the further conversion of a Finn dinghy

Some time ago I advertised my converted Finn for sale. Although a few people came to see her, there were no offers. The reasons for this appeared to be threefold: she had no trailer, which also stopped me using her, people were worried about stepping the tall mast while standing on the foredeck, and I had done nothing to change her from being a pure singlehander even though she was 15 feet long. As she was occupying one of the lock-up garages which I let out in order to supplement my pension, it seemed that the only solution was to burn her. This naturally caused a bit of soul searching and the result of this was a poem I wrote for the Bulletin entitled ‘The Burning’. This piece had a strong emotional effect, not only on me but on others as well apparently. Several people wrote to me expressing sympathy, which gave me a great sense of guilt. As a result I shelved the bonfire party and decided to spend money on her to make her more ‘general purpose’.

The trailer problem was solved by giving her back her trailer which was being ‘borrowed’ by my motor dinghy, and buying another more suited to the latter’s weight. The tall mast problem would be solved by converting her to gaff. As the main obstruction to the presence of another crew member was the centre mainsheet, this had to be attended to. The low boom forward as well as the reefing system also impeded access to the bows.

THE RIG When I had originally converted her to yawl rig, I had been careful to retain the balance of the rig to avoid excessive weather helm. In fact when finished she had virtually neutral characteristics so I felt that a high peaked gaff mainsail would be quite acceptable. Although I was willing to design a one-off sail, I had always admired the rig of the Cornish Cormorant. The area of 88 square feet was just right, and the high peak meant that I would retain a lot of the windward ability of the Bermudan rig. When I drew the sail plan and made my calculations it confirmed my hopes. Also the mast would be 30% shorter.

I first of all asked the makers of the Cormorant for a quotation for supplying the sail and spars together with the gooseneck and gaff jaws. The price was quite high and the timber specified for the spars was heavier than I wanted. However the spars of the Cormorant were originally made by Collars of silver spruce, so I went to them. They said they would be pleased to do the job. Their price appeared quite reasonable after I had calculated what a small quantity of that timber would cost me as an individual, if I made the spars myself. I bought the hardware from the Cormorant builder, and went to my favourite east coast loft for the sail.

Modifications to the hull were minimal. I altered the mast step and partners, removed my jiffy reefing system which ran forward below deck, also the mainsheet traveller which ran across forward of the cockpit. Instead I put the reefing system on the boom and the mainsheet ran on a rope horse across the rear deck. The mizzen remained untouched. The main halyards run back along the top of the centreboard case to cleats on the cross beam which supports the rear of the case. I can now hoist the sail from the helming position, as well as reef. The boat heaves to as before by easing the mainsheet and hauling in the mizzen sheet. I can also reach the foredeck to deal with the anchor with the sail hoisted. I retained the 80 lbs of lead ballast. The advantage of the yawl rig is that the mizzen doesn’t ever need reefing. The balance of the sails remains when reefed, because as the centre of effort of the main goes forward the mizzen becomes a greater proportion of the whole.

I then gave her a complete repaint using a burgundy marine paint that I had intended for another boat years before.

THE RESULT She is stable, able as before to take my weight on the gunwale without dipping it. Performance wise she is little altered. I fancy she is not quite as close-winded as before but that was exceptional, but the drive from the gaff sail is noticeably greater off the wind. I have not finalised the mainsheet arrangement yet as I was fond of the original layout. It is a great joy to be able to handle the anchor in a simple manner instead of the self-stowing gear that so spoilt the appearance of her bows. She now has sufficient room to sleep on the flat area of the cockpit, although I haven’t built a tent for her yet. I slept in a land tent when I used her on rallies last year. I have the canvas ready however.

As she has virtually risen from the flames, in fancy if not in fact, she has been renamed Phinix. She has been welcomed into the Old Gaffers Association, and they have even given her a racing handicap. A whole new life awaits her.

Unfortunately, the arthritis in my right hand has progressed to such an extent that rope handling is affected. I will therefore be unable to enjoy her reincarnation.