Hi, we used to admire 'Katelee' when our BRe (Hirondelle) was parked next to her in the boat park at Northney. We moved to Chichester Marina last year so still love the harbour. This is a lovely little vide and as we are currently in January and in yet another lockdown, it was really nice to see this and dream of returning to the water in the springtime once we are allowed. Maybe we will see you on the water next year. All the best and thanks for sharing - Debbie
Nice day out. Great sailing area. Pity you couldn’t overnight, that is what was crying out to me! Anchored and dried out with the Curlews. Sunset and sunrise with a simple meal, possibly a glass or two. You missed the best bit, that completes that size of craft. Perhaps at that time in 2020 you were not allowed? But good work on the Americas Cup, enjoying your analysis.
WE are looking at buying a swallow BayRaider expedition what do you think it's like for a beginner? We will be sailing on the dart to start with as that's where we've had lessons. But I can see you that sailed in Chichester harbour - how safe is that for beginners?
I would say it is pretty ideal. The rig and controls are very simple and the boat is very stable with the weight centreboard and water ballast. The only slightly fiddly / unusual bit is trimming the mizzen sail to maintain good balance on the steering, but it's not critical and you'll get the hang of it.
As a dinghy sailor, I was wondering what you think of how the Bayraider sails? I'm interested in small boats that sail well and my previous boat (Jeanneau Sun 2000) is supposed to be one of the better sailers, but to my mind wasn't particularly rewarding. Bayraiders seem well rated, but that is from what I would call cruising types, rather than dinghy types.
Well, it's not a racing dinghy and that's where most of my dinghy sailing has been. But, with the mizzen sail the helm is nicely balanced. Key to good upwind speed is reefing early and using the water ballast. Off the wind it's quite quick, not sure the spinnaker adds much. The sail controls are quite basic and a little underpowered. But really you need to be de-powering with the reef. The main sheeting really could do with a traveller, but it's simplicity keeps the cockpit very clean. The carbon mast is a nice touch to keep the weight aloft down, and gives the weighted centreboard and water ballast less to do. The wooden boom kind of surprised me, but it's flex, especially with centre sheeting, adds a bit of gust response.
@@MozzySails Thanks for that. Sounds like it is quite tender, but I guess that is natural given the lack of width and low, heavy ballast. The important bit in what you say is helm balance. I race dinghies myself and don't mind tenderness as long as you are rewarded with feel, which is not always there in small cruising boats.
It's not that noticable. Obviously it's a small boat and a small hatch. The front cabin is only slightly lower than the cockpit, so you can't walk down in to it, and instead have to crawl forward.
Beautiful little boat.
Such a lovely boat, seen it is now for sale on swallow yachts brokerage!
Hi, we used to admire 'Katelee' when our BRe (Hirondelle) was parked next to her in the boat park at Northney. We moved to Chichester Marina last year so still love the harbour. This is a lovely little vide and as we are currently in January and in yet another lockdown, it was really nice to see this and dream of returning to the water in the springtime once we are allowed. Maybe we will see you on the water next year. All the best and thanks for sharing - Debbie
Super little cruise, you've even converted my wife !
Nice, I have my little 19footer at Thornham Marina! Got to love Chichester :) tides aren’t looking good for this weekend :(
I love Thornham and Prinsted. There's plenty to explore around the harbour, but getting the tides right is pretty critical for a small creeks.
Nice day out. Great sailing area. Pity you couldn’t overnight, that is what was crying out to me! Anchored and dried out with the Curlews. Sunset and sunrise with a simple meal, possibly a glass or two. You missed the best bit, that completes that size of craft. Perhaps at that time in 2020 you were not allowed? But good work on the Americas Cup, enjoying your analysis.
Unfortunately this was before being allowed to stay away from home overnight. Hopefully 2021 will give us further opportunities!
Tacking up that channel hard work, been there, done that. But not in Idle as she would be way too tough.
WE are looking at buying a swallow BayRaider expedition what do you think it's like for a beginner? We will be sailing on the dart to start with as that's where we've had lessons. But I can see you that sailed in Chichester harbour - how safe is that for beginners?
I would say it is pretty ideal. The rig and controls are very simple and the boat is very stable with the weight centreboard and water ballast.
The only slightly fiddly / unusual bit is trimming the mizzen sail to maintain good balance on the steering, but it's not critical and you'll get the hang of it.
@@MozzySails thanks very useful to independent view - need to start saving £ and looking for one to buy
Idyllic!
As a dinghy sailor, I was wondering what you think of how the Bayraider sails? I'm interested in small boats that sail well and my previous boat (Jeanneau Sun 2000) is supposed to be one of the better sailers, but to my mind wasn't particularly rewarding. Bayraiders seem well rated, but that is from what I would call cruising types, rather than dinghy types.
Well, it's not a racing dinghy and that's where most of my dinghy sailing has been. But, with the mizzen sail the helm is nicely balanced. Key to good upwind speed is reefing early and using the water ballast. Off the wind it's quite quick, not sure the spinnaker adds much.
The sail controls are quite basic and a little underpowered. But really you need to be de-powering with the reef. The main sheeting really could do with a traveller, but it's simplicity keeps the cockpit very clean.
The carbon mast is a nice touch to keep the weight aloft down, and gives the weighted centreboard and water ballast less to do. The wooden boom kind of surprised me, but it's flex, especially with centre sheeting, adds a bit of gust response.
@@MozzySails Thanks for that. Sounds like it is quite tender, but I guess that is natural given the lack of width and low, heavy ballast. The important bit in what you say is helm balance. I race dinghies myself and don't mind tenderness as long as you are rewarded with feel, which is not always there in small cruising boats.
Interested how hard it is to get into the cabin with the centerboard trunk the way it is?
It's not that noticable. Obviously it's a small boat and a small hatch. The front cabin is only slightly lower than the cockpit, so you can't walk down in to it, and instead have to crawl forward.
Sweet boat! Is it yours? Or are you just borrowing? Cute dog too!
It's the in-laws boat. Perfect for harbour cruising. Obviously I think the dog is very cute too, but I'm very biased!
Mozzy Sails Makes a nice switch from all the fast skiff sailing. But more fast skiff sailing too please!