Worthy C-links
practising manoeuvres on ‘a course’. I disagree! My suggestion is practise with your crew, and discover how your yacht responds without the engine in different conditions, so that when you have to, it comes naturally. One perhaps underused facility not mentioned in the article, was how to sail backwards. I’ve done this several times in light winds on yachts up to 50ft, by simply pushing the boom out to windward, and waiting for steerage way astern. It is very useful if you overshoot a buoy but don’t have enough room or time, to tack upwind, and then return.
Michael J Davy James Stevens responds:
Practising on your boat is ideal if you have a willing crew. For the more inexperienced a course is a good place to get expert advice when trying new skills. On many boats sailing backwards is quite a difficult manoeuvre and, while elegant, is rarely needed. I recently had to join two lengths of 8mm calibrated chain on my Moody S31. Cheap C-links offered at most chandlers are not fit for purpose. I looked online for suppliers of Crosby C-links as buying singles can be extremely expensive and I came across Flints Theatrical Chandlers. They were more than happy to supply singles and the admin and postage was minimal, not like other suppliers who charge high admin and postage. The staff were also extremely helpful and informed. In fact they were so reasonable I ordered three Crosby missