Testing the Goat Island Skiff

Michael Storer designed the Goat Island Skiff to be simple, affordable and also a fast little boat. It has become very popular amongst people looking for a traditional craft with a performance comparable to modern class dinghies. I try out an example on the Golfe du Morbihan in November.
MUSIC
Lonely River - Roots and Recognition
Footprints in the Sand - Roots and Recognition featuring Melanie Bell
- both from Epidemic Sound
www.epidemicsound.com
INTERESTED IN DINGHY CRUISING?
Read my book, 'The Dinghy Cruising Companion'
www.bloomsbury.com
And join the Dinghy Cruising Association:
www.dinghycruising.org.uk
AVEL DRO
Do you want a boat like mine?
Avel Dro is an Ilur designed by François Vivier, and built of clinker plywood by Les Charpentiers Reunis of Cancale in 1994. I bought her in France in 2003 to import her into the UK, and more recently returned her to France again. The design is based closely on the traditional inshore fishing boats of Brittany in the early years of the twentieth century - hence her simple boom-less lugsail rig and lack of a mainsheet horse, (sometimes controversial among my viewers). Although rare in Britain, Ilurs are relatively common in France. Modern Ilurs are however slightly different internally from mine, as they have more built in buoyancy. The name Avel Dro is Breton, Avel = wind, Dro = to turn - so it means a whirlwind.
Length 4.44 m
Sail area 12.2 m²
Beam 1.70 m
Draught 0.25 / 0.86 m
Displacement loaded with camping and sailing gear 400 kg
Design category C3
François Vivier's website (in English):
www.vivierboats.com/en/
Similar dinghies can often be found for sale on the website of the French magazine Le Chasse-Marée:
www.chasse-maree.com/revue/
Or try Le Bon Coin - where you can buy anything in France:
www.leboncoin.fr
BREXIT AND BOATS
Since January 2021, when Great Britain (but not Northern Ireland) left the European Single Market, if you buy a boat in France or elsewhere in the EU with the intention of importing it into the UK, you are liable for VAT and other duties on the import - even if it is second hand. Similar charges will be due if you take a British boat the other way. This does not apply to a boat taken to another country for a brief holiday, however.

[@TheBoatRambler]

Hi Roger! The GIS is very particular to crew position. She was pounding a lot because you need to sit as close as possible to the mid seat or even on it, so that the bow just touches the water and stops the waves slapping the flat bottom. As soon as Pierre joined you, the pounding diminished considerably, as you had more weigh close to the mast. They are fantastic boats and very fast! I clocked 16kts on mine! 😁

[@setkacagarro-blogspot-com]

I thought of you Teo while watching this

[@paulknights3701]

Now here is a guy who knows his GIS! I watched all of your GIS videos (I think). ...and am quite tempted to buy/build one myself if the opportunity arises. Roger's favourable review just rekindles my interest 😃

[@johnstride9642]

Good to see you on here!

[@antonioveritas]

Brilliant, a new Roger Barnes video. This will restore a little sanity in an otherwise crazy world! Thank you Rogeŕ!

[@olivieralbert6762]

Amen

[@RogerRoving]

My pleasure!

[@dianeorehek4633]

Hello Roger. Who sings the song you sometimes used in your videos, lyrics include ‘walk with me…’

[@CoolBreeze640]

​@@dianeorehek4633 Her name is Melanie Bell. She has a beautiful voice, doesn't she? Further information is available under the "Music" section in the video description.

[@dianeorehek4633]

Thanks so much…yes, it’s lovely…digging deeper as comment posts…🩵

[@Bartmoss66]

Oui! Une nouvelle vidéo pour rêver un peu! Merci Roger!

[@rolfpiotrowski4325]

A very nice video again! Thank you for taking me with you! 😊👍

[@trosmeneth]

Wonderful Roger , a little tension creeping in there but great fun. The Ilur is definitely more relaxing especially in the autumn years.

