Man, what a show this video. Could you please share where I can purchase the plans to build a boat like this? I would be very grateful for that information. if you are ever sailing through Brazil, call me. big hug
Cracking video and I love the fact you didn't edit out the dink on the bottom. The Shetland Islands are stunning (I work offshore and have passed through them a few times) with some fabulous beaches, crystal clear water and some great pubs. Bonnie Scotland at its best. Keep the videos coming! Cheers, Chris
very inspiring video. I have built a few row boats and my love of water is growing. I am thinking about getting a Dinghy to learn sailing and explore the waters around my area.
nice video ( I didn't mind the music) I'm getting my first mirror in a couple of weeks ( a fix it up old banger,) only planning to do some lake sailing on lough Ree in the centre of Ireland, cant wait , all I have to now do is learn how to sail!
fantastic! looks cold, just about to buy a Mirror for my kids to learm in and for (me to have some fun too!) Hoping it'll be a bit warmer here in New South Wales though :) thanks for posting
love the video its just like being out in the boat with you . i have a mirror that i am painting up .been outside for 5 years now red outside of boat white inside . .
i'm torn between making my own dinghy whether a nesting pram by chesapeake or this mirror dinghy. with this vid seems now i'm convinced on making a mirror dinghy.
Hi Bill, Thanks for your comment! music credits should be in the description, may need to click 'Show more' to get them above. Cheers again! Cat Empire -Days Like These Manu Chao- Bongo Bong Amy Macdonald- Caledonia
Great video and loved those two quirky tracks followed by the last wrap up one. I'm just about to buy a dinghy I can go solo with. Have you ever sailed a Heron solo and if so how does it compare with the Mirror? I'm also looking at a Miracle, similar to the Mirror but a bit larger, however, not many of those down here in Australia.
Thanks! I don't think the Mirror would get too far without me being in it. I personally wouldn't recommend securing yourself to a small un-ballasted dinghy like a Mirror just in case it rolls over on you and your tether, running rigging foils etc, prevents you from clearing the upturned hull. I would recommend hanging on to the main-sheet like your life depends on it and the dinghy won't get too far away from you. Perhaps larger ballasted dinghy's may have a place for harness and lifelines. Cheers again.
kayakmaneuan Good answer. I have a 12 ft hard dinghy and I tie myself to the boat via a long tether. Some say a 6 ft tether should be maximum on a small boat but I tie myself on with double this length for my own peace of mind. I suppose it is down to the operator of each boat at the end of the day.
+130June With a conventional balanced rig the boat should round up to windward if left to its own devices. Or capsize. There may some value in trailing a floating line behind the boat if single-handing. (I don't).
Great video and serious sailing with that chop and white caps. You must be a confident sailor to attempt that solo, have you ever capsized on one of your cruises? I invested in an inflatable bouncy cushion which In saw in msf60khz video, and it was a life saver when I got flattened by a "southerly buster", safest place was in the water with the mirror on its side and the mast being held up by the cushion. The first thing I did was swap the main sheet block and its jam cleats for a ratchet block, I didn't have time to release it and over I went. I look forward to any future videos from you well done.
Hi Somerton, thanks for your comments! I've not capsized my Mirror yet, but I'm sure it will happen soon enough and I'm prepared for it! When I was younger I had a Laser and capsized it on a regular basis, I remember being told 'If you don't capsize your not trying hard enough!" It looks choppy on the way back, but theres a bit of wind over tide action causing the heaped sea. When planning a short cruise I always have a 'Plan B' if the wind gets up and I can't make progress to windward, I can always run to a safe 'harbour' (slipway/beach). Thats the theory anyway...
Hi Steve, the text book answer is to roll up a sailbag within the mailsail and boom leaving the drawstring hanging out, and securing the kicking vang to the dangling drawstring. I prefer to roll the boom/mainsail with a bit of soft 10mm line as my sailbag drawstring is not strong enough . when the reefs are rolled and the line pulled taught, the vangs shackle can be attached to a stopper knot and tensioned as required. you can get a quick glimpse of the blue line at 4:14 . I should also mention, i have fitted a second gaff band on the gaff for putting in the reef. hope this helps! Happy New year!!!
