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Yes - probably about 100mm above the furling drum (or 3 shackles). When I got the new sail it was much worse than that. The sailmaker recut the sail for me (which is why the clew is so high) and, although it was a great improvement and I'm setting the sail as high as I can, the sheeting angle is still a little bit off. In practice though, I don't think it is having any significant impact on performance. Planning to go for a new sail after next season, when I'll have had 6 years of use out the current sail.

Zigizoo, Yes, a memorable sail (if a bit cold!). No auto pilot, just the tiller in one hand and my phone in the other. Makes it a bit tricky to dump the main in the gusts, so I just have to hang on...

Roger, many thanks for your comment. I'm happy to share any knowledge that I have, so how about I contact you via the e-mail address listed for you in the Hunter Association Member's Details section?

@@laughinggnome211 That would be great, thanks

Zigizoo, many thanks for your comment. I think we are very lucky here on the Clyde, so I'm sure that if you make it here, you will have a great time. Best weather is probably May / June / early July, but these days, who knows!

Albie - many thanks for your comment. I bought Second Gnome from Chichester and my test sail there provided some insight into how the tide and distance from open water, can limit your options. On the other hand, you probably have slightly more favourable weather!

Cuddymel, I've no connection with Reid Kerr College, sorry. Even if I had, those dates are about 15 years too late for me!

Andrew - headroom is fine on the Ranger 245. I'm 6' and don't have a problem. I would guess there is 6' 2"+ in the galley area, reducing to about 5' 11" at the front of the cabin.

Laughing Gnome thanks for that. I’m seriously considering buying one. I want to be able to coastal cruise and live aboard for about a week at a time

@@andrewsmith5451 i am in the middle of purchasing a 265 version. Headroom is no issue at all for a person of 6ft and a little more believe me.

SurgeMMO - that's looks like a really simple question, but it has no simple answer - just Google "British Hunter self tacking jib". I would just say it works for me. On my last boat (Horizon 23) I had 3 headsails (135%; 115% and a "blade"), instead of the original self tacker. The boat definitely sailed better in light winds and when well off the wind, but as the sail plan design was for the small jib, the boat would be overpowered (even with a reefed main), if the wind got up (or if I chose the wrong option). When the wind gets up, a small self tacker is a much better option than a furled genoa, if you need to be on the wind. On balance, I'm happy with the self tacker on my current boat and have no plans to add a genoa. It is really important, however, that the self tacking jib is properly cut and a "good shape", with minimal twist. When I bought my current boat, the jib was hopelessly stretched and wouldn't even sheet in fully, so I factored the price of a new sail into my offer. From a distance, the other Ranger 245 shown in this video, would probably benefit significantly from a new jib.

Laughing Gnome Interesting, food for thought thank you.

First of all, I really love the Ranger 245. My answer to your question, however, is - "it depends..." If I'm on my own (at 6 ft), my preference is to use the front berth. As a double, however, the anchor well drain restricts the usable length on the port side. If whoever lies on the port side is not very tall, it's probably fine. The other thing to consider is that with the forehatch and front windows directly above this berth, it's really bright. I have a blackout blind , so I can dose on after the sun rises!

Laughing Gnome thank you. I’m hoping to be able to get a look at one just to check it out. I had my doubts that the front was usable at all. In all the videos I’ve seen it looked tiny. Sounds like it’s bigger than it looks though. Thank you.

@@SurgeMMO I was at the boat last night / today, so I ran a tape measure over the front berth - overall length is 78", max width is 66". The intrusion of the anchorwell drain (portside) starts 56" from the head of the berth (half bulkhead). Hope that helps...

Laughing Gnome very helpful thank you. If you sail to Northern Ireland make sure to get in touch!