[@user-hu7rn4ym8j]

Hi Roger I’ve been enjoying your films and the scenery you explore….so much so that I went on an exploration of some of the places you showcased.Pont Aven ,not on your list was amazing….I was at Oxford poly from 1989 to 1993 and at brookes university from 1996 to 1998 studying architecture…..did you come across people like Paul Oliver,vernacular architecture….my tutor was Ann Boddington in degree and diploma….perhaps we crossed paths on the 3 rd and 4 th floors…. I enjoy your programmes,thanks for the effort….. How come you don’t do any fishing…..or collect mussels etc……a little lobster pot thrown in and picked up a week later after you’ve sailed around the coast might have a little surprise. Thanks Iain

[@wailinburnin]

Bravo! Makes my heart feel good to see Roger on a GIS and enjoying it. The GIS seems like the ultimate two-sheets of plywood bottom boat design , like there’s not much point in reinventing the wheel on that particular criteria for the home boatbuilder/designer (also somewhat relieved to hear Roger incidental comment on the flat bottom pounding as a reminder life of the bottom is something to think about with a person’s philosophy and lifestyle). I’m frankly, impressed that Roger didn’t find her a bit too tippy. Roger Barnes and Michael Storer share the simplicity ethic (me too) “the simplicity is compelling” and we all see from this video where that leads - to that natural moment of wonder Roger talks about here. Also, very cool demonstration of the Code Zero from the simplicity and compatibility with the lug rig and particularly with regard to mast height. I liked this pov rather than the performance, performance, performance aspect usually associated with this dinghy headsail, makes it downright dignified for cruising dinghy sailors! Bravo again! Big fan!

[@janebaker966]

Even just watching YOU mess about in boats is calming.

[@RogerRoving]

Hi. I was at the Oxford school 1980-82, and in Oxford for the rest of the decade. Gloucester Green was one of my creations. I remember Paul Oliver very well. I have done some fishing from the boat. But sailing somewhere and fishing don’t really go together. You have to concentrate on one or the other, I find. Roger

[@graeme-sailingskeptic]

Roger I find the same effect on me when I go sailing... I find the combination of technical skills required and the attention to the conditions, sail trim and other factors take you away from the everyday worries and concerns to leave you in a place of contentment and peace. I love sailing it's a wonderful past time you do a great job of displaying that in your videos! Thanks

[@b.loedsinn4110]

I think sailing is bit like meditation - you absolutely have to be "present in the moment" - otherwise s**t happens!

[@SailingWithDave]

@@b.loedsinn4110 Totally agree. It's amazing just how many hours you can lose fiddling away with sails, lines, sheets and the boat itself. Very cleansing!!

[@flatd]

Such fun!! Much different from your boat, hahaha!! Morbihan is beautiful! Thanks Roger!

[@romantiachristiana5147]

Lovely weather after those awful storms. It's amusing to see how you adapt to a centre main sheet and pass the tiller behind your back as you tack. With the tiller extension you twiddle it around in your fingers like my instructor all those years ago at the Glénans. I have always had a good impression of this boat, light and simple. Bon courage for your house...

[@merriwinkle7631]

The GIS is very a very tempting design for a gal who has never built a boat before. It looks like you get a great boat if built within tolerances. Thank you so much for this, and for all of your videos, and best wishes on your house build..

[@colrodrick8784]

If you are tempted by the GIS, Teo the Boat Rambler has a very useful series of build videos on YT for his GIS. I watched them years ago and they were really enjoyable watching. Not a design that I'm going to make, but lots of hints for me anyway.

[@merriwinkle7631]

@@colrodrick8784 Thanks!!! It looks like he showed up in the comment section with a very useful tip.

[@colrodrick8784]

He's very active on line. We all share the same interests, so I'm not surprised.@@merriwinkle7631

[@johnstride9642]

As said, it’s certainly worth tracking down Teo’s videos. You will be hooked.

