Peejay - Log - Day 3 Whisker Pole to the rescue

'Right' said the skipper - 'lets get the para-sailor out'. The last time we flew the beast was back in August as we headed past Sardinia. The winds were light then, the sea was like a mill-pond and it was easy. Now there was more wind and swell and the foredeck was bouncy. We're getting older and our memories of quite how to rig it are not as sharp as they used to be. We're not as nimble either. Skipper remembered it as being easy. First mate said two of us would be enough. Para-sailor had a different idea. We hoisted it just as the wind got up. Luckily it was still in the snuffer when it imitated a double helix around the genoa. By now the rest of the crew were starting to watch the fun. The control line didn't want to be left out and promptly spiralled around the inner forestay. The first mate said 'that's not supposed to happen'. The skipper said something unprintable.

Second attempt was much better - the windward sheet had a tantrum and got wrapped round the control line but the snuffer only managed a single helix. Crew were cheering now and reaching for cameras.

Third attempt saw the wing starting to join in the fun. It refused to leave the cosiness of the snuffer as by now the whole thing was a tangled mess.

'How about the whisker pole instead?' said the first mate. 'Good idea' said the skipper.

I like whisker poles. They have simple minds and dont answer back. It went up right first time and has been flying ever since.

Paul & Peejay