I'm a member of JRA and have followed Annie Hill's posts over the years. So in a way I know Fantail. Can you make another video as a follow up really enjoyed this one.
Fantail has been tons of fun, and she's a very easy and capable boat. She's a touch small inside for my 6'+ frame, and for that reason she isn't going to be my last boat. Annie's new boat is a real work of art inside.
@@boathemian7694 We live in Christchurch. I have elderly parents that deserve a little time, and after many summer cruises lasting several months each, we can no longer put that amount of time into sailing Fantail. In a couple of years, we'll be back on the water.
@@yanstam4304 In any yacht, going around the South Island takes good seamanship. Fantail has sailed from Picton to Whangarei via the west coast of the North Island, so it's entirely possible. Other Raven 26s have crossed the Pacific, sailed to the Islands and Australia, and even to Greece. How advisable these journeys are depends on the awareness of the crew as much as the boat itself.
It's a homemade unit, with parts from various sources. Most of it was assembled by Fantail's previous owner. I spent a long time modifying it to get it working well when off the wind - that was a real challenge! John Lecher's Self-Steering for Sailing Craft set me on the right course, to make a pun.
Brian, the conversion was done by Annie Hill, who has a great deal of information on the conversion on her website - see Voyaging With Annie Hill. Fantail's conversion has been a stunning success, and is well covered on the Junk Rig Association website. If you're contemplating a conversion there's plenty of information and help available via the JRA and if your boat is similar to mine, I'd be happy to supply any details of Fantail's rig.
Nice is there another junk rig raven out there I am sure I saw one near Tiri last summer or maybe the summer before. Great video by the way I do like Ravens and nearly bought one until I met a little Nova 28 and fell in love now we go everywhere together.
Thanks John. The Nova is a great boat! Fantail has been at Tiri at various times over the past three summers. She has new colours on the hull, and a new tan sail. If you see her on the water, come and say hello!
@@bryantuffnell3387yeah would have been you then with the tan sail, she was sailing beautifully and very memorable spectacle she was under a wind vane steering unit too if I remember rightly. I certainly would come over if I spot you out there. I have a few videos myself up with my boat "Summer Breeze"
That's a common question. It's actually marginally faster on port tack when close hauled. It surprises everyone, but we think burying the mast in the sail reduces drag sufficiently to outweigh the benefits of a 'clean' sail when on starboard. Come off the wind by ten degrees and there's no discernible difference.
@@bryantuffnell3387 That's interesting Bryan. Thanks. There's a guy in my marina who has a Coribee which he has converted to a junk rig. the idea of a single sail completely operated from the cockpit seems like such a boon on a small boat. I wonder if the mast needs to be slightly further forward to place the centre of effort ahead of the keel?
@@simonforbes2453 Yes, the mast position is usually further forward than a Bermudan sloop. It's a fairly substantial modification. Fantail had a windvane, and could be tacked, gybed and trimmed from the cabin - the sail and vane controls ran to the companionway. The 'next modification' would have been instal a Hasler style pram hood, where all sailing and watchkeeping could be from a centralised, sheltered position.
Beautiful sail. I'm thinking of converting our Varne 27 to a JR. Please can you tell me how you planned the camber and shape of the sail and also how you arrived at the correct position for the mast. Thanks, Andrew.
Hi Andrew. The conversion was done by the previous owner, and the sail was designed by David Tyler to the principles in Hasler and McLeod's book Practical Junk Rig (old, but highly recommended). I've since built a new sail (tan) to similar principles, with the top panels cut flat (since they for the storm canvas), and camber increasing in the lower panels to a maximum of 6%(for windward drive in light air). More camber may give more drive when hard on the wind in light airs and sloppy seas, but Fantail will hold her own against a Bermudan rigged Raven in those conditions and my feeling is that extra camber would bring in some of the disadvantages that the rig is designed to overcome. The conversion has been an outstanding success in every respect. The fanning of the battens allows camber to develop independently of that cut in the sail. This is the 'free lunch' aspect of the Fantail sail design. Annie Hill's website anniehill.blogspot.com/ has information on the conversion and construction of the original sail, and I have the details of the sail I built if you're interested. A factor in this conversion was the desire to keep the mast base and step out of the forward bunk, which was the main reason for raking the mast forward (a beneficial secondary effect is that it keeps the sail taught against the sheets when rolling badly in very light airs). This dictated the low aspect ratio sail, and may be something to consider in the Varne. The new sail borrows much from the existing sail. The changes were intended to reduce further the already low stress concentrations in the sail near the throat and make the yard easier to peak. The Junk Rig Association would give you all the advice and support you could eat if you decide to go ahead. Keep in touch of you do! Cheers, Bryan.
I don't know why I have not seen this before. Wonderful movie! When can we expect a sequel? I expect some Hollywood big names will be lining up for starring roles. Of course they will all be eclipsed by 'Fantail'.
