Jim, greetings from Carriacou. Your Contessa 32 is moored below where we are living in Tyrrel Bay. They don't seem to go anywhere much.........just been antifouled and she painted a light blue now. Hope all good with you both. Later........
At 3:40 in the video is a boat behind you called Moonshine… she used to belong to a lad I work with from our village of Pill, Somerset.. my mate also keeps his boat at Cardiff and I was having a nose about last year on my own boat when I sailed over from Pill and noticed her on a mooring! Such a shame, I noticed a few going to ruin including a nice Sadler 32.
Yes, it's always a bit sad seeing boats that aren't being looked after, sailed, and loved.. sky there are a lot of them about, but perhaps they provide opportunities for people to get into sailing for a small outlay
Jim that journey I did with you didn't I get sick in the same area all of a sudden it came over me like a wave pukes vil for a day x night but I felt better doing my shift I just puked overboard while you were plotting course and Sally resting this vid is great Jim your good at this to
Yes, it just comes as an irresistible force doesnt it... there's no fighting it off! Once Ive been at sea for a few days I'm pretty safe, its those first hours while the body is getting used to the new motion...
Nice, thanks. Comments from my armchair! Waterline. Was the previous the actual design waterline. It does look like the present one is such that you will be dragging your stern? And slowing you down (maybe a bonus running before a big sea!) The wind vane paddle. I can see that putting the bracket perpendicular was the simple solution, but fitting in line with the water flow surely better (obviously then the bearing needs to be angled). And if you had made the bracket longer, the paddle could swing through 360 deg, so not damaged if going astern, intentionally or otherwise. It would also be more powerful with a longer arm. All said lovely boats…if a bit wet.
No, the waterlinbe is now correct if you compare with images of other examples of the boat! yes she is low in the water, this gives great stability and less windage. The windvane paddle is well protected being close to the main rudder, you have to lock it anyway going astern else all sorts of uncontrollable things happen to the steering! It steers an absolute treat and has no problem steering the boat 😀. Thanks for your thoughts!
@@markthomasson5077 In prctise this isnt the case, particularly if motoring; the uneven prop wash will make the trim tab move to one side, the resulting battle with it is no fun and makes the boat prety much uncontrollable!
Great video. Nice to see some of the process of getting down to plymouth. The hull looked really good to my untrained eye when you had the boat lifted out. From watching other videos osmosis always seems to be a problem on older boats. I pass by cardiff yacht club sometimes when seeinf friends in cardiff (im based north of newport).
I'm hoping that when you replaced those rusted nuts on the trim tab shaft you also replaced the bolts. Inside the rudder there exists excellent conditions for ss failure.
One day I'll join you guys. I'll nick my dad's Albin Vega as my clapped out O35 is too long for the Jester "rules". Safe passage, I've subscribed to keep up with your travels.
@@contessa26-jim I like the spirit of the Jester proper. I fear in all popular activities there becomes a creep of permitted performance. However the Jester is nice because it's not a race. Again enjoy your trip and fair winds.
Excellent! Highly enjoyable thank you. Those Contessa 26's are such wonderful sea boats. You looked like Peter Seller's doppelganger towards the end when you were talking on the radio. I liked your technique of flaking the main in the lee of the backwinded jib ... I might borrow that if you don't mind. Your docking procedure was very instructive. The sound of the single pot was pleasing to the ear. A generous benefactor to shell out for a new dodger would be the ticket. Is the traveler arrangement strong enough? Your sails look to be in good condition.
Thank you, haha Peter Sellers yes! Working behind the genoa in shelter is such a pleasure, definitely better than trying to motor onto the wind with all its complications.. I know about the fidget, it's on its last legs, shall I start a go fund me for a new one? Will it last the trip? A sweepstake perhaps! Yeah the sails are ok, haven't had much hard use 😊
Very enjoyable Video Jim. Love the attitude and keep on going drive in you. How do you fair sleeping on coastal and getting to a place where you can relax enough to actually sleep.
I did this to in 1 leg, it was about 40 hours.. It's more difficult getting rest in busy waters, but having the AIS transponder helps, and other than near Lands End it was pretty quiet so 20 minute naps were safe enough
Great video, really inspiring :) I’m hoping to buy a Contessa 26 within the next year for many similar adventures hopefully. I noticed they put you next to Contessa 32 Katisha which is currently for sale on Apollo Duck. I thought I recognised her! Looking forward to the next instalment. Regards, John
Following the map and looks like you are doing very well in the Jester Challenge! A question: do you notice any difference in performance between the trim tap type windvane that you have on the Contessa 26 compared to the servo pendulum style vane you had on the Contessa 32?
They both work well. I think the trim tab is better for a transom hung rudder but the servo pendulum is better for a rudder under the boat. Other than that they both have their advantages and disadvantages.. yes I've completed the jester challenge now and I'm in the Azores. I shall be putting together a video of the trip soon!
Just curious and apologies if this is a dumb question but what does "Port Side 2 mean"? I know what side of the boat Port is but what does the 2 reference?
