After the initial launching it was time to get serious about getting the boat sailing well and not jus looking pretty. We took her out on Lake Harris on a pretty windy day, along with a couple of other boats, and set sail to windward from Hickory Point to Leesburg's Venetian Cove. We recently installed the new bimini for this outing and the bimini was just the right fit, easy to get out from under and go forward and just the right head height. It really has the boat looking finished.
We put the boat thru several jibes and tacks to further get the feel of the boat. We were on the verge of being overpowered, and possibly should have reefed to stand the boat up a bit, but neither of us were uncomfortable. We took some bow waves that woke us up from time to time. Upon getting to the cove, Margaret took the helm and I set the anchor, and we had lunch. We had a brisk downwind sail back. Even downwind in strong breeze the helm was light, even when she wanted to round up, so the mast rake may be too far forward. I still need to plumb the boat and mast to check the rake. I used the rigging length how I found her, so shroud and stay lengths may need adjustment. All in all we were happy with the performance.