Could you please post the name/composer of the song used in this video? (OK, not Also Sprach Zarathustra, the other one!) Loved the video, it's better than the previous one :) Also did not know of the Raven 26 before this, but being in the US, we don't see that many.
Who's pretending? Sextants seem to work just as well when land is in sight as they do in mid-ocean. And I'm not aware of a better way of testing your cel nav on a boat without electronic aids than comparing your results to fixes on coastal features. I seem to able to get within three miles with a Davis, and better than two with a Plath or Tamaya. How about you? 😉
@@bryantuffnell3387 a sextant is a great coastal nav tool. Along with taking traditional sights of Celestial objects you can determine distance off of objects ashore of known height as well as measuring horizontal angles for three-body fixes. Quicker and more accurate than GPS (with the Davis MkIII) for those, and doesn't require batteries.
@@tomdavis282 Thanks Tom - I couldn't agree more. A sextant encourages you to interact with your environment and think, whereas a GPS has you looking at a screen for answers. For me, the sextant is in keeping with what I want from sailing.
Hi Bryan interesting rig on a Raven, but seems you had awesome time up North. By the way did you signed up for the Jester Azores Challenge this year ?(www.jesterinfo.org/jac2016entrylist.html)
Hi Arpad - yes, I'm very impressed with the rig. It's been a real success - very efficient, and very easy to handle. The Jester Challenge was an idea that proved too difficult for a Kiwi to make happen in the time available without compromising safety. Hope your sailing is going well. B.
How did I not come across this until now?!? Beautiful!
Thanks! ;-)
Junk sails are just beautiful.
lovely video very glad you are looking after Fantail so very well
Thanks. Do you know Fantail?
I'm a member of JRA and have followed Annie Hill's posts over the years. So in a way I know Fantail. Can you make another video as a follow up really enjoyed this one.
Fantail has been tons of fun, and she's a very easy and capable boat. She's a touch small inside for my 6'+ frame, and for that reason she isn't going to be my last boat. Annie's new boat is a real work of art inside.
For some reason I just came across this. Very nice!
Superbe, bravo très belle vidéo.
Beautiful, thanks 🙏
This boat looks familiar
Anne from New Zealand?
This ship is still the most beautiful in junkrig.
Hope you keep sailing this ship around the world
Thank you. Fantail was previously owned by Annie Hill, and can be seen in her blog.
just watched that twice in a row, lovely
Thanks!
Fantail is now for sale. You can contact me for details here.
Why selling?
@@boathemian7694 We live in Christchurch. I have elderly parents that deserve a little time, and after many summer cruises lasting several months each, we can no longer put that amount of time into sailing Fantail. In a couple of years, we'll be back on the water.
@@bryantuffnell3387 would fantail be ok to sail around the South Island with some modifications?
@@yanstam4304 In any yacht, going around the South Island takes good seamanship. Fantail has sailed from Picton to Whangarei via the west coast of the North Island, so it's entirely possible. Other Raven 26s have crossed the Pacific, sailed to the Islands and Australia, and even to Greece. How advisable these journeys are depends on the awareness of the crew as much as the boat itself.
Love , love, the introduction !
Thanks!
NIce vid. Nice boat. What type of windvane steering unit is that?
It's a homemade unit, with parts from various sources. Most of it was assembled by Fantail's previous owner. I spent a long time modifying it to get it working well when off the wind - that was a real challenge! John Lecher's Self-Steering for Sailing Craft set me on the right course, to make a pun.
Thanks Bryan
Great choice of boat to convert to Junk Rig. Do you have any other Video or info on the conversion?
Brian, the conversion was done by Annie Hill, who has a great deal of information on the conversion on her website - see Voyaging With Annie Hill. Fantail's conversion has been a stunning success, and is well covered on the Junk Rig Association website. If you're contemplating a conversion there's plenty of information and help available via the JRA and if your boat is similar to mine, I'd be happy to supply any details of Fantail's rig.
Nice is there another junk rig raven out there I am sure I saw one near Tiri last summer or maybe the summer before. Great video by the way I do like Ravens and nearly bought one until I met a little Nova 28 and fell in love now we go everywhere together.
Thanks John. The Nova is a great boat! Fantail has been at Tiri at various times over the past three summers. She has new colours on the hull, and a new tan sail. If you see her on the water, come and say hello!
@@bryantuffnell3387yeah would have been you then with the tan sail, she was sailing beautifully and very memorable spectacle she was under a wind vane steering unit too if I remember rightly. I certainly would come over if I spot you out there. I have a few videos myself up with my boat "Summer Breeze"
Lovely :)
Surely it must be much more efficient on the starboard tack than the port?
That's a common question. It's actually marginally faster on port tack when close hauled. It surprises everyone, but we think burying the mast in the sail reduces drag sufficiently to outweigh the benefits of a 'clean' sail when on starboard. Come off the wind by ten degrees and there's no discernible difference.
