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Jerry Cox · 25-07-2009, 21:56

I was involved in a discussion a while back on this site with regard to the sailing abilities etc of Bruce Roberts Spray's.
I had purchased a Gaff Cutter in Greenwich and intended to bring her to Greece where I live.
Well..I did just that. I had her trucked to Marseille..to Port Napoleon. This was by far the most professional and well run yard that I have ever seen.
Then to Corsica..had a damper plate failure..fixed it..then to Sicily...on to Methoni.

The boat was absolutely superb. She handled bad weather..which we encountered most of the time..very well and I stayed dry without a dodger. She seemed to shoulder the waves out of the way!. We averaged 5 knots on 1200 miles and at one point were surfing in the high 8's. She also pointed reasonably well for a shoal draft boat. The sails needed to be trimmed just right and when I found the best set up she sailed herself. You need to be alert for weather changes as the gaff rig can be a handfull when short handed.
So..anyone thinking these boats are slow slouches...well they are most definately not. Of course it depends on the set up and all but I am so pleased with mine. She looks good... Has loads of space...very comfortable..and I got her for an amazing price.

Now comes the fun part..I am setting up a charter business here in Methoni. Talk about sailing into a storm. Greek beaurocracy is just appalling...Any tips on this one welcome...I am getting there but very slowly.
Cheers