[@geebee3d]

Mic Storer, designer of the GIS produces what could be the best and most complete plan set in all of boatbuilding. His plans include step by step illustrated directions for building his boats. All of them are like a boatbuilding course in a book. I have yet to find anyone who does not like a single one of his designs. Even his Oz Racer (almost a puddle duck racer) is a great performing boat (for what it is…a 4x8 plywood tub) with a great plan set. Pull the trigger, get the plans, build yourself a Goat Island Skiff. If you can cut to a line drawn on some wood, you can build the GIS.

[@loicgalmiche5821]

Hi ! Excellent video, friends, good weather and a wet dog that makes you want to go back again. This boat is magic, only keep in mind it is light, and you have to spread weight on her. Many thanks !

[@TruckerOak]

Fantastic! Thank you Roger! Lovely friends, a little time sailing on the water with nice weather! Wonderful! 😊

[@SailingWithDave]

Reminds me of my Mirror!!! That distinctive thumping sound on the thin plywood. Something very special about that.

[@EnricoFranconiPolisportiva]

Thanks for the video Roger. Actually the Goat is much more than a fast and simple skiff. It comes with a marvallous package of building instructions, very suitable for beginners. It is a real boat building course where to learn about differeny wood poperties, how to use the epoxy and much more. So the GIS is the final visibile result. And it's cheap. Out of the 6 sheets of plywood, very few little pieces will remain on the floor. To my huble opinion, here Storer did a masterpiece!

[@geraldtrumpp2340]

Absolutely. I had already build 2 boats from kits, but the GIS was the first boat from scratch. It was much more woodwork than glueing precut pieces of plywood together, but the total work was not more, as the Skiff is easy to build. In total, the work at the Goat was much more satisfying than the kit building. And which ply boat with a weight of 60 kg can carry 4 people unde r sails and is extreme fast at the same time? The Goat is unique.

[@marcuskrugel6620]

Great to see you again, Roger 🙂

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Thanks so much for yet another relaxing and enjoyable video. Thanks for all your hard work Roger.

[@alfonseca9284]

Seems so strange to see you in another craft after watching you sail Avel Dro for these past years. Good to see you on the water and hope the house project is going well!

[@ashley-tm1uk]

Thank you!…very convincing video of why i’d take comfort and stability over performance…i still say that there is no replacement for displacement…but she’s a fine little skiff…

[@andypennybrown6848]

Lovely boat Roger!! Such beautiful lines....its good to take time out😊

[@robstevens5503]

It is hard to describe what it is about sailing small craft isn't it? But you just connect with your surrounds and the stress melts away. I need to find more time to get out there.

[@markalton2809]

I wholeheartedly concur.

[@TheBeaker59]

I do like this design, I think I would have built one if I had seen this and other video's before I built my current boat which I self designed its very similar if a bit shorter and heavier construction. I haven't sailed mine yet but will this summer (southern hemisphere). Every sailor would love that boat on a good day as you had but what about a windy day with some sea and a long beat ahead of you would you still prefer that boat or your own. Also speed is relative great to get places but then there's always a faster boat nearby :) I raced Laser's as a young man now a bit older fast takes a back seat to comfort and ease of use.

[@albertzuger3178]

Nice boat! I built one about 15 years ago and have sailed it all over and in many conditions. I love the minimal hardware and simple rigging. I find that if you sail it with Lee helm it doesn’t pound hard at all. The leeward chine acts more like a keel and cuts through the waves. Also for me this boat performs much better when sailing from a standing position. If I don’t have any sandbags in the bottom for ballast the whole thing weighs only a little more than I do. This means that when solo sailing you are dynamic ballast. These boats will fly and turn on a dime when you sail them from a standing position and use the tiller and the sheet to help keep your balance! As someone said earlier these are much more like sailing a laser than most other dinghies. Have fun, and a a shout out to MIK Storer! One of his best designs. A perfect example of simplicity in action. And if you ever have the chance to sail one in a fresh breeze there is action a plenty!

[@mikeu5380]

TheBoatRambler, a sailor in Portugal, has a channel for his GIS adventures and techniques.

