Barnacle Bill Magazine January 2016 | Page 22

The first plan was to build a long narrow skin on frame rowing boat but I got seduced by a design for a clinker ply faering by Clint Chase called Drake. The seduction was caused by this design’s ability to handle more boisterous conditions if caught out, launching and recovery in heavier seas, to row two up as well as singlehanded (my daughters like rowing too), and a downwind sailing rig.

I launched Selkie in May, just in time for Sail Caledonia 2015. She performed excellently in some pretty ‘adventurous’ conditions. And at our home base she’s proved as quick and easy to launch and recover as I’d hoped. I’m living the dream.

I launched

Selkie

in May, just in time for Sail Caledonia 2015. She performed excellently in some pretty ‘adventurous’ conditions. And at our home base she’s proved as quick and easy to launch and recover as I’d hoped. I’m living the dream.

Selkie under sail:

Selkie under sail for the very first time on Sail Caledonia 2015, fully reefed. (c) John Macpherson

Selkie on trolley:

A simple, lightweight trolley that fits into the boat, makes launching Selkie quick and easy.

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