[Gregory Manning]

All the advertising material from Fairey clearly states that the sails can be handled form the cockpit and a recently posted original marketing film on u tube showed this.  Can some one please tell me what I am doing wrong as at 5 foot 8 inches there is no way I can reach the winches at the base of the mast even if I stand on the keel box tops.  Do I need stilts or surgery?

Topic

[Mike Dixon]

Hi Greg,

Neither stilts nor surgery required.  I suspect that a clever bit of marketing (nowadays called ‘spin’) conveniently forgot to mention that the sails were easily handled from the cockpit, but only when they were set.  With A1 though, you could also set the sails without stilts, surgery or leaving the cockpit.

Ever tried a pogo stick – every boat ought to have one……………………………….?

Aye Mike

[Fairey Mary]

I like to work Mary’s sails from the cockpit.  I do get bruises on my rib-cage and at 6ft I can generally reach, if I stand in the companionway.  The greatest danger is a gybe while surfing downwind.   But boom reefing when hove to is reasonably comfortable.  But I am not sure I would like to do that in a severe blow or sea state.

A previous owner had reinforced the lowest companion way hatch so it could be used as a step.  I am not sure of it was ever used.

[Author]

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