[@ntbrd68]

Very nice Roger! We have a portuguese who builded one, Rambler Boat, on KZbin...he added buoyancy tanks on the sides under the bench, much better when you capsize.

[@gisskerrykeleren3614]

My GIS (built by Arwen Marine) is equipped with a pivoting centerboard. I tested a capsize, I confirm that the buoyancy tanks on the sides under the bench are much more effective when you capsize (much less water inside). kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZ28hZiujpuNfpo

[@geraldtrumpp2340]

I sail a mostly standard GIS, build this year. Just had to laugh watching you, as I had the same problem with the long tiller when tacking (last boat had a norwegian tiller). In fact, the Goat is as fast as the Laser: I remember well the face op my laser-buddy when the Goat started to accelerate at medium wind and left him behind on his aerodynamic plastic bathtube ^^

[@goose5506]

Our playground, The Golfe du Morbihan, is always beautiful even in winter. And Kerbilouët, the best slipway

[@philiporourke7896]

Another great vid, thanx Roger.

[@MegaChekov]

That's a nice boat thanks for sharing all the best to you and yours from John in Texas

[@MikStorer]

I don't recommend cleating the mainsheet of the Goat Island Skiff except when the wind is light as in this video. It is nice to have the option when the wind is right, but the Goat is aimed at people who actively sail their boats. And on any small boat a cleated mainsheet means a capsize.

[@colrodrick8784]

I noticed that too Mik, and thought as he dropped down to the floor from the gunwales, watch out. I never had my mail cleated ever (although sometimes I wished I had one - too tempting, and I didn't much like being dumped in the drink)

[@AndyJarman]

The ilur is a heavy boat, and dinghy cruising is about the journey not the destination. Compared with a GIS the ilur is underpowered I often sit on the floor and enjoy something to eat and drink. It's a different type of sailing with a displacement hull, much more pondering and gazing about.

[@alexgrant4178]

Roger. Thank you for the video. I am commencing this build and would like to know more about the bow sprit design that has been setup on that GIS.

[@platypushatstand]

I always passed the tiller from one hand to another behind my back, eg: left to right or vice versa, it made it it easier in my mind (once of course I’d got used to being back on the water).

[@andypandy955]

Once again great vlog.

[@kens2114]

I’m building a GIS at the moment, it could be interesting to see your friends boat close up, he has some interesting innovations as well as his take on the main build. Seeing his trailer setup was helpful. Perhaps he has a build blog? Really enjoyed your video as I always do. Thanks Roger

[@billhayward1585]

I never tire of your theme song. + your show. I prefer your boat but its good to try out new ones. I have a question about the beach rollers in your friends boat. How much weight will they take and do they work on a gravelly beach. I have a rather awkward narrow pedal boat, designed by Paul Gartside 30 years ago , which seems to get heavier the older I get. Thanks.

[@rudineibasei8322]

Molto buono! Bravo! Mio amico!

[@katej3z715]

Hello Roger, I hope your winter has been okay and you are well. I was telling a dear friend about your trip to NZ, is the video still online, please? Her daughter lives near Wellington. I know you are busy with the house but lots of us are hoping you will be posting soon because you capture the freedom and the spirit of the water so well. Best wishes.

[@MikStorer]

Thankyou Roger. Very nice.

[@MikStorer]

In light wind with the aft sheeting and the single fall in the middle of the boat the solo sailor can lounge on the mid seat, sheeting from the boom, the middle of the boat becomes empty and the bow slapping disappears.

[@geraldtrumpp2340]

@@MikStorer That was also my thought, Roger sits a little bit too far aft (as used in the much heavier Ilur). So also the tiller was too long for his position :-)

[@RogerRoving]

The slapping was less apparent when in the boat than on the microphone, actually. But yes, it would be good to have another chance to sail trying out other positions. Where I was sitting was just behind the rowlocks, but I reckon it would have been better further forward.

[@MikStorer]

@@RogerRoving That's not too bad. Just behind the seat is the standard position.

[@SailingMahina]

Another wonderful video Roger!

