Some more videos posted, short ones for those with dialup, like me, and longer ones for those with faster connections (or more patience).
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1101680Well, I've foundered twice, recovered the boat both times. Both occurred due to squalls hitting too much sail, the usual way topsail schooners went down (including the replica, "Pride of Baltimore"). Topsail schooners were always at risk for capsize, and mine is no different. Actually, a lot of the fun of square-riggers, to me, is adjusting the sail to match the conditions. I don't deliberately set out with too much sail; the winds can come up quick in Montana. I've choosen the right sails for 8 out of 10 cruises
.
This afternoon's cruise was 20 minutes of light wind (5mph) (all sails set, nice tacks and wears), followed by 5 minutes of joystick clenching heavy weather tension (15 gust to 17mph). I could not tack (knocked down, could not spill enough wind off the forward sails to get her to headup). But I got her to wear in a lull, and headed back to my side of the pond. She never went down, but was full of water. I'm not sure if she would float as a waterlogged hulk, or not. Both founderings reached shore w/o the hull disappearing, but I don't know if there was an air bubble keeping her afloat. There is very little room below decks for foam, what with the servo arms and running rigging needing clear space. But I will see if I can stuff in some foam for insurance. I'm drying out the RC gear now, just like last time, *grin*.
The whaleboat deployed it's 20' of line, just like last time, so I'd have had a buoy to the wreck, if she had gone down.
I never can find the first mate when the wind picks up, so the videos are all of light wind action.