That would be handy if I had lazy jacks and so forth, but without them one still has to go forward to flake and stow the sail etc.. when she is hove to it's a sheltered and easy job
@@rubodrd I made the wind vane using plans by Alan Mulholland, its simple, reliable, and inexpensive! See here: ua-cam.com/video/Wcd9Y5AS6qE/v-deo.htmlsi=Rake1udToDHskNzx
Marvelous stuff
Thanks Simon!
I love watching your videos and your attitude to sailing the CO26! Best wishes for your Jester Challenge voyage!
Thanks HP, I really appreciate your support!
@@contessa26-jim I forgot to mention, but I had never thought of heaving to in order to lower the mainsail! Thanks for the tip!
I have watched a few vids - really enjoying them! The Jester Challenge sounds great.
thanks Mike
Jim, greetings from Carriacou. Your Contessa 32 is moored below where we are living in Tyrrel Bay. They don't seem to go anywhere much.........just been antifouled and she painted a light blue now. Hope all good with you both. Later........
Great to hear from you Paul! Tyrrel Bay is THE place to be, and nice to know that Chaos is stilll afloat!
Nice video great job pulling in. Best of luck. Thanks
Hope you’re safe after hurricane recently!
@@adrena45 Yes, all fine as I was in the UK. However I believe my previous boat was in Carriacou and likely destroyed which is sad
Absolutely brilliant. I feel like I was there with you but I think it may have been too rough for me xx
Love her lines. Traditional and like all Contessas, very pritty. Almost as pritty as my Nic31! Hahaha😊
I agree, it's nice to have a cute boat, and when she is also so capable what more could you ask for (more space?)
At 3:40 in the video is a boat behind you called Moonshine… she used to belong to a lad I work with from our village of Pill, Somerset.. my mate also keeps his boat at Cardiff and I was having a nose about last year on my own boat when I sailed over from Pill and noticed her on a mooring!
Such a shame, I noticed a few going to ruin including a nice Sadler 32.
Yes, it's always a bit sad seeing boats that aren't being looked after, sailed, and loved.. sky there are a lot of them about, but perhaps they provide opportunities for people to get into sailing for a small outlay
Jim that journey I did with you didn't I get sick in the same area all of a sudden it came over me like a wave pukes vil for a day x night but I felt better doing my shift I just puked overboard while you were plotting course and Sally resting this vid is great Jim your good at this to
Yes, it just comes as an irresistible force doesnt it... there's no fighting it off! Once Ive been at sea for a few days I'm pretty safe, its those first hours while the body is getting used to the new motion...
Nice! I’ve got sailing friends in Weston Super Mare! Bob and Aileen haven’t seen them in a while though!
Nice, thanks.
Comments from my armchair!
Waterline. Was the previous the actual design waterline. It does look like the present one is such that you will be dragging your stern? And slowing you down (maybe a bonus running before a big sea!)
The wind vane paddle. I can see that putting the bracket perpendicular was the simple solution, but fitting in line with the water flow surely better (obviously then the bearing needs to be angled). And if you had made the bracket longer, the paddle could swing through 360 deg, so not damaged if going astern, intentionally or otherwise. It would also be more powerful with a longer arm.
All said lovely boats…if a bit wet.
No, the waterlinbe is now correct if you compare with images of other examples of the boat! yes she is low in the water, this gives great stability and less windage.
The windvane paddle is well protected being close to the main rudder, you have to lock it anyway going astern else all sorts of uncontrollable things happen to the steering! It steers an absolute treat and has no problem steering the boat 😀. Thanks for your thoughts!
@@contessa26-jim my thoughts on the paddle is that it is completely released when not in use, so it can spin freely, so no ill effects.
@@markthomasson5077 In prctise this isnt the case, particularly if motoring; the uneven prop wash will make the trim tab move to one side, the resulting battle with it is no fun and makes the boat prety much uncontrollable!
@@contessa26-jim interesting point, good to know.
That is one beautiful boat!
Thanks Dean, I agree with you!
That was lovely to watch, thank you.
@@davidalexander-watts6630 thank you David 😊
Great start, look forward to following your progress again this year
Thanks Dave, I'm looking forward to the main event..
Nice to see you Jim! Excellent and very interesting video!
Thanks Vicki!
Great video Jim. Very nostalgic!
Thanks Roy! 😉
Wish you had told me I would of come up and helped , cleaned x painted that Hull xxxx
😂🤣 I love that the nuts are as old as the boat !
Cool. First time Ive watched your channel. Like your style. Good Luck and all that.
Thanks Stephen! Looking at the weather from this distance it looks like a good deal of luck will be needed at first...
How thrilling! Can’t wait to see more of your challenge Jim ☺️ Xx
Thanks Lorraine, I'll keep them coming ☺️
@@contessa26-jim ☺️ I’ll keep a lookout ☺️⛵️⛵️xx
Amazing. Thanks for sharing this video and experience with us.
It's my pleasure, I'm pleased you enjoyed it!
Hi from Australia. Just came across your channel, have subscribed. Looking forward to your adventure,
Thanks for the subscription, preparations are going well!