Nice video!!! How many liles you think you can do in one day? ( not 24 hs, just one day of sailing, on an average wind and average sea conditions... you know what I mean, an aprox) Im glad no rocks were harmed.
Hi Owen, yes the blue line is essentially a crude topping lift, but not essential to reefing. It's main purpose is to stop the boom falling into the cockpit when dropping the main sail. It is useful when reefing the main, as it suspending the boom while squaring away sail prior to re-hoisting the main. When rowing/motoring the dinghy, with the gaff and sail tied to the boom I can pull the whole lot up with the main halyard and it comes in handy for this operation too. 'msf60khz' has a great video on his arrangement of the topping lift on his cruising Mirror. Cheers
Hi William, the jib is just bog standard, I'm just wrapping the jib sail around the forestay to reef. maybe not great for the sail or it's shape when reefed, but does the job with no need for extra bits and peices. Cheers!
Morning Mark, the text book answer is to roll up a sailbag within the mailsail and boom leaving the drawstring hanging out, and securing the kicking vang to the dangling drawstring. I prefer to roll the boom/mainsail with a bit of soft 10mm line as my sailbag drawstring is not strong enough . when the reefs are rolled and the line pulled taught, the vangs shackle can be attached to a stopper knot and tensioned as required. you can get a quick glimpse of the blue line at 4:14 . hope this helps!
That was awesome. Just picked up an old Mirror dinghy in Michigan and am looking forward to sailing her after some repairs. I didn't realize how versatile the boat is. From the video, you made the trip look easy. How long (duration) was the trip?
exactly. One of the great things about sailing is the sounds. sound of geese. sound of the waves. sound of the rudder humming when it picks up. sound of jib flapping while tacking.
Shetland looks like a sailor's paradise!
Man, what a show this video. Could you please share where I can purchase the plans to build a boat like this? I would be very grateful for that information. if you are ever sailing through Brazil, call me. big hug
An excellent mirror cruise very well captured and edited. It inspires many dinghy cruisers. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work buddy
Cracking video and I love the fact you didn't edit out the dink on the bottom. The Shetland Islands are stunning (I work offshore and have passed through them a few times) with some fabulous beaches, crystal clear water and some great pubs. Bonnie Scotland at its best. Keep the videos coming! Cheers, Chris
What I enjoyed was the design of the boat, the music, camera action,,,,and scenery!
More please. :+)
Cheers Bob! hope your boat building project is going well! ;-)
See you on the water Kayakman! ...One day!....maybe....There's a lot of water out there! Heehee! :+)
Great film. Really adventurous stuff in a Mirror. Just shows what a superb piece of design they are.
This is an excellent video! I loved the last credit.....
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing your experience.
It must be down to your experience as would never have thought a mirror dinghy would be so stable in such a swell. Great video.
Great video and adventure. I just start small boat sailing and think about cruising often. Thanks for sharing.
I greatly enjoyed this trip. I love those little sailboats. :-)
out of all the uploads ive seen that has to be the best at sea. you must be very good.
Good video. What a great location!
Thank you so much for taking us with you on this trip... I could almost taste the salt...;-)
very inspiring video. I have built a few row boats and my love of water is growing. I am thinking about getting a Dinghy to learn sailing and explore the waters around my area.
Thanks for the video - that trip really looks like a lot of fun!
Great video. Just started this year a few sails. In fact did a 10mile sail on Lough Neagh last week. Great wee boat.
Great video, great sailing, great music!
Nice to ride along. I like the boom cam.
Inspirational video. Haven't sailed in nearly 6 years and this has me lusting over dinghies online all over again.
bam "doh" another dent in the CB
always thought the Mirror was a big little dinghy
thanks for the posting
wayfarer sailor
Excellent video, great story, nice transitions and music! ...you would enjoy Georgian Bay!
i liked how you added the bit about the coffee at the end
nice video ( I didn't mind the music) I'm getting my first mirror in a couple of weeks ( a fix it up old banger,) only planning to do some lake sailing on lough Ree in the centre of Ireland, cant wait , all I have to now do is learn how to sail!
Your sense of adventure is on point. Sail on. ;-)
Fantastic video, cheers for posting. Great hat btw.
Chris Yorkston thanks, wife knitted hat for me, then I go and lose it whilst drunk kayaking on new years day... 😕
;-) ;-)
Really enjoyed the video, excellent sailing.
Everything to do with this video is Tremendous. Well done!
Fabulous video 😊👌 thank you
magnifique !👍
fantastic! looks cold, just about to buy a Mirror for my kids to learm in
and for (me to have some fun too!) Hoping it'll be a bit warmer here in New South Wales though :) thanks for posting
Thank you! I've got to say, your videos spurred me on to take more footage when out on the water! Cheers!
Thanks for sharing the video.
love the video its just like being out in the boat with you . i have a mirror that i am painting up .been outside for 5 years now red outside of boat white inside . .
Good Work! Congrats!
Thanks for sharing the video
Hey , very cool video! I love it :-)
just started sailing today in my mirror. i thought that what i was doing was nuts but going out in seas like that dam your nuts.
Very nice
i'm torn between making my own dinghy whether a nesting pram by chesapeake or this mirror dinghy. with this vid seems now i'm convinced on making a mirror dinghy.
Hi Bill, Thanks for your comment! music credits should be in the description, may need to click 'Show more' to get them above. Cheers again!
Cat Empire -Days Like These
Manu Chao- Bongo Bong
Amy Macdonald- Caledonia
Definately a like there... Rekindling my sailing urge.
Fantástico!
now that's what I want to do !
Great video and loved those two quirky tracks followed by the last wrap up one. I'm just about to buy a dinghy I can go solo with. Have you ever sailed a Heron solo and if so how does it compare with the Mirror? I'm also looking at a Miracle, similar to the Mirror but a bit larger, however, not many of those down here in Australia.
Absolutely loved the video !! Great sail!
what about the music credits?
I loved your video. One point, however, is that I think everyone should tether themselves to a small boat - if the boat heads out without you ....
Thanks! I don't think the Mirror would get too far without me being in it. I personally wouldn't recommend securing yourself to a small un-ballasted dinghy like a Mirror just in case it rolls over on you and your tether, running rigging foils etc, prevents you from clearing the upturned hull. I would recommend hanging on to the main-sheet like your life depends on it and the dinghy won't get too far away from you. Perhaps larger ballasted dinghy's may have a place for harness and lifelines. Cheers again.
kayakmaneuan Good answer. I have a 12 ft hard dinghy and I tie myself to the boat via a long tether. Some say a 6 ft tether should be maximum on a small boat but I tie myself on with double this length for my own peace of mind. I suppose it is down to the operator of each boat at the end of the day.
+130June With a conventional balanced rig the boat should round up to windward if left to its own devices. Or capsize. There may some value in trailing a floating line behind the boat if single-handing. (I don't).
+Wayfarer-Sailing Thanks.
Great video and serious sailing with that chop and white caps. You must be a confident sailor to attempt that solo, have you ever capsized on one of your cruises?
I invested in an inflatable bouncy cushion which In saw in msf60khz video, and it was a life saver when I got flattened by a "southerly buster", safest place was in the water with the mirror on its side and the mast being held up by the cushion. The first thing I did was swap the main sheet block and its jam cleats for a ratchet block, I didn't have time to release it and over I went. I look forward to any future videos from you well done.
