SYREN : Sailing a Gaff-Rigged Wooden Boat

[@rodrigosenra2693]

Very nice! When there will be more of Syren sailing videos? Looks a lot of fun!

[@sailinginlandseas4026]

So nice to see another gaffer here! I look forward to more small wooden sailing boat content.

[@fredericl6190]

Nice name for your boat, having two significations from the old 14th century French : a sirène (partly human and sea creatures) and sereine, calm, relaxing. Exactly what you did on the water that day.

[@stephencadigan5807]

Looks gorgeous! I'm a newish sailor, and I also sail out of Courageous. I'm thinking about builing my own Weekender or Vacationer, and I would love it if I could crew for you some time to check out the Syren and see how she sails

[@CaptainAmberbeard]

Thank you! I'm still figuring her out myself, but she seems to sail well enough. Definitely handles a bit differently than a Rhodes 19. I got her off a guy out in NY, so I didn't build it myself, but I imagine it'd be a fun project for sure. Perhaps we'll meet at Courageous next season.

[@ames477]

Am considering a Weekender down here in PA, already built in 2015. What should I look out for in the inspection? Would you be comfortable gunk holing the shallows of the Chesapeake in one? Thanks - and, obtw, NICE BOAT!!!

[@CaptainAmberbeard]

Bear in mind I’ve only had mine for about 8 months so I’m still figuring things out myself. The boat itself is plywood with a light fiberglass overlay. Hull integrity would be main concern. Be on the lookout for any signs of rot that may have developed in the wood especially if the boat has been stored outdoors or used mostly in freshwater. Because each boat is built by different builders with varying degrees of skill and attention to detail, some will undoubtedly be built better than others. There are things on my boat I would have done differently/better had I built her from scratch. Some of these things I can modify to my liking others I’m kinda stuck with. This is more of a question you have to ask yourself kind of thing I guess. As for gunk holing the Chesapeake, she is a great boat in protected waters. I haven’t had a chance to try her in more open water, but I imagine she has her limits (as any boat does). I wouldn’t take her out in high winds or rough water. Hanging out in the shallows and less open areas of the Chesapeake would be fine though. She can go in very little water. Just be mindful of the rudder, which can be adjusted.

[@fibber2u]

Pity about the annoying music whilst you are talking.

[@CaptainAmberbeard]

I know. So sad...