Look at the boot top on this yacht. The lower interface of the white line is parallel with the water. The upper one where it meets the varnish sweeps up at the bow following a shallow parabola halfway between the curve of the sheer and the waterline. The vast majority of yacht painters no longer take the trouble to follow this traditional skill. If the yacht has a flattish sheer, it doesn’t make much difference, but for a boat with a spring to her looks, to saddled her with a parallel boot top is to sell her sadly short. Get it right and she lifts her head up and walks with more of a swing. It’s tricky, but so well worth the trouble.

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These are the best of the Skipper’s Tips from the pages of Yachting Monthly magazine. The book is perfect for dipping into while waiting for the bus, at the dentist’s, or in the ’small room’. In it, you’ll find hints on how to judge distance at sea, tell if the tide has turned, how to steer clear of rocks and ensure you come alongside in style - the sort of practical tips that don’t feature in the syllabus of yachting qualifications.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 at 00:00.
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