I have now done a short six day cruise in the West of Scotland.
Kinlochleven (Glencoe), Port Ramsay - Lismore, Tombermory - Mull, Breachacha Bay - Coll, then same in reverse.
So some initial thoughts. Firstly to point out, after a day sail sail back to Kinlochleven, it was only the second outing, so a few things still to be sorted / worked out.
Well firstly, she sails very well, off the wind she keeps up with boat up to 30’ . On my first trip, downwind, she held a good 6knts. Upwind she is not shy, though not as close winded, especially on the poor tack, port, with sail resting against the mast.
I have to say I had thought the Windpilot would perform better. Wind in the forward quarter, if not too light, works fine. Off wind not so good, veering around by perhaps 40 deg, in light winds not at all. I think part of the issue is that she is very responsive to the helm, ie doesn’t hold a course readily. The sail is towards the low aspect which i don’t think helps. Upwind, any change in wind speed the centre of pressure moves upsetting the balance. Downwind as it has a lot of area to one side. One thing I shall try is a bigger light airs wind vane, made of fabric on a light frame, and I will also try out an aerofoil profile. At times it could be that I would do better to reduce sail..but what’s the fun in that, especially when you are overhauling a bigger boat! Of course Roger must have been happy with it, so maybe I need to tinker a bit more. That said, my electric Tillerpilot will be fitted for conditions where the Windpilot struggles.
Mast, now with an unstayed mast you expect to see the head move (alarmingly!) at times, well I have not noticed the slightest movement or even much bend.
Sail, she looks very smart with the gray acrylic (though the ‘underside’ gets whiter when wet - looks weird with rain blobs). The lower three panels are made separately with ‘hinges’ joining to the boom. They are much loser on the fore half, to give fullness, but this then gives big gaps, which must be letting to air through and reading efficiency. I do lust after a two sided sail enclosing that huge mast, sure that would make a significant difference to the upwind performance.
Of course none of this is a criticism of Rogers excellent work. I am presently coastal cruising around lochs, quite often narrow, with high mountains all around..never mind a few scary rocks to avoid. Whereas Roger put her together for extended open water passages. The aim, next year, is to sail over to Norway…bigger lochs, bigger mountains.