Here's the set up. We're on a skid which will hopefully slide down the boat ramp. There is a block at the bottom of the ramp which we run a line through, from the front of the skid to the tractor. As Dale backs up the tractor, we should slide right in. In theory anyway. You can read about our adventures in launching in last year's launch post if you want to know what can go wrong (and how different the weather can be).
After a short speech and a little champagne . . . off we go.Not sure what happened to the camerawoman at the end there. . . maybe she fell over in shock that the boat was working as it should? Now it is just a matter of finding the wind.
The resolution on the video isn't the best, so here are a couple of shots which I think capture the boat nicely.
She sailed really smoothly. Even in the light air, when the wind caught the sails, she picked up speed quickly. The tiller was touchy, giving her a sporty feel.
Of course, the Mermaid wasn't the only boat launched. The Haj was splashed as well. I was busy sailing, so I didn't see her go in, but here are a couple pictures. (I don't care how much extra maintenance they are. . . I want one of these decks).
Congratulations to Jim, Justin, Vanya and the rest of the Haj crew. . . she's beautiful.
One last Mermaid video to tie it all together.
