by John McLachlan » Sat Apr 09, 2011 6:00 pm
When I brought my Tophat from Brisbane to Bundaberg at the end of 2007 it blew on the nose the whole way. At times 40 knots or so (allow for some exageration, but I have a fair idea of wind strength). From half way up past Bribie Island to Mooloolaba it really blew and we mainly motored the whole way with a bit of steading sail, triple reefed main. Off Caloundra to Mooloolaba to Point Cartwright it was really stong with short high seas and the 8hp Yamaha never missed a beat. In fact we averaged 5 knots at about 1/2 - 3/4 throttle. My brother who has done quite a bit of ocean sailing was mightily impressed. B asically the whole trip was done under motor, either no wind or too much and always from the wrong direction. I was on a bit of a limited time frame so couldn't muck about. I am also no real novice, started sailing in 1963 inn Sabots and have actually lost count of the boats I've had since but have sailed singlehanded to the Whitsundays from Brisbane in the late 80's on a Bluebird. On the Tophat wouldn't swap the outboard for inboard diesel at all. Only trouble with models after Mark 1 is having to lift in and out of the well.