[@markdwestwood]

Very interesting video, thanks Roger

[@colrodrick8784]

Thanks as always Roger. Seeing Teo making comments, well, you know he's arguably the best qualfied, bar perhaps Mik, to make suggestions o the GIS. I remember so well, my own little VJ, the boat I sailed for many years as a kid, and the sound it made was identical. Trim was important with it too. They were fast. Interested in both the code 0 (and how this impacts the mast; although I imagine that as it's only being used in light airs it's not adding much to the pressures on the spars) and the centreboard. What has Pierre done regarding the foils? I didn't really understand what changes he had made from the original design. Is it a kick up centreboard ? Anyway, I've also been reading your latest edition of the Cruising Dinghy Companion. Much appreciated. A fine piece of writing. It has been a pleasant diversion during recent flights I've been on here in Oz.

[@pinoyboats]

loved the song at the end :)

[@user-jg9ju1ke8i]

Brilliant as per normal

[@adrianmee5535]

Looking forward to an update on the house!

[@caferratti]

Thank you very much for your video, i´m in Brazil.

[@AndyJarman]

GIS are typical of Michael's designs, simple and rational. The lightness when putting the boat back on the trailer is very appealing. I have only sailed my ilur with GISs a few times. I thought the weight of the ilur gave it useful inertia in light winds that wasn't available to the skiffs. I seem to remember keeping up with them. The dagger board is a bit of a liability in shallow inland waters. I have seen an ingenious Welsford navigator that has a pivoting dagger board.

[@flatd]

My GIS is happy sailing in VERY skinny water with the daggerboard and dagger rudder. I have been able to make way with inches of each down and a bit of heel in a foot or so of water in conditions like these. Roger seems to be having a good time! Hee Heee!

[@joostengelen8487]

Some input from a sailor who sailed a Goat for 15 years: the dagger board works very well as the center of lateral resistance does not change when lifting the dagger board. It also makes for a very large unobstructed cockpit allowing you to sit right aft of the mid-seat leaning with your back against the hull’s side as there is no case sticking out in the main cockpit area (as you can see in the video, Roger is forced to sit further aft which does affect balance negatively, as commented by Teo further above). It helps when sailing a bit attentively of course, trying to avoid hits on the dagger board. That being said, there are hundreds of Goats on the water with the standard dagger board with plenty of them sailing skinny waters. The dagger board case design has proven to be very strong and capable of taking hits. More typically the dagger board leading and trailing edges get banged up a bit, not the case. With some TLC it is not difficult to keep them in good shape however. Kindly note that almost every modern performance boat has a daggerboard rather than a swinging center board and that the Goat was designed as a very light fast sailing dinghy. From a performance perspective, it is simply better (as mentioned above already the center of lateral resistance is not affected when raising the board a bit, the opening in the bottom is smaller and easily shaped to take on the profile of the board). Further there is no bolt that can leak (note that the center board case design shown on this Goat is smart and does have a bolt). Lastly construction is easier and it takes less space in the cockpit.

[@arthomer6535]

Very nice. I live on an oyster bay in the Pacific Northwest of US. At his boat seems like a very promising possibility. I like the modifications.

[@sandygoodall123]

Hi Roger. Any loose footed mainsail (with a boom) will benefit greatly from the use of a simple "clew tie-down". This is just a short piece of line, tied through the clew cringle and around the boom...just loose enough to allow the clew to slide easily in and out in response to outhaul adjustments. The effect is to separate the foot camber (from the outhaul) from the leech tension. With the clew tied down, you can ease the outhaul enough to deepen the foot camber (when appropriate ) while not necessarily changing sheet/leech tension. Without the clew tie-down, easing the outhaul simply results in the boom sagging downwards, as in the video. Try it.... you'll like it!

[@Lightw81]

Just to point out that an assymmetric spinnaker (A-sail) and a code zero are not quite the same. A code 0 is an upwind sail for light winds, and much flatter than most spinnakers.

