WOW ! I flew my Drifter for the first time

Morgan Paul · 17-07-2008, 06:56

Yesterday the winds crapped out. So I furled up the heavy genoa jib, pulled up the drifter (free floating luff) and started to move for the first time in really light wind. WOW I was moving at 2 knots in winds to light to hold open the genoa.

I got the sail when I purchased the boat. It is was torn and needed repair. I am glad I repaired it and got it to work.

Thanks to svTOTEM for the advce given in this thread:
Storm Staysail, silly idea?

Paul

**Hud3** · 17-07-2008, 08:07

Haha! Fun, isn't it? Wait until you try it in 10-15 kts. The power is amazing!

Boomp · 31-08-2008, 11:00

I tried mine for the first time last Saturday and was impressed. It was great. Used it in 12 mph winds Friday and passed another sailboat for the first time! My boat does not do that...30' Morgan OI. Not sure about using it today w 20 mph winds though...

senormechanico · 31-08-2008, 11:22

I can't speak for others, but my drifter is rated for 12 knots apparent.
I've flown it in 15 on smooth water, but it becomes a handful to furl unless I turn off the wind and blanket it with the main.

Steve B.

mikereed100 · 07-09-2008, 07:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by senormechanico

I can't speak for others, but my drifter is rated for 12 knots apparent.
I've flown it in 15 on smooth water, but it becomes a handful to furl unless I turn off the wind and blanket it with the main.

Steve B.

Wow Steve! That's awesome! How do you do it?

Mike

ssullivan · 07-09-2008, 10:08

That's great, Paul! COOL!

You'll love using the drifter in your area... If I recall, there are plenty of times in the middle of the summer that it will come in handy. (same story up where I am now)

You'll have a lot more fun going downwind now!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Morgan Paul

Yesterday the winds crapped out. So I furled up the heavy genoa jib, pulled up the drifter (free floating luff) and started to move for the first time in really light wind. WOW I was moving at 2 knots in winds to light to hold open the genoa.

I got the sail when I purchased the boat. It is was torn and needed repair. I am glad I repaired it and got it to work.

Thanks to svTOTEM for the advce given in this thread:
Storm Staysail, silly idea?

Paul

rebel heart · 07-09-2008, 21:40

I've been talking up drifters whenever I can. Such a great sail. In San Diego we'll have weeks go by where the wind never breaks 15k. Hell, months maybe.

17-07-2008, 06:56	#1
Morgan Paul Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Boat: 1973 Morgan 36T Posts: 611 Images: 10	WOW ! I flew my Drifter for the first time Yesterday the winds crapped out. So I furled up the heavy genoa jib, pulled up the drifter (free floating luff) and started to move for the first time in really light wind. WOW I was moving at 2 knots in winds to light to hold open the genoa. I got the sail when I purchased the boat. It is was torn and needed repair. I am glad I repaired it and got it to work. Thanks to svTOTEM for the advce given in this thread: Storm Staysail, silly idea? Paul

17-07-2008, 08:07	#2
Hud3 Administrator Site Administrator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Nevis, West Indies Boat: Island Packet 380 "The Belle of Virginia" Posts: 1,966 Images: 11	Haha! Fun, isn't it? Wait until you try it in 10-15 kts. The power is amazing! __________________ Hud s/y The Belle of Viriginia, IP 380 Nevis, West Indies

31-08-2008, 11:00	#3
Boomp Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: So.Shore, Massachusetts Boat: Morgan OI 30' Itinerant Posts: 68	I tried mine for the first time last Saturday and was impressed. It was great. Used it in 12 mph winds Friday and passed another sailboat for the first time! My boat does not do that...30' Morgan OI. Not sure about using it today w 20 mph winds though... __________________ A man who is not afraid of the sea will soon be drowned, he said, for he will be going out on a day he shouldn't. But we do be afraid of the sea, and we only be drowned now and again. J.M.Synge, in The Aran Islands

07-09-2008, 21:40	#7
rebel heart Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: San Diego Boat: Hans Christian 36 Posts: 796 Images: 3	I've been talking up drifters whenever I can. Such a great sail. In San Diego we'll have weeks go by where the wind never breaks 15k. Hell, months maybe. __________________ Keep the water on the outside, you on the inside, and the stick in the air. http://rebelheart.squarespace.com

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31-08-2008, 11:22	#4
senormechanico Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Whidbey Island WA Boat: Dragonfly 1000 trimaran Posts: 795	I can't speak for others, but my drifter is rated for 12 knots apparent. I've flown it in 15 on smooth water, but it becomes a handful to furl unless I turn off the wind and blanket it with the main. Steve B.

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