on his cell.....I relaxed and ate my lunch, and was totally impressed with the stability that 2250 lb bulb keel provided us as the wind howled.
Like anyone who owns 'a hole in the water'...I admire the performance, craftsmanship & qualities of many different kinds of sailboats small & large, but for my sailing needs, I am simply delighted at the outcome and abilities of this C&C.
All smiles!
Paul
