Thursday, 16th June 2005.

The first Hazardous design, "Forty Two", was launched at Sacandaga state park at 2-30pm. Amidst torrential rain, 1' high waves and winds from 7-10mph we managed to get in a good sail. Vang snapped on us early on, due I think to a shackle not being closed properly, but after a couple of loops of 3mm poly line we were back underway with no further problems.

No records set, plenty of things I need to adjust or tweak but all in all a fun afternoon.

First impressions were that it was very light on the helm, sensitive to the smallest sail or helm adjustments and me moving about. On the odd occasion when I had things set just right she was really moving [the law of averages says I have to get it right occasionally, just by luck rather than judgement]. Seemed to go about very quickly and with the minimum effort. A lot easier to sail than our old Hobie Cat. We took on a little water, some through the flaps, a little over the deck and the rest I think, just ran off the sails, did I say the rain was torrential?

Raking rig worked beautifully although we were pretty heavily raked first time out and I didn't play with it much while we were out there. 

I guess nothing is ever really finished but many thanks to:

Keith Callaghan for the design
Tony at Forte RTS for mast and carbon fiber advice.
Yankee yacht for supplies and wire.
Burnt Hills Beverage for stocking Theakstons and Boddingtons.
Miles James
Peter Male, Tim Male and Tom Chadfield et al for their hospitality and advice at Blithfield.
Chairman GGGGG, Barry Watkin, Richard T, Andrew M, Jon and many others on the forum.
My wife who crewed yesterday for a very happy, very mellow Capt. Bligh!

Now, can anyone teach me how to sail?
Thanks everyone.

John, having fun in NY. 

PS I'll update my website as soon as I get the pictures out of my FIL's camera.

Next time I'm on Biz in NY, I'll try hard to come and see you. p.s. I took my wife to NY last 'fall' and she loved it and is pressuring me to take her back, maybe you can work out an excuse.

Congratulations John. I am looking forward to seeing the photos of '42' sailing.
By the way, the lines of your Merlin now feature on the MROA Home Page!

Well done John can't wait till I can see the pictures.

Have fun

James

Well done and good luck learning to sail her.

The water through the transom flaps is easily solved - it means either that the helm is too heavy or that you are sitting too far back - both easily solved by sitting nearer to the shrouds especially in light winds.

Some pictures would be good.

Should we be carrying GBR on our sails Guys?

Good Luck with 42 John

There are some piccies available at my website, below, of the launch. Also a couple taken in the sun yesterday evening, but not on the water.

The construction pictures are still available there too for those interested.

Looks great! now you have got to race her against a British boat kind of like Americas cup but in minature.

Bet not many of the locals have seen such a good looking boat before.

If you're going to drop by Alan, don't forget your sailing gear, then Keith can actually get some feedback on how she performs vs other designs.

I get plenty of compliments when she's out on the lake and people I don't even know just stop by when we're out in the driveway. And its not just me, "my biggest problem is still launching the boat without having ! to answer 50 questions about the boat" Thats a quote from Nick Harmon who sails 3133 in New Jersey... So I guess I should get used to it...

Thanks a lot for the support

John, NY

what's with the vertical panels between the side decks and the hull planking instead of gunwales?