For a while now, I've been searching for video of a Melanesia under way. It would be so helpful to see the rig in action, to see somebody using a steering oar, to see the details of somebody else's finished boat. But there were none... until a few days ago. Here's Youtube user andy4us's video, taken during a sea trial in his almost-finished Melanesia:
Hi Rich,
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this video. Shame there wasn't more wind but I understand, first sail, camera and all.
The way the ama skimmed was encouraging - I would've expected it to submarine and drag. Moderate breeze conditions might be different, but for now I am happy to see it go so well.
Was that an enclosed for' hatch?
Terry-
ReplyDeleteYes, I believe he's enclosed both ends with bulkheads and hatches. I've seen that on a couple of other Melanesia builds as well. It's a tempting modification, though I'm not sure it's worth the trouble compared to other methods of providing emergency flotation.
Also, his spar is alarmingly low. I think he's using the sprit rig, rather than the crab claw sail, but I can't quite confirm that from this video.