Comments
In our 14 years of ownership “Dancing Maid” has carried us across the North
Sea and English Channel, to France, Holland, Belgium & Germany as well as
the East and South Coasts of the U.K. This was normally achieved with a
family crew consisting of my wife, our two daughters and myself in the early
years, and latterly just my wife and I.
She is a superb sea going yacht with the ability to look after the crew in
conditions of extreme unpleasantness (50 knots plus on one occasion),
with the ability to punch to windward when required, either under sail or
engine.
The ketch rig gives the flexibility to set a suitable sail plan for all wind
strengths, without requiring a great deal of muscle. She will normally hold a
cruising speed of between 6-7.5 knots if wind conditions allow and about 6.2
knots under power @ 2000rpm using around 2.2 litres of diesel per hour.
Max rpm of 2700
gives a flank speed of about 7.5 knots.
In moderate to smooth sea conditions she will tack through 70° and if required
to point higher will get down to 30°
with a slight loss of power. Off a PYS 1035
she has been moderately successful in club and local races in wind strengths
of 4-6, less so in light airs.
Whilst in our ownership we have attempted to maintain her in a manner
suitable for a lady, updating sails, electronics, upholstery, hull, masts, rigging,
cooker, internal woodwork, steering gear, prop & shaft, and headlining.
On the accommodation front, the aft cabin arrangement is flexible, allowing
three couples to use the boat with a degree of privacy.
The seating allows up to eight at a squeeze, six in comfort, and about 12 in
extreme discomfort.
Stowage is pretty generous, with enough space for 14 day’s for 4/5, still
saving some for duty free.
Handling characteristics under power in confined spaces present no
problems, she will stop in her own length under full
astern and trickle along at
tick over. With a little practice one can place her where you want.
Tony Williamson.
