Just an update, I went sailing with her at Coalhouse Fort in East Tilbury a few weeks ago and nearly lost her. There were about 14 of us all with quite large yachts and we had been sailing all day. Lovely water - its an old moat- so shaped like a bananna. About 100 yards wide and 400 yards long with good access on one side and natural banks with concrete errosion blocks on the other.
About 3.30pm out of a blue sky we were hit with a gale and all the yachts were blown flat and uncontrollable, missing each other by inches. She shot off accross the lake and I could not steer her and she went straight towards the concrete and rubble bank opposite which was about 100 yards away. About 15 feet from impact the wind must have bounced back from the bank and allowed her to right herself at which point the rudder bit and she turned round. Still out of control she headed back towards me and about halfway accross she was hit by a harder gust and she dived back to the mast! The stern came up and there was a big splash and I thought that was it but she surfaced and survived. I was really surprised I didn't lose the mast!
Bottom line was too much sail but the weather had been everything from a flat calm to a gentle wind to a good breeze and then a gale so no chance to get her out.
I have to say I panicked a bit as I didn't want to see her smashed or sunk so soon after completion (or at all). In the event I had about 1/2 cup of water inside her. Overall the day was brilliant but a little too exciting towards the end!
All good fun and at least I don't have to worry about the strength of the mast/rigging anymore!
Happy sailing
Geoff