Discretion proves to be the better part of valour, for one solo Dragonfly skipper. Tempted out, by twenty five, gusting thirty, knots of breeze, for a spot of speed sailing. But, perhaps not anticipating the boisterous sea state associated with a south easterly. To which this corner of Pevensey Bay is fully open.
My thought provoking trimaran test sail, last autumn (See Baptism) was aboard a sister ship. It had left some unanswered questions. Which predominantly related to how such high speed craft might handle stronger winds and open water. This is my opportunity to find out.
I watch as the folding trimaran's port float is extended, in the calm of the lock. (Her beam would exceed the gate width, were she to deploy both.) With seas breaking in the Sovereign Harbour entrance, and her skipper fully occupied at the helm, the starboard float must remain folded. Until flatter water can be found further out.
Conditions at the Safe Water Mark are, if anything, even more lively. The very term an oxymoron. For outbound vessels at least. The doughty Dragonfly displays gratifying stability in her catamaran configuration. As she swoops over the swell and plumbs the depths of the troughs.
An about turn is soon executed. Tail to wind and wave, the Dragonfly's motion eases. Her light weight enabling her to surf. With just the windage of her spars and the, relatively puny, power of her outboard to propel her. The wise and seamanlike decision has been taken, to seek sanctuary.
My questions, about heavy airs Dragonfly handling, must wait for their answers. Certainly, none will be forthcoming today. When the breeze is moderating and veering east. For, the Dragonfly's aborted takeoff happened yesterday. Before a change in the weather.
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