SUNDOWNER Y86 east coast Australia

[rob.lovelace]

Moruya to Batemans Bay was a breeze. Had to leave early to catch high tide to get out then I got 10-15kts all the way up past tollgate islands to the north side of the bay then tack back and bring her in behind snapper island and wait for high tide to get in. Nice and easy, I wish they were all like this.

[rob.lovelace]

Bateman Bay to Nelligen and return.
the trip up the Clyde river was great, I spent a couple of days up there in the sun and came back down yesterday. The Pacific Hwy bridge opens twice a day for the ferry and I followed it through. on the return I rafted up at the public jetty and couldn't sleep with the incoming tide threatening to break the lines and send me on my way under the bridge for a de rig. Apparently one yacht a month breaks its mooring and goes under. Tonight I'm anchored on the north side of BB in chain bay to get an early start for a run up to Jervis Bay tomorrow.

[Troppo]

Ya certainly covering some territory Rob.

Have fun

Troppo

[rob.lovelace]

Batemans Bay to Ulladulla
15kt southerly with following sea. Man I hate it from behind the boat is so hard to balance. I've seen top hats with a rudder modified as a fin right at the back to try and make it run better. Anyway it looked like a 30kt blow was coming in and the bloody current was knocking my 5kt boat speed down to 3.8kt COG so I've ducked in to Ulladulla Harbour for a spell before Jervis Bay.

[MelF]

They say 'gentlemen never go to windward', but like you Rob, I dislike downhill sailing. Feels more like surfing than sailing...

[rob.lovelace]

Ulladulla to Jervis Bay
man what a day, 30kt winds and 20ft waves. I couldn't get any steering device to do any work for me because I was surfing and getting it sideways all day. it was the longest 6 hours of my life. Great to be at the hole in the wall. I have abut of a look around the bay tomorrow/

I am reading all the replys btw thanks

[bornfreee]

Hey Rob you probably know this already, but since we both are using the same steering device have you tried using only the head sail to pull you along the fleming loves that also try the smallest sail you would think you need it really surprises me how fast the yacht keeps sailing after reducing the sails

[rob.lovelace]

yeah thanks I'll try that ( headsail alone) The christianson did that. I was just saying the other day that Phil George should put a forum on his fleming site so owners can share notes. I know how she often goes faster with less sail .

[di_namic42]

I would like to know more about how u like the Fleming and how it suits the top hat
Do u have an autohelm as well? Apparently some have autohelm for lighter wind days and wind vane for stronger wind days.

I have been considering a fleming. There was one sold on eBay for $1800 last month, in supposedly good condition. As I didn't have a boat yet I restrained myself, just.

[rob.lovelace]

I love the Fleming it's small and light and well made. I will set an autohelm up on it when I have some time but ATM I'm just using the autohelm in low wind conditions. I've tried the Aries but I found it to heavy. there are a few different models so if you're buying secondhand make sure it suits your boat.