09.20.14 Stepping a mast and tacking an outrigger

When sailing an outrigger, there is no gibing. You simply move the mast and sail to change directions. Simply is an understatement. It is hard work. the base for the mastis rather shallow and it rests on the  pole with the sail.

Here are a few pictures that show stepping the  mast and tacking.

First, walk through the water and step up on the outrigger. No shoes needed. These girls were a natural - and their first time as sailors. The first one on the boat is Rena, then DC (I hope I have her name right) is in the water. They both want to go to college in the States - United States. They are certain that they will and they are really looking forward to it. Their whole world is in front of them. They were really nice kids.

You need a couple of people to paddle to  get awy from the shore. This was getting hard as they were going against wind and tide. I know the feeling!

Going under the bridge. Once in the clear they can step the mast.

 

When you need to come back, reverese the process, the mast is tilted towards the new forward and the sail moved.