G'day Simon
Thanks for your reply, I will
endeavour to answer some of your questions.
Yes I did install the new
Volvo engine after the anti syphon valve failed and allowed
water to back drain into the old
engine which had 4000 hours and was in good condition---so please
lift that valve further around and high, maybe under the
cockpit combing might be a good idea
Yes I did sell the
boat to John Freeman and also he received
books on the history of Taurus, so I hope it has all stayed with her.
The rig, which I doubt John replaced is the
boats original, the previous and first one was a fractional and to quote Geoff, it has an unfortunate
accident and fell
overboard after being launched--- she was then set up with the
current masthead rig.
Having sailed since 10 years old from Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron and having owned a number of yachts I can say without any doubt after owning/racing and cruising her for 17 years, she was the best sailing
boat I have been on---no vices, a witch to windward (almost unbeatable) and a great surfer.
You should note that all her fittings are oversize as this is related to her ballast/displacement ratio, meaning she will carry her
sails into the highest
wind range and put enormous stress on fittings and rigging---don't go for
cheap and light---she will blow them up---I have bent
winch handles over the combing, ripped metal
winch bases in half and even blown the odd nut off winch bolts.
I did plan to buy her back from John and do a full refit but business then
retirement and age got in the way.
I still love her, I hope you do too and that she talks to you the way she did to me
If you want to contact me or if I can help with anything during the refit I can be reached on 0411887633
Kind regards and good sailing