The trials and
tribulations of
a trailer-sailer
James Gibb has some tips for towing and launching a fin-keeler, while
Jake Kavanagh has advice for managing smaller boats
A
few years ago I was
approaching retirement and
needed something to fill my
time. I was getting itchy feet
and once again had a desire to be a
boat owner.
I considered various types of boat and
quickly realised that living in East
Yorkshire, but with a penchant for sailing
on the west coast of Scotland, I needed a
vessel that could be trailed home for the
winter. I had a ready-made base at
Tayvallich in Argyll, which was where I’d
keep the boat for the summer.
I considered various lightweight vessels
but all had their drawbacks. Then I saw
the Varne Folkboat, Free Spirit. Now, I’d
had previous experience of sailing a
Folkboat and knew all about their
capabilities from the likes of Blondie
Hasler and Mike Richie. I also knew that
with the right equipment a Folkboat canbe trailed, so a deal was done.
The problem with a Folkboat is that one
needs a fairly substantial trailer and a
good towing vehicle. Fortunately I found a
suitable twin-axle steel trailer that, after
some minor modifications, was just the
job. A twin-axle (four wheel) trailer is
essential for a boat of this size and weight
in order to provide adequate stability and
weight distribution. First problem solved.
As for a suitable towing vehicle, my sonFree Spirit on
her twin-wheel
trailer and with
Land Rover
Discovery tow
vehiclePRACTICAL