A companion piece to Dixon Kemp’s Jackyard Topsail. Kemp’s detailed explanation of the proper way to handle a jackyard topsail safely was perhaps the best possible advice in the 1890s when he wrote it. Compare that with the methods of high-latitude sailors, Tim and Pauline Carr, and the Captain of MARIQUITA, Jim Thom.
Bruce Halabisky and Tiffany Loney departed British Columbia ten years ago in their 34′ Atkin cutter, VIXEN. During their ensuing circumnavigation, they had two daughters and uncounted adventures while living on a modest budget.
The launching of the first boat to a new design is always a nerve-wracking moment. Will the public like it? Will the reviewers be kind? Will it find a place in what is already a crowded market?