[@jeanlucmaurin3064]

Hello Roger! Very pleasant and peaceful video as usual. Just one question, which boat ramp did you use ? Thanks again for your sharing experience. The "très chouette" Ilur from the semaine du Golfe 😉

[@michaeltincher5107]

a great percentage of our bodies consist of water, I think our souls, beings, spirits, whatever you want to call it, find being on and in the water, more calming that we realize

[@christophe6065]

Thank you for this video. You were saying you didn't know what to do exactly with the stick when tacking. My way to do it is to put the stick on the tiller just before tacking (I have a little piece of wood which oblige the stick to stay there when not in use).

[@johnstride9642]

I was really hoping you’d get a chance to sail a GIF….you’d mentioned the boat in a previous video. I’ve been a keen follower of Teo from Portugal who is very enthusiastic about them and I know he’s made a comment on here. Before I found his videos I was quite sceptical about how well flat bottomed boats sailed. Interesting to see your take on them….thank you.

[@johnskiahoy]

Great video Roger always informative.As an observation the mainsail clew needs a strop around the boom to stop it lifting when the outhaul is eased . Not so sure about the inboard sheeting of the A sail either 🤔 Be interested in your thoughts. Fair winds & good cruising 🍷

[@joostengelen8487]

Yes, it is better if a strop around the boom is added for the clew. I observed the same thing. There appears to be a turning block for the reefing line that would get in the way of the strop and it was therefore likely omitted.

[@quarlow1215]

The water slapping on the hull is so familiar it's like being out there with you. But I do enjoy the quietness of your boat. Thus one reminds me of my childhood. Dad got from. Who knows where, a Styrofoam sailboat. These were used as displays in the grocery store advertising "Cool" cigarettes. I know, how early 70's can you get. The sail had the name on it in kind of a mint green. I sailed that thing all over that summer off of our cabin cruiser. I had completely forgotten about that till now. And here I thought I had no sailing experience. Thanks for this memory Roger.😊

[@rogerwileman9965]

Thinking of a new boat ?? Roger I do so enjoy videos by you THANKS

[@rossbarnett3759]

Always good to watch another video Roger. Thanks for that. I really liked that code zero. Does that bowsprit always stay there or do you fit it once you know you will use it??

[@user-tc8cd4zt2u]

Hi Rodger, great relaxing viewing , and I’m a non sailor. How’s your house coming on, I’m about to start a project in Brittany and I’ve learned something new from you that you can plaster osb.

[@robertseaman2254]

GOODTO SEE YOU IN ACTION AGAIN ROGER .DOES THE SKIFF TRACK STAIGHT WITHOUT A KEEL AND FLAT BOTTOM ALSO DOES MAKES FOR A LESS STABLE DINGHY UNLIKE YOUR DINGHY BEST WISHES ROBERT

[@mikebassett1663]

Hello Roger, a very informative presentation. I retired to Normandy but I am now thinking of moving to Brittany. I enjoy your videos because you are philosophical and practical rather than anxious and nerdy, unfortunately I am not quite so laid back. Mostly your Brittany sailing appears to be in calm weather and often in shallow water - unlike Devon/Cornwall, is this the exception or the rule? I like the idea of your ilur because then I could sail to a place stop for a long lunch while my wife practices her hobby of fishing and sail back the same day or the following morning. Except for the slamming and its unsuitability as a fishing rowboat the GOAT skiff seems to be something to think about. I will always be a fair weather sailor that never wants to be becalmed so I would carry an outboard (preferably electric which includes the possibility of a small white wine fridge) but for emergency use only, On the whole I would rather get myself to the nearest port and book into a hotel until the sailing conditions improved. I do not want a racing boat but nobody deliberately buys a slow boat unless it is for pottering around a harbor or exploring a river so I would like to catch every breeze. Would adding a bowsprit to your ilur and changing to a different sail plan help? You once spoke about the wayfarer being annoyingly fast compared to your boat - is that something I should consider. I am not a an experienced sailor like you but I have enjoyed speeding with hobbie cats in Thailand. At my time of life and with my wife onboard then capsizing must be almost impossible - however I see you managed it in your ilur which I had imagined for a working boat design would be difficult. At some point can you give your observations regarding french boat law and any idiosyncratic social boat niceties - for example when encountering oyster beds and trailering or anything else that might not occur to the average brit.

