In truth, it's hard to find time to do anything apart from building this boat, but with all the other things I need to do in life, I don't seem to do much on it!

This is also my excuse for not having posted for 3 weeks.  I suspect the real reason that not much seems to get done either in my life or on my boat is that I'm getting old.  Still, one plods on and if the work is slow, at least I'm pleased with the results.  Indeed, the only problems are the fact that I really dislike living ashore and miss the whole of my wonderful life afloat; and the cost of rent is something I could do without.  The cost of the boat itself still remains within the  scale of what I had in mind.  And the rent would have to be significantly greater to justify paying anyone else to do work that I can do.  so really my only gripe is that I wish I were on the water listening to oyster catchers instead of vehicles and machinery.  Occasionally, very rarely, in the small hours of a very quiet night, I catch the sound of the morepork - New Zealand's delightful little owl.  But it's a long way to any bush that provides sanctuary to these birds.

My latest progress photo David would prefer not to see.  Bertrand told me that the teak decks will slow me down.  Well, I love them now and will continue to do so into the future: for me, they're a delight.  It's funny how we all value aesthetics, but all in our individual ways.  Up to date photos here: I've started yet another album.

Chris Gallienne wrote:“It is not having what you want, it’s wanting what you’ve got.” ~ Sheryl Crow
"Wanting what you've got:" A Key to Happiness ~ Huffington Post

Sounds a bit like voyaging on a small income :-)

Arne Kverneland wrote:

David Tyler wrote:

It's good to be putting all the possible options in front of Annie. The answer to fitting Ingeborg's sail onto Siblim is to rake the mast forward some more, and Annie might well fancy doing that.

David,

frankly, I think your rig looks better on her  -  I just had to see. Still, maybe I should suggest you increase the height of the mast about 50cm. That would give Annie more freedom to move your sail aft, if needed. When the right position has been found after test sailing, the mast could then be lowered and the mast top trimmed down to just the right length. After all I seem to spot a tabernacle, so that should  actually be doable.

Arne

I fancy trying a new shape of sail altogether, which is one of the reasons I like the new sail plan. For some reason, I think the sail suits SibLim's chunky (I mean that in complimentary way, David) profile really well.

As for altering the mast: if and when this boat is ever finished, my one wish is to live a life of sloth while my tools rust in their locker.  I never, never want another project, thank you very much.  Besides, 'trimming the mast' would be a bit of a mission, with a new masthead fitting on the now-wider masthead, moving the light, trying to pull down the wire and probably re-splicing it, repainting ...  N-O-O-O-O-O!!!

I leave it to the wonderful Davids and Arnes of this world to tweak and experiment.  I am sure the sail will be beyond satisfactory as drawn - and if it isn't, I shall convince myself that it is!

It's good to be putting all the possible options in front of Annie. The answer to fitting Ingeborg's sail onto Siblim is to rake the mast forward some more, and Annie might well fancy doing that.

Annie Hill wrote:I'm really pleased with the new sail design.  It appeals to me in many ways.  I find tall masts daunting (especially when I am at the top of them) and, on odds, am happier to be in the moderation in all things school, when it comes to sail shape.  (I am very aware that moderation in all things can lead to mundane, but I leave it to others to make the experiments!).  I like the fact that the battens aren't too long and that the mast won't overhang too far if I have it down on deck.  I also like a good bit of balance in the sail for running: it effectively shortens the batten length and reduces the chances of them dragging through the water in a big swell.  I have yet to decide what to sheet to, but am sure an idea will present itself.  I think the sail suits the boat better than the tall, skinny one, myself, but that's personal preference.

The new rig looks good, Annie, I think it suits the boat perfectly.  Has a "right" look to it, a feeling I have come to trust after 40 years of mooning over boats.  You've got lots of sail area there, almost the same as I have on 5 tonne Arion.  You'll put me to shame if we ever cross tacks!