@@bryantuffnell3387 That's interesting Bryan. Thanks. There's a guy in my marina who has a Coribee which he has converted to a junk rig. the idea of a single sail completely operated from the cockpit seems like such a boon on a small boat. I wonder if the mast needs to be slightly further forward to place the centre of effort ahead of the keel?
@@simonforbes2453 Yes, the mast position is usually further forward than a Bermudan sloop. It's a fairly substantial modification.
Fantail had a windvane, and could be tacked, gybed and trimmed from the cabin - the sail and vane controls ran to the companionway. The 'next modification' would have been instal a Hasler style pram hood, where all sailing and watchkeeping could be from a centralised, sheltered position.
Nice sail
Beautiful sail. I'm thinking of converting our Varne 27 to a JR. Please can you tell me how you planned the camber and shape of the sail and also how you arrived at the correct position for the mast. Thanks, Andrew.
Hi Andrew. The conversion was done by the previous owner, and the sail was designed by David Tyler to the principles in Hasler and McLeod's book Practical Junk Rig (old, but highly recommended). I've since built a new sail (tan) to similar principles, with the top panels cut flat (since they for the storm canvas), and camber increasing in the lower panels to a maximum of 6%(for windward drive in light air). More camber may give more drive when hard on the wind in light airs and sloppy seas, but Fantail will hold her own against a Bermudan rigged Raven in those conditions and my feeling is that extra camber would bring in some of the disadvantages that the rig is designed to overcome. The conversion has been an outstanding success in every respect.
The fanning of the battens allows camber to develop independently of that cut in the sail. This is the 'free lunch' aspect of the Fantail sail design.
Annie Hill's website anniehill.blogspot.com/ has information on the conversion and construction of the original sail, and I have the details of the sail I built if you're interested. A factor in this conversion was the desire to keep the mast base and step out of the forward bunk, which was the main reason for raking the mast forward (a beneficial secondary effect is that it keeps the sail taught against the sheets when rolling badly in very light airs). This dictated the low aspect ratio sail, and may be something to consider in the Varne.
The new sail borrows much from the existing sail. The changes were intended to reduce further the already low stress concentrations in the sail near the throat and make the yard easier to peak.
The Junk Rig Association would give you all the advice and support you could eat if you decide to go ahead. Keep in touch of you do! Cheers, Bryan.
I don't know why I have not seen this before. Wonderful movie! When can we expect a sequel? I expect some Hollywood big names will be lining up for starring roles. Of course they will all be eclipsed by 'Fantail'.
David Thatcher Thanks David - looking forward to sailing Fantail alongside Footprints sometime soon! :-)
How about your windvane?
See the comments in the question about the vane below :-)
Do you still sail?
Sometimes - a lot less frequently these days. Fantail has a new owner.
Did you buy from Annie Hill?
Yes. Fantail has quite a history. You can read about her on Annie's blog.
Could you please post the name/composer of the song used in this video? (OK, not Also Sprach Zarathustra, the other one!)
Loved the video, it's better than the previous one :)
Also did not know of the Raven 26 before this, but being in the US, we don't see that many.
Thanks Scott. Djamen Ben Yelles, She Left Home.The Ravens are a popular small boat here, but I doubt you'll find one in the US!
Is that a chimney on your stbd foredeck? Thank you 25FEB2019
Yes, well spotted. There's a small wood burning stove aboard.
That's hillarious
Hey, at 1:40 what is the name of the music?
It's Djamen Ben Yelles, She Left Home.
Bryan Tuffnell thanks!
My favourite bit is where you pretend to use a sextant within sight of land :D
Who's pretending? Sextants seem to work just as well when land is in sight as they do in mid-ocean. And I'm not aware of a better way of testing your cel nav on a boat without electronic aids than comparing your results to fixes on coastal features. I seem to able to get within three miles with a Davis, and better than two with a Plath or Tamaya. How about you? 😉
@@bryantuffnell3387 a sextant is a great coastal nav tool. Along with taking traditional sights of Celestial objects you can determine distance off of objects ashore of known height as well as measuring horizontal angles for three-body fixes. Quicker and more accurate than GPS (with the Davis MkIII) for those, and doesn't require batteries.
@@tomdavis282 Thanks Tom - I couldn't agree more.
A sextant encourages you to interact with your environment and think, whereas a GPS has you looking at a screen for answers. For me, the sextant is in keeping with what I want from sailing.
Hill a riots intro
Subscriber 57
Hi Bryan interesting rig on a Raven, but seems you had awesome time up North. By the way did you signed up for the Jester Azores Challenge this year ?(www.jesterinfo.org/jac2016entrylist.html)
Hi Arpad - yes, I'm very impressed with the rig. It's been a real success - very efficient, and very easy to handle. The Jester Challenge was an idea that proved too difficult for a Kiwi to make happen in the time available without compromising safety. Hope your sailing is going well. B.
Self patronising, inverted arogance
what is the name of
the music, please ?
@@changurr2705 Apologies, I’ve only just seen your question. It’s Djam and Fam, She Left Home.