: We launched Linda's Petrel late last summer but she only got to paddle it a
: couple of times before winter and the winds set in. However this all
: changed when we went away with Tony & Kate Calvert to Golden Bay and
: the Abel Tasman National park for a summer vacation over the Christmas
: holidays. The Petrel performed exceedingly well, especially when the winds
: got up and Linda feels very comfortable in it. We even did an overnight
: trip with it. It's a great boat Nick.

: The only change I made was substituting strip timber for the ply coaming base
: and recess upstand, which the plans allow for. This is my first strip boat
: and it's fair to say the build hasn't been plain sailing. It's only thanks
: to Tony and Pete Notman that it got finished at all. It's built from WRC
: and uses Paulownia for the light accents. For the trip I fitted a fixed
: skeg duct taped to the keel but something more long term is needed.

: Details of the build are here.
: http://stejdor.googlepages.com/guillemotpetrel2

: Pics from Golden Bay and Abel Tasman National Park can be found on the link
: below.

: Thanks also to those of you who made suggestions or replied to my emails.
: This forum is an invaluable resource and support service for builders.

: Regards

: Steve Dorrington
: Wellington
: New Zealand

Boat looks great, congrats

Bill H.