Sea trials with our custom head car GAFF LOCK

The first sea trials on Paikea after our recent and extensive modifications. We had already taken Paikea out under motor to test the front beam, longeron, rudders, folding propellers,  flush skin fittings, and new antifoul paint. Next step was to test how the boat handled sails and the associated loads.  We wanted to proof load the rig and the front beam before setting sail.

Another important addition is our headcar gaff lock. This system is inspired by the gaff locks Rigging Projects use on the large performance multihulls. Shayne has machined this headcar gaff lock to allows us to release the head of our square top mainsail and flake it away neatly in it’s sail bag.

Now it’s time to take it all out on the water and see if all these new systems work.