Hi all,
Today was my first ever sail in a M-15. Built in 1982, very strong feeling
and in great condition. She belongs to Mr. Bob Becker who was kind enough to
turn me loose with her and let me get a feel of how she sails.
Some may recall a couple of weeks back when I mentioned I had sold my WWP-15
because I didn't feel safe with me being the moveable ballast. What a
difference. I was told to be ready for a completely different feel and everyone sure
was right. We did not get into any real boat testing San Francisco Bay winds,
but, we did have an 80 degree day with westerly winds from 5 to 15 knots.
Flying her Genoa we managed 5 plus knots and I got the chance to practice and
experience her abilities in the light air.
Here are my observations from today:
**She felt like a much larger boat. Even sitting still I was quite
comfortable wandering around on her decks. I did manage to get the toe rail within a
maybe 6" of the water but with just a nudge, she popped back onto her feet.
**She sails as close to the wind as most any boat I've sailed. Much closer
than my old P-15 and possibly not quite as close as my old Catalina 22 with fin
keel. However, she felt solid and responsive on all points of sail. I
especially like the ability to raise the keel to gain a little speed on runs. And
still stable
**Pointing was like being on tracks. I am used to tacking and falling off a
little to regain momentum and then pinching again to get closer to the wind. It
seemed I didn't loose much speed (momentum) when tacking with the M-15. This
may be a bit subjective, but it felt very good.
**What a nice cabin. Bob suggested his idea of camping is a Holiday Inn. I'm
a backpacking fly fisher (referred to as a fishpacker) so, the cabin is
wonderful for me. I'm impressed that the is no mast support. I tried one time to
sleep in the P-15. It was fitful to say the least. Bob wouldn't let me take his
boat home with me so I didn't test the cabin by sleeping. But, I sure like the
size and the porta potty area. How convenient. There is no possibility of
using one in the cabin of my old P-15.
The Honda 2 HP, same as what I had on my old P-15 seemed to push the M-15
better with less strain. I'd like to get a P-15 side by side to an M-15 and do a
bit of motor testing.
I've sailed out of Richmond, CA lots. For some reason I've never seen an M-15
there. Today, before Bob arrived, I spoke with the owner of (M-15) Q2. She is
out of Sacramento, CA and has lots of personal upgrades to make single
handing easier.
Anyway folks, I'm impressed! What a wonderful, transportable, easy to rig and
most of all safe and functional boat. My next challenge is to find an
Excellent one -- or call MB to see about an order.
For those of you who think you've got the best boat available... I agree!
WHAT A GREAT DAY
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