Great video. Nice to see some of the process of getting down to plymouth. The hull looked really good to my untrained eye when you had the boat lifted out. From watching other videos osmosis always seems to be a problem on older boats. I pass by cardiff yacht club sometimes when seeinf friends in cardiff (im based north of newport).
Yes she isn't bad, but not perfect!
Nice video. The sound of the engine remembers me on my own engine ... have to change v-belt and oil :-)🛠
Cool 👍
I'm hoping that when you replaced those rusted nuts on the trim tab shaft you also replaced the bolts. Inside the rudder there exists excellent conditions for ss failure.
I removed the bolts and they were pistine, no sign of any crevice corrosion.. Essesntial to check those though
One day I'll join you guys. I'll nick my dad's Albin Vega as my clapped out O35 is too long for the Jester "rules". Safe passage, I've subscribed to keep up with your travels.
The jester rules seem to be very flexible, there are some huge boats that take part, well over 30ft, but the Albin would be perfect!
@@contessa26-jim I like the spirit of the Jester proper. I fear in all popular activities there becomes a creep of permitted performance. However the Jester is nice because it's not a race. Again enjoy your trip and fair winds.
Excellent! Highly enjoyable thank you. Those Contessa 26's are such wonderful sea boats. You looked like Peter Seller's doppelganger towards the end when you were talking on the radio. I liked your technique of flaking the main in the lee of the backwinded jib ... I might borrow that if you don't mind. Your docking procedure was very instructive. The sound of the single pot was pleasing to the ear. A generous benefactor to shell out for a new dodger would be the ticket. Is the traveler arrangement strong enough? Your sails look to be in good condition.
Thank you, haha Peter Sellers yes! Working behind the genoa in shelter is such a pleasure, definitely better than trying to motor onto the wind with all its complications.. I know about the fidget, it's on its last legs, shall I start a go fund me for a new one? Will it last the trip? A sweepstake perhaps! Yeah the sails are ok, haven't had much hard use 😊
@@contessa26-jim or a patreon account. Why not? Everyone else is doing it. Good luck, I look forward to following your adventures
Best of sails Jim ⛵️ have a blast ,sooooo wish I was on board but then it not be the jester challenge then lol have a blast Jim
Yeah, come along some time!
Beautiful job! Love Wales!!
Yes, a great part of the world :)
Very enjoyable Video Jim. Love the attitude and keep on going drive in you. How do you fair sleeping on coastal and getting to a place where you can relax enough to actually sleep.
I did this to in 1 leg, it was about 40 hours.. It's more difficult getting rest in busy waters, but having the AIS transponder helps, and other than near Lands End it was pretty quiet so 20 minute naps were safe enough
Great video, really inspiring :) I’m hoping to buy a Contessa 26 within the next year for many similar adventures hopefully. I noticed they put you next to Contessa 32 Katisha which is currently for sale on Apollo Duck. I thought I recognised her! Looking forward to the next instalment. Regards, John
Thanks John, it's nice to be next to a sister boat, I don't know if they did that deliberately..
Previous owner must have thought the boot line was a racing stripe! 😂🤣😂🤣😂
That would explain it!
Following the map and looks like you are doing very well in the Jester Challenge! A question: do you notice any difference in performance between the trim tap type windvane that you have on the Contessa 26 compared to the servo pendulum style vane you had on the Contessa 32?
They both work well. I think the trim tab is better for a transom hung rudder but the servo pendulum is better for a rudder under the boat. Other than that they both have their advantages and disadvantages.. yes I've completed the jester challenge now and I'm in the Azores. I shall be putting together a video of the trip soon!
@@contessa26-jim Well done! Can't wait to see the vid
Just curious and apologies if this is a dumb question but what does "Port Side 2 mean"? I know what side of the boat Port is but what does the 2 reference?
I understand the confusion, its port side to.. which is when you're coming alongside; this means port side to the pontoon
Makes sense thanks 👍
Just a query, why not have main down haul to cockpit, save having to go forward?
That would be handy if I had lazy jacks and so forth, but without them one still has to go forward to flake and stow the sail etc.. when she is hove to it's a sheltered and easy job
@@contessa26-jim Thanks for reply. Currently looking for similar size yacht in Oz. Not many about, don't really want to go much bigger.
@@MrBonito22 yes, it's a great size for single handing, everything is light enough to handle, the only drawback is lack of headroom below
How does such a small boat cope with really big waves and strong wind? Are they are safe as a bigger boat?
I think it depends on the design of the boat.. The Contessa 26 is a good sea boat with it's shadow and long keel
@@contessa26-jim I see you've also sailed a Contessa 32. In really rough weather, which of the two, the 26 or 32, would you rather be in?
The right design yacht should hopefully be like a cork on the seas. Hopefully. 😀
What' make of wind and are you using g, is it home made etc?
Excellent video, thank you
@@rubodrd I made the wind vane using plans by Alan Mulholland, its simple, reliable, and inexpensive! See here: ua-cam.com/video/Wcd9Y5AS6qE/v-deo.htmlsi=Rake1udToDHskNzx