Successfully completed the bash test
We have been having fun putting One Love through her paces. I am happy to report that she sails very well, even with the main sail reefed down. I suspect it is the boat’s additional mass that allows her to tack so well, even at low speeds, something that we occasionally had issues with on ZTC (the waves might cause her to stall part way through the tack). Yesterday, we put One Love through a different kind of test but one no less important: the bashing test.
After clearing in to customs at West End, Tortola, we rounded the corner to make the short trek along the southern coast towards Buck Island where we had planned to spend the night. Although our wind instrument is currently on the needs-to-be-fixed list, we could tell from the whitecaps that it was blowing at least 20 knots. The day prior we had spent several fun hours tacking in similar conditions. On this leg we opted to raise no sails and simply motor (bash) our way to our destination. As you might guess, the Leopard’s twin 54 HP Diesel engines gave us plenty of power to do so. Even at less than cruising RPMs, we were still making close to 8 knots. Along with that speed we experienced a relatively smooth ride, relatively being the operative word there.
Another feature that we are loving on the Leopard is the integral stack pack and lazy jacks. For those not aware of what this is, a stack pack sits on top of the boom to contain the main sail when it is not raised. Unlike a traditional sail cover, it does not have to be removed. Rather, the top is unzipped to allow the sail to be raised up out of it while it is still in place. It also has integral lazy jacks, a network of small lines which run from the top of the stack pack to part way up the mast. These lines not only hold the stack pack in place, they also allow the main sail to drop directly back into the stack pack when the halyard is released. This is a great time saver and in our opinion, it looks great too. The only issue with our stack pack is that it is colored Moorings blue. Although they have removed the Moorings logo, it is still the same color as most charter boats in the area and for that reason alone, it must be changed. Our new color choice: Sunflower Yellow. Once we have that installed, we definitely won’t be confused for a Moorings boat!
An old Moorings stack pack, complete with logo which has since been removed from One Love.
Just a suggestion on the new stack pack: I am not sure about the moorings design but you might want to have the lazy jacks designed so that they can be slackened prior to raising the main, at least the aft 1 or 2 so that there is less chance of catching a batten end on the way up.
Just re-tension or re-connect after raising or before lowering. Depending on conditions and wx forecast, we try to delay reconnect as long as possible in order to minimize chafing of the lazy jacks along the batten pockets/sail while under way. Some lead the lazy jacks through blocks at the apex on the mast, then led down to cleats or some other belay point at the mast base. Jusmt a thought.
Hi Kirk
Good suggestion. The stack pack is actually set up that way. One or both sides of the stack pack can be eased via lines at the mast.
It will also make her easy to spot for your guests. Especially in a crowded White Bay as they try to swim their way back from one of those legendary looooong days at the Soggy Dollar Bar. 😉
Exactly!
Concerned about increasing the longevity of both your mainsail and the stackpack?
I had mine lined with white nylon. Yes, it cost a fair bit more, but it really increases the UV protection for the main when it is stowed and decreases the wear on the stackpack from the inside. IIRC, we had it made by Doyle – they also really understood the mechanics of the stackpack and had a really humongous zipper installed.
Doyle will be making ours too. I will inquire about that. Thanks, Mike.
Will guests be permitted to fish on the “One Love”? If so, what type of fishing and what tackle will be available for use?
We have not discussed that at length. In order to fish a fishing license must be purchased. The thing is, I wouldn’t want to eat any of the fish caught in the VI due to the potential Ciguatera issue. Not sure our guests would either. I guess some people do like to fish for fun though, rather than food.
Generally, I understand in the BVI, Pelagic Fish are considered safe (free swimming as opposed to on the reef). So, if you are trolling under sail, Mackerel, Tuna, Dolphin Fish and the like are all safe to eat. Everyone I know fishes for fun… If they catch something that they can eat, all the better. 🙂
True enough.
Great color, Mike…should go nice with those confetti goblets too!
Exactly! 🙂
What do you think about the stack pack for the PDQ 32? In the way? Too negative an affect on sailing? I’m going to need a new main in a few years (5 years ago if I were a racer!) and not having to bag the sail would be… one less thing.
Oh, and I guess you know, of course, I have a PDQ 34 now:)
Huh? You have a 34? And the 32 or instead of? We have been out of touch.
As for the stackpack, I would love to have one on the 32! I’m not sure exactly how they would make it as the main is not loose footed (the leopard’s main is). I’m sure there is a way though.
Neither. Stretched the 32. Not a big difference, but worthwhile to me.
http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2013/08/extended-transoms-process.html
I’ve seen stack packs on bolt-rope footed mains; it is built into the sail. However, I might well go for a loose-footed sail; that is what I had on my last 2 boats and I liked it better. Easier to adjust.
Ahhh… that makes complete sense!
Excellent post and great job. The extensions look excellent. Maybe ZTC would like that too. 🙂
That stack pack is HUGE! I would not want to do without that convenience especially in rough waters.
BTW, I don’t see the Moorings logo in the picture.
🙂
Then Rebecca will have to contrast her bathing suit. Just sayin.
I’m sure she could accomodate that.
I’ve been looking at the layout of the Moorings 4600 and read a description of it and I’m curious about a couple of things. It says there is a crew berth in the forepeak of the port hull. Do you access that compartment via a deck hatch? What is in the forepeak of the starboard hull and how do you access that space?
The port forepeak cabin can be accessed both by an outer hatch on the deck and from inside via a door in the port bow cabin. The starboard bow has a “pipe berth,” also designed for crew. It has a drop down hammock to sleep on, a sink and a head. No, WE will not be sleeping there. Ever!
We were heading the opposite direction yesterday…just missed you again! For the record…going down wind the meter hit 23 knots!
Was the 23 knots on the wind meter (apparent or true?), speed log or SOG?
Apparent…for some reason it wouldn’t read true wind speed. We hit 8.4 knots sog…43′ mono…not bad!
Pretty good. Were you surfing?
The true wind speed requires a functioning paddle wheel transducer I believe. Even if one was installed they are frequently too gunked up to work.
Definitely surfing during max speed. Makes sense about the paddle wheel… I don’t think that had worked on any boat I’ve chartered!
Not surprising.