[@changurr2705]

Boat rollers can be good to help keep you on your feet in a hard wind

[@mhansl]

As you tack. plant the sheet and tiller extension on the lee gunnel with your aft hand, as you pass under the boom and turn to face the opposite side, grab the extension with your other hand. You will find, as you sit, both will. be in the correct hand. The long extensions are quite ungainly to begin with. But, with some practice, one will find them very helpful.

[@joostengelen8487]

I would not recommend this in a light boat like the GIS. You want to keep hold of the tiller or tiller extension as well as the main sheet at all times. Plenty of videos out there showing the correct technique.

[@mhansl]

@@joostengelen8487 I would recommend keeping hold of both at all times on pretty much any boat. At no point did I suggest otherwise.

[@joostengelen8487]

@@mhansl, okay. I apparently misunderstood the part reading "plant the sheet and tiller extension on the lee gunnel with your aft hand, as you pass under the boom and turn to face the opposite side, grab the extension with your other hand".

[@markbennett9787]

I live in the department of Morbihan and used to keep my Albin Ballad in Vannes until I sold her 5 years ago. Great sailing area. Did I see you on an old Pointless broadcast ?

[@georgpiehslinger963]

Would anyone think of rigging a clew- tie- down? It would bring the clew to the boom and set the outhaul in action so you have control over the tension of the lower leech.

[@philiporourke7896]

Detroit has all the starters out to save for playoffs.

[@patrickhay8079]

I've been interested in this boat since I first came across it by chance somewhere online a few years ago. Light weight, simplicity and performance are very appealing and make the GIS very usable whether singlehanded or with crew. It's a noisy boat though, isn't it! Even in the tranquil winds and waters of the test the hull kicked up a distracting din. I wonder what it's like at sea.

[@flatd]

It is possible to move the meat ballast (yourself) and position it so the noise is about the same as any dinghy... I sail Lasers, sunfish, V15, and the oddball melonseed, and they all make more noise until you get in the right spot...

[@geraldtrumpp2340]

I sail the Goat and also a Northeaster Dory, that has a very much rounder shaped hull, and the sound of the waves is equal. From my point of view, it comes more from the 6mm ply both have. It's like you sail a violin. 😊 BTW, my dog likes the sound, she falls asleep as soon as we are on the water.

[@user-hm9zd4hi8t]

How is the renovations proceeding, Roger?

[@redjacc7581]

cool

[@sailingspark9748]

I always loved the GIS, I even own the plans to build one, but I really dislike swimming. The idea of enduring the flat bottom "slap" as they pound is also a turnoff. I do love the colour of that one through. Any idea what paint was used?

[@joostengelen8487]

As commented elsewhere already, the GIS is sensitive for weight trim being such a light boat. When sitting further forward and heeling the boat in light conditions, there is not much of a flat bottom slap.

[@geraldtrumpp2340]

Build it! Most GIS-owners don't swim regularly, and as said before by several people a good trim reduces the slapping to the level of other light plywood boats.

[@user-ti9ef7fv1v]

ЛАЙК !!! 😊👍

[@huntsail3727]

Did he build it himself? Would be interested in how he went about chosing and implementing the modifications. Was considering this design as a DIY build. Plans and materials are very afforable. Wondering how much his modifications added to the build time and cost.

[@joostengelen8487]

My understanding is that the boat was built by Arwen Marine.

