T
he first was in a good five/six off Dartmouth, when the tiller went very light and
parted company with the rudder stock. I hove to and lashed what was left of the
tiller to the rudder and sailed on. The boat hove to brilliantly in uncomfortable seas,
just stopped and sat there until I had things under control. The problem was a bit of
short grain in the ash tiller. I had missed that when I made it, a lesson learnt there! The
other issue was just down to chafe, the wire strop on the kicking strap almost parted
but I caught it in time.
Swift has performed brilliantly and I have no complaints. She is very seaworthy and
surprisingly dry for such low profile. I am looking forward to sailing and enjoying good
company with the regenerated cruising division with the first rally in Bembridge this
May.
Nick Birchmore
Swift’s First Season
20
‘Swift’ performing brilliantly
