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| Saturday Mar 3rd 2001 Guillemot's first launch Put in at Lowell park at high tide, boat isn't near done yet but just have to get it out on the water, still have the end pours left to do along with the bulkheads, seat, and more sanding/epoxying to do not to mention the varnishing! Initially felt pretty tippy and seemed like it would be easy to dump it over if I wasn't careful but after about 10 min of playing around near the dock I felt comfortable to head up the river a ways. Turning is not a problem, I wasn't sure how well I would be able to steer without a rudder but had no problem making it go where I wanted. I was using a borrowed whitewater kayak paddle, still don't have one made. It looks funny next to the nice wood boat in the launch photo's, bright blue and white. After 15 min or so I came back to the dock and let my boys have a go at it. Alex was first and immediately took off down river, no fear in this boy. Remember, no current to speak of so he had no problem bringing it back when I yelled. He was beyond where I would have been any use if he got in trouble. It was hard talking him into letting his brother have a turn. Both boys (ages 14 and 15) were easily able to paddle straight, turn where they wanted and didn't want to stop when it was time to go. I think this says a lot for the design of the Guillemot. |
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