The Darbryl fleet put to sea today for testing in high wind conditions. In a footy force 4, gusting 9 both boats performed admirably. It was the first opportunity to trial both boats in high winds, as their inital sea trials where under very light conditions.
Darbryl was using her new C rig and showed a very good turn of pace. Darbryl2 on the other hand was using her standard rig. "We saw Darbryl2 submarine an entire hull, with the second hull pitching slightly out of the water. We don't think we are ever going to see her up on 1 hull entirely though, which is a shame" said Team Boss, T-Bag. Following the trials the Team engineer said he was considering the need for a weighted keel - "We saw both hulls pitch right under water, well past the mast step and she wasn't anywhere close to pitch-poling", he said.
Overall the results where pleasing, with just a slight rudder modification needed on Darbryl - this work is now complete, so both boats are ready for their first competitive race next week!
Mrs T-Bag also took the helm for a while and proved to be a natural - she should make an able skipper for Darbryl.
The only down point of the day was the heavy squall that the team where subjected to, just before getting back to the boat shed.
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