SCAMP Sails!

[Editors]

SCAMP had a successful launch and first sea trial.

Below is a letter we sent to designer John Welsford:

Ahoy John!

Pleased to report SCAMP not only floats, but she sails like a dream. We launched today around 15:00 and SCAMP floated free of her temporary trailer and immediately found a balanced trim. She sat high in the water with no ballast, gear or crew aboard. Two of us climbed aboard with SCAMP tugging at her painter.

Winds were very light so we decided to go sans ballast and with all 100 sq ft showing. After a few strokes with the oars (she rows surprisingly well—even with two aboard) we set the balanced lug and were off. As expected the rig was a fantastic, and so simple to keep happy. A little downhaul adjustment here and there would clear up any wrinkles quickly.

We were also pleased with a few of the extra lines we rigged (a topping lift/lazy jack and some others)—the result being a sail that can be raised and lowered with the sail and both spars captured at both ends and off the decks. Very smooth.

The ergonomics aboard the little yacht are truly remarkable. Lots of room in the cockpit, but everything falls easily to hand. Seating is comfortable, and two people don't bang knees like they would on a lot of bigger boats. The "veranda" served its purposes well. As the sun was dropping and it started to cool off, I slid forward with my legs under (and body against) the veranda and I felt totally out of the wind but still right in the action. When I opened the stowage cabin locker to bring out some of my electronics, I didn't even have to think about them being exposed to the elements.

Under sail she seemed to point well but we didn't try for any measurements. Will take a closer look when we get some wind. Wind was right off the beach and we were able to sail all the way back even in the light air. If our quick assumption was accurate, SCAMP's lug is on its "compromised" side, with the sail pushing into the mast, on the same tack where the board is on what would be its "best" side. There seemed to be only a minor difference on tacks, and the "good" sail shape tack seemed to be a bit faster.

We're looking forward to some better wind and a chance to fill the tank. We'd planned to do it anyway today but ran out of time having fun out there.

Thanks again for your great work.

Best,
Josh

[wdscobie]

EXCELLENT!

[Editors]

Much different conditions for today's sea trials. SCAMP was very impressive throughout—predictable, reliable and capable.

[David G]

Wonderful!

I've been following with interest, and it's lovely to see how she looks and hear how she performs.

[boatmik]

Looks lovely and buoyant on the water.

A nice bit of breeze too. If she behaved well in that - it is an excellent start.

MIK

[Sailhavasu]

Josh,

Wow, she looks fantastic. Quite a breeze there ad she looks to be handling it just fine! In true Welsford Style ...seems she's already showing off her heritage! Bravo!!! I want one!!

Sean

[wdscobie]

I want one!!

you are a boat collecter sean. SCAMP, M17 FD, M8 (you did really sell this boat or do you have it hidden in a secret boat yard? ), and an M23.

i'm tellin' jo!!

[Editors]

Thanks for the kind words all.

Sean, SCAMP is a perfect tender for your 23

[wdscobie]

anyone take video of the second day's (force 5) sail? would be interested to see SCAMP's motion in the seas and reaction to the wind & gusts.

[Editors]

Unfortunately we didn't have a chance to get a videographer on scene. Things were sort of last minute as were trying to assess conditions and get rigged and launched. I was very pleased with her motion and handling. She's a little cork, so she bounced around some, but she didn't get pushed off or stopped by any of the waves, and she never failed to come through a tack promptly. And most importantly she wasn't twitchy—she never did anything dramatic. We didn't find ourselves having to round up quickly or jump to windward. It was easy to forget we were in an 11' 11" boat that's for sure. —Josh