Trailing is a game changer when it comes to having a good voyage. For example, if the tide is all wrong in one part of the coast, then go to another. I live stategically situated to be able to visit about 300 miles of coastland reached by a relatively fast road for a day's sail, something the UK can offer.
Consequentially, the trailer is well travelled. After my last (longer) trip to Devon, I was 200 metres from my home when I heard a tinkling noise and stopped to investigate. It turned out that the flange that connects my launching trailer to the road trailer had broken. The launching trailer and PicoMicroYacht were now held on by a rope at the front and had slipped backwards. So now I have to get this flange welded back on.
I have been thinking for a while about car topping. This would be particularly helpful going overseas to avoid trailer costs and also to solve the problem of where to leave the trailer when going rowing.
Car topping a Pico seemed quite challenging for one person. But I have found this ingenious technique shown in the video below.
The Pico is upended at the back of the car with a rope from the bow to the front of the car. As it upends the rope is pulled in on rachet to keep the Pico from from falling back. Then a strap is clipped on the roof rack and slotted through the daggerboard casing and attached to the hull from the inside. This strap is attached by a ratchet which can be used to fix the weight of the boat as it is levered up onto the roof over the back.
Perhaps something to try this winter in preparation for an overseas adventure. Presumably, getting it down is the reverse?
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