Post by j99wilkin on Sept 9, 2013 13:41:27 GMT
I am thinking of buying a Gypsy and recently went for a trial sail in Gypsy Go Well. Although I'm still hoping to be convinced that I should take the plunge, I was at the time a little disappointed by the handling under sail that day. My concern was about the heavy weather helm even after reefing the mainsail.
I am wondering about balance and what Gypsy owners have managed to achieve in this respect. I was particularly impressed by the Oyster which I sailed with James from Norfolk Etc and we were able to go rudderless with no problem. I suppose it might be too much to hope for similar handling characteristics in the Gypsy but I feel that it ought to be much nearer to this ideal than it seemed to be on the day that I sailed in F3/4 on Blakeney Harbour.
I should explain that I am a dinghy sailor with ambitions to go further afield than I was able to in my cruising Wayfarer which I sailed for quite a few years
My objective in acquiring a boat like the Gypsy would be to sail the North Norfolk coast, the Wash and eventually the Humber, mainly singlehanded. It seems to me that a centre boarder like the Gypsy would be perfect for what I have in mind but it has to be a pleasure to handle under sail. I accept that, as a dinghy sailor, I have some skills to hone before I head for anywhere far from home. Blakeney Harbour looks to me like the perfect water for getting that stuff sorted before venturing further.
The other options I need to consider and try out are the Shrimper and possibly the Cape Cutter.
I am wondering if there might be Gypsy owners who would be willing to show me a boat which is set up a bit closer to my ideal. Alternatively, I would be delighted to hear the views of those who have some experience with the Gypsy.
Your thoughts and advice would be very welcome.
John
I am wondering about balance and what Gypsy owners have managed to achieve in this respect. I was particularly impressed by the Oyster which I sailed with James from Norfolk Etc and we were able to go rudderless with no problem. I suppose it might be too much to hope for similar handling characteristics in the Gypsy but I feel that it ought to be much nearer to this ideal than it seemed to be on the day that I sailed in F3/4 on Blakeney Harbour.
I should explain that I am a dinghy sailor with ambitions to go further afield than I was able to in my cruising Wayfarer which I sailed for quite a few years
My objective in acquiring a boat like the Gypsy would be to sail the North Norfolk coast, the Wash and eventually the Humber, mainly singlehanded. It seems to me that a centre boarder like the Gypsy would be perfect for what I have in mind but it has to be a pleasure to handle under sail. I accept that, as a dinghy sailor, I have some skills to hone before I head for anywhere far from home. Blakeney Harbour looks to me like the perfect water for getting that stuff sorted before venturing further.
The other options I need to consider and try out are the Shrimper and possibly the Cape Cutter.
I am wondering if there might be Gypsy owners who would be willing to show me a boat which is set up a bit closer to my ideal. Alternatively, I would be delighted to hear the views of those who have some experience with the Gypsy.
Your thoughts and advice would be very welcome.
John