Hi Somerton, thanks for your comments! I've not capsized my Mirror yet, but I'm sure it will happen soon enough and I'm prepared for it! When I was younger I had a Laser and capsized it on a regular basis, I remember being told 'If you don't capsize your not trying hard enough!" It looks choppy on the way back, but theres a bit of wind over tide action causing the heaped sea. When planning a short cruise I always have a 'Plan B' if the wind gets up and I can't make progress to windward, I can always run to a safe 'harbour' (slipway/beach). Thats the theory anyway...
Love this Video, I noticed you reefed the main by rolling it around the boom. How did you do this and still maintain a reasonable shape in your sail??
Hi Steve,
the text book answer is to roll up a sailbag within the mailsail and boom leaving the drawstring hanging out, and securing the kicking vang to the dangling drawstring.
I prefer to roll the boom/mainsail with a bit of soft 10mm line as my sailbag drawstring is not strong enough . when the reefs are rolled and the line pulled taught, the vangs shackle can be attached to a stopper knot and tensioned as required. you can get a quick glimpse of the blue line at 4:14 .
I should also mention, i have fitted a second gaff band on the gaff for putting in the reef. hope this helps! Happy New year!!!
Nice video!!! How many liles you think you can do in one day? ( not 24 hs, just one day of sailing, on an average wind and average sea conditions... you know what I mean, an aprox)
Im glad no rocks were harmed.
Is that music...?
What is the blue rope linking the end of the boom to the mast head? Is it a topping lift or is it necessary for reefing?
Hi Owen, yes the blue line is essentially a crude topping lift, but not essential to reefing. It's main purpose is to stop the boom falling into the cockpit when dropping the main sail. It is useful when reefing the main, as it suspending the boom while squaring away sail prior to re-hoisting the main. When rowing/motoring the dinghy, with the gaff and sail tied to the boom I can pull the whole lot up with the main halyard and it comes in handy for this operation too. 'msf60khz' has a great video on his arrangement of the topping lift on his cruising Mirror. Cheers
kayakmaneuan Thanks. I prefer your method for reefing to 'msf60khz'. It seems much more simple. I will have to try it next season. Great video!
Hi how did you reef your sail? Did you just rap it round the boom? Thanks Charles.
Lovely bit of work there :) How do you get the jib to reef? do you furl around the forestay or have you got reefing points on the sail?
Hi William, the jib is just bog standard, I'm just wrapping the jib sail around the forestay to reef. maybe not great for the sail or it's shape when reefed, but does the job with no need for extra bits and peices. Cheers!
How do you attach the vang to the boom when the main is rolled around the boom? I have personal interest in this problem.
Morning Mark,
the text book answer is to roll up a sailbag within the mailsail and boom leaving the drawstring hanging out, and securing the kicking vang to the dangling drawstring.
I prefer to roll the boom/mainsail with a bit of soft 10mm line as my sailbag drawstring is not strong enough . when the reefs are rolled and the line pulled taught, the vangs shackle can be attached to a stopper knot and tensioned as required. you can get a quick glimpse of the blue line at 4:14 . hope this helps!
+kayakmaneuan I am going to try it. Thanks a bunch. Pretty ingenious because the pressure of the rolled sail captures the material.
Its nice when people choose music that is something to do with the subject.
Can't see what "King of the Jungle" has got to do with this?
excellent point, I don't have an answer I'm afraid.
wow i have 2 mirrors to they are mega fun .
Uncleating the jib after your tack is driving me mental
That was awesome. Just picked up an old Mirror dinghy in Michigan and am looking forward to sailing her after some repairs. I didn't realize how versatile the boat is. From the video, you made the trip look easy. How long (duration) was the trip?
Too bad you put music on your video, I think the noise of wind and water is a far better sound...
you should move too the seaside, it's lovely. sea and wind noise in stereo.
best watched with volume off. Why do posters add extremely bad music? downvoting
Moan, moan, moan, moan, moan...
exactly. One of the great things about sailing is the sounds. sound of geese. sound of the waves. sound of the rudder humming when it picks up. sound of jib flapping while tacking.
Thanks for sharing the video.