[@robhosailor]

Since September 2016, I have been sailing the Goat Island Skiff, which I built myself - according to Michael Storer's original design. However, this is a slightly different boat than the one shown in your video. First of all, mine has a daggerboard and a dagger rudder's blade. There is no closed compartment or closed storage space under the middle rowing bench. The mast is a wooden box, and all spars are wooden. There are more details that distinguish these boats. I think it would be worth comparing the original design and French modifications. An additional big sail (Code Zero? Genaker?) and light carbon mast and spars mean lightness and greater speed. Pivoting centerboard and rudder's blade provide great comfort in shallow water, especially when sailing alone. I appreciate all the modifications. In my case, I only added side benches in the helmsman's cockpit, maybe I will also add a transverse bench there. Regards

[@Wedontwantnowarnomore]

Hi! Love to see your eps. Concerning this boat and the sound. It’s very annoying. It reminds me of an Optimist dinghy. Marine Plywood all over the place. I prefer your dinghy everyday in the week. She has a more glue to the whole experience. But that’s just my opinion. The jib is a nice treat though. Safe winds to ya’ Sweet Golden retriever ❤

[@geraldtrumpp2340]

Psst - Rogers Ilur is also made of plywood :-)

[@Wedontwantnowarnomore]

Ops , sorry! I must have missed that? Maybe the fact it’s latch built makes the sound right in my opinion.

[@canyonhaverfield2201]

The Wind is our chauffeur🎐

[@thewanderingbox8253]

hope he remembered to lift his jokey wheel 👍🤔⛵🏴‍☠️

[@tomcarr1358]

Incongruous gates ( rowlocks) from the outriggers of a rowing eight/four/.. .... look hazardous for snagging sheets etc. Perhaps foldaways will be on the ultimate modification. Good to see you back on the water..

[@thameswanderer]

Speed isnt everything, Roger!😊

[@geraldtrumpp2340]

That's right - but watch his grin, when he realized, that the Silmaril disapeared behind him 😎

[@peterbedford2610]

Enrico has a vid of him building his.

[@halbrown1935]

The wheel on the trailer hitch was down as he drove it does happen

[@scottmitchell8273]

Where are you ?

[@hermitoldguy6312]

Some weight in the bow stops the water-slap.

[@donotwantahandle1111]

It's good to know Jesus is arriving at coffee time. He might like a croissant too?

[@PeaceProfit]

HARD ROCK & ICE ( Climbing*Why risk the Adventure ) Twilight dawns upon your face, internal reaction draws deep amid the human race, Every line and crack perhaps a welcome hold, every step and move perhaps the one to bold, Mind and body absorbed unto you, spirits ascend, as fibers woven through, The independence we seek, brings us, cheek to cheek, Knowing the summit can never be won, merely gained, thence never undone..... 👣🕊👽

[@LEGOWENTV]

Nice…but that thumping would drive me nuts.

[@Skooter-nw3cm]

Because we have to pay attention to what you’re doing at the moment instead of our own puny problems.

[@BigFiveJack]

Roger, Your Ilur is exquisitely beautiful and the GIS sadly is not.

[@Kianquenseda]

I didn’t see any fish 😂

[@jimevans9550]

I was hoping for a boat test. I hardly saw the boat. I did give up after 10 minutes, mind.

[@RogerRoving]

The second half is all boat test. The first half is all pictures of the boat, as when you’re in the boat you can’t see it from outside.

[@skaraborgcraft]

Living in the moment.......takes all the problem thoughts away.

[@MrRourk]

Careful those are fast and a bit tipsy

[@OldBlindDougArtist]

Not a fan of the boat this week. Way too much work. Lol

[@philiporourke7896]

They do not need this game.

[@terryfinley7760]

Perhaps a boat for an engineer but, definitely not for an architect! Too damned ugly! IMHO 😮

[@geraldtrumpp2340]

Well, its more a Bauhaus than a gothic cathedral 😎😎 You may call it ugly - nevertheless skiffs/sharpies may be less romantic but are as traditional as the wherry/Whitehall dinghy type

[@terryfinley7760]

@@geraldtrumpp2340 Yes. To each, their own! I know there are many who would disagree with me…and that’s okay.

[@bernardlash4169]

Yea no shit!!! Roger Barnes for president in the united states...

[@jimksa67]

God is not mocked Bro. Jesus is a serious subject and He is your only hope of escaping Hell.