Yesterday I flew out to St. Petersburg in pretty bad weather. Got to
the 35s5 by noon. The full survey was wrapping up, but there was still
the rig inspection, haul out and final sea trial.
All went perfectly, but winds were building to 20 knots and gusting
higher almost on cue as we dropped the boat back into the water. This
would be the first time I got to sail the 35s5 in heavier air. GOOD
GOLLY!!! This boat is FAST!!! I knew she was fast from two previous
sails, but this was off the hook. The boat rocketed along on a close
reach under reefed main. We fell off an I popped the 110. WHAM! I can
see why people usually sail these things without a genoa. Coming away
from the slip in something like 10 kts we hovered around 5 knots of
boat speed, but now we were powering past 7 with surges to 9 at times.
"That's nothing!" The owner said. He instructed me to crack off a bit
and we were FLYING!!! The gusts were all over the place and the sea
state building a bit, but damned if we didn't top 11 knots when I had
her in the groove.
There is some laminate damage to the main, so a price adjustment was
made. The mylar 110 and 150 were in great shape but dirty...and I've
been told we can't clean them. The Doyle and North Chutes looked to be
unused. A nice price allowance was made for the main and we signed the
contracts back at the dock. There was no time to get the mast stepped
as planned, so that will happen a bit later as we arrange to have her
trucked home.
We're really thrilled with this boat. All that speed and fun....and
then you have to pinch yourself because that beautiful interior is
below.
The only bad thing was...my flight back to LaGuardia was delayed after
a very long day.

Robert B
Beneteau 35s5
NY