Cruising
From time to time new laws and regulations relating to the operation of pleasure craft are added to the Small Vessel Regulations and are also added to the key learning points required to pass the test for the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC).
Read more: New Laws and Regulations That Apply to Pleasure...
The seasoned sailor mapped out an ambitious course around the world — aboard his 28-foot Bristol Channel Cutter yacht dubbed Pixie, Norrie would sail away from Vancouver Island to the Southern Ocean for a year-long solo circumnavigation of the planet.
As boat builders clamber to create ever-bigger platforms for ever-more generous budgets, the entry-level cruiser has become an elusive animal. Sure, if you want to daysail, there are plenty of small open boats from which to choose, but if you want a freshly built pocket cruiser, you’re in for a long search.
Read more: Sneak Peek: Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 Little Big Yacht
Is one better than the other? What are the different advantages and disadvantages of the two sail styles? And what should you get on your boat?
In Parts 1 and 2 we discussed fiberglass and gelcoat. This time, we’ll explore the ways that epoxy can be used aboard.
Building on our last two editions (Sealants, and Fibreglass, respectively), Gelcoat is the next logical progression – that is, the outer part of the hull and decks. Gelcoat serves two main purposes: To protect the fiberglass beneath it, and to give a cosmetic finish as the outer layer of construction.
Last edition we talked about sealants to perform tasks like bedding and sealing. Other tasks like bonding, gluing, encapsulating and strengthening can be done using fiberglass, and the various resins available to saturate it.
After a successful R2Ak and regatta season in 2019, I felt that Pitoraq was due for a major maintenance catch-up.
