Thanks to the reaches of Facebook and its Seahopper Owner's Group, several fellow owners converged on the wonderful Horsey Mere for a weekend rally. I was only able to attend on the Saturday and, even then, had to make a double trip over having left half of the kit back home in the garage... I think an equipment checklist may be in order...
The following video gives a fair reflection of the day.
Winds were light but not inconsequential - probably for the best, since the sailing experience is very different from the Drascombe experience: much more responsive, very unstable but, in its own way, just as enjoyable!
I only started recording the track half way through - as recorded, 2.1nm.
Seahopper action or inaction: there being little wind, oars were often necessary
Engine woes on my other boat kept me inland and prompted a much delayed maiden voyage in my yet to be named Nifty Fifty Seahopper. A Sunday morning trip to Rutland Water was the outcome.
The slipway at the Watersports Centre, Whitwell Creek
The wind did eventually feature and, at one point, even gave me cause to sit on the side bench as the hull began to heel. However, for the most part, the best place to sit was on the centre thwart as the vespers of wind allowed periodic momentum.
Impressions? She is a very pleasant little boat and it is great to indulge in some proper small dinghy sailing for a change. When the wind allowed, she moved very gracefully and was pleasingly agile - as the brand name infers, 'nifty'! When oars were called for, rowing was almost effortless, which makes me think that she could make a very handy tender on extended cruises with Daisy II. Before that can happen, however, a few issues need sorting. There is a leakage problem around the centre case - mostly corrected today by tightening a couple of wood screws. Splintering ends of one or two plywood panels also need some attention. Otherwise, this was thoroughly rewarding and augurs well for further planned activities.
I was too busy working on a routine during the sailing to catch any action shots, but did manage this small bit of video during one of the many becalmed moments.
At some point, of course, she needs a name. I did have one thought but this would blow my secretive internet identity, so I'm going to have to work on alternatives. Maybe she will end up being a he...
