The Winklebrig Forum

Hi Ross - I extended the forestay with some rope, lead it through a block at the end of the bowsprit and back to the cockpit. Then to raise the mast just push the middle of the mast up with one hand, pull the forestay rope with the other hand and up it goes, then cleat off when upright. Vice versa to lower. Can be done underway on a river to shoot bridges etc, and if at sea for extra security can use a bowsprit bottle screw in addition.
To avoid a rats nest of halliards etc I use quick release bungees as ties around the mast, I also use lazy jacks as I'm often single-handing.

The only answer is whatever you feel happy with! The wind strength alone is not the only factor - wave height is more important, flat water with high wind can be marvellous, but rough water with little wind is awful!

The other thing is that the stresses on the boat and rigging is dramatically increased, so beware chafe and any weaknesses - breakages can be dramatic and expensive.

So I suggest you just start safe and gradually work up to where you feel unsure. Also try sailing with someone else in a larger boat to get experience of heavier weather.

Please note that the main website (www.winklebrig.org) has been updated to allow easier access by tablet/phone etc.
All the data should be as before (except for the usual updates), and hopefully everything should be straightforward.
However, as ever, if you notice any errors, omissions or you'd like to see anything else, do please let me know.
Thanks, and good sailing for 2017

Rick
(Web Admin)

Excellent advert - well worth anyone keeping a copy in case they want to sell theirs!

Hello and welcome Gerold - any photos of Vrouw Kirsten - particularly of any rebuild will be good for other owners.

Rick

Constantine Falkovich (one of the site visitors from Belarus) reports that he has found adverts for Winkle Brig 114 for sale in Holland.

For details see

http://www.speurders.nl/overzicht/watersport-en-boten/klassieke-boten/winkle-brig-nr-114-150109188.html

http://www.botentekoop.nl/klassieke-boten-zeil/WINKLE--BRIG-nr-114-1998/1593046

For non-Dutch speakers, Google translate works well!

Now been sold.

Our much cared-for Winkle Brig Skylark is up for sale. Lovely condition. Complete with 4hp Mariner engine and well maintained Roller Coaster 3 trailer. Includes mooring cover and many extras.

Ready to sail and available immediately. £6500. For further details and photographs please call Dr Tim on: 07980360578 (Norfolk).

Also see photos on main web site.

Email received from Eric:

to all you WB owners Happy New Year & safe sailing  in 2015
WINKLE BRIG FOREVER !

One of our readers found this advert - is it a Winkle Brig hull?? It looks like it could be, but does anyone know?


http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Runabout-for-sale/winkle-brig/39922

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/img/adphotos/821/34821_-_photo_1_1405367365_big.jpg

Hi Paul - I'm fairly sure it's just a simple nut on the bolt, it's just a bit awkward to get to. Anything other than a nut wouldn't spin so easily. As to what size spanner to use - anyone's guess! Have you tried looking via a mirror and torch?

Hi Clint,

I'd be tempted to give it some gentle persuasion with a large hammer, the pawl should engage fully in the teeth - I'd still suspect a bit of corrosion - if the brake is fully "off" then the pawl is held up a bit, and it may have set in this position. Certainly worth trying before shelling out!

Rick

Hi Clint - I see you have the normal trailer brake problems! Unfortunately salt water and trailers really don't go together too well, and probably the weakest point is the brakes.

Usually if the handbrake ratchet doesn't work it's because the push-button rod going down inside the handle has rusted in and stuck in the release position. If you're lucky you can free it off by plentiful oil, working it up and down, wire brushing and patience. Alternatively, replace it! The eBay link looks ok to me, but £70-odd quid!

Also with trailer brakes, it's usually wise to start at the wheels and work your way forward rather than the other way round, otherwise you end up having to re-adjust everything afterwards.

Best of luck, Rick.

I had the same problem on Minim years ago - winching her back onto the trailer had strained the eye bolt allowing leakage, so I also replaced it with a U-bolt. No problems after that.

Due to pathetic spam attempts by sad numpties, we now have to approve requests to join the forum. Please be patient until this process occurs.

I will reject any membership requests from any "outlook.com" or non-British email addresses - if you wish to join and fall into those categories, send me a message via the "Contact Us" page on the main site. Sorry to have to mess about like this, but the spammers are becoming a real pain.

Regards

Rick