Typically you wouldn't think it prudent to shakedown a new boat with a "sail test" reviewer at the helm. Fortunately the John Welsford 6M Whaler is a sound design and after a few adjustments, Angie of Bridgwater put on a great show.

We left the harbour at Lyme Regis on Angie's 4hp outboard (mounted in a well) and despite the light air, she was soon under sail and getting the first wash of salt water over her teak decks. The lug yawl rig needed a bit of tuning, and she felt light without the 108 Kg of lead ballast blocks we forgot at the workshop, but she handled well and the space on board made for a very pleasant outing.

In the low afternoon light, Peter Chesworth produced a terrific set of photos documenting Angie's first sail. You can see them, and read Dick Phillips' review, in WC No. 68. If you missed the issue and would like a copy of the review, please get in touch.

[ Go to: 6M Whaler Specification ]

In the high winds of March, Winkle the first Wee Seal to roll out of our workshop, was put to the test by Judy Brickhill of Water Craft Magazine.

Winkle was delivered to her owners in July 2005, as a complete and finshed hull. In the following months, Owen and Becci completed her interior fit out, installed her rigging and made her ready for launch in October 2005. Just in time for the close of the season.

When Pete Greenfield, Editor of Water Craft, proposed a sail test in March, after only a few weekends on the water, we had our reservations, but the result couldn't have been better.

In the words of Judy Brickhill - "...it was a pretty stiff test for the diminutive Winkle and she came through like a little trooper."

Pick up a copy of Water Craft No. 57, to read the full sail test. Or if you've missed the issue at the newsagent, contact us for a copy of the article.

[ Go to: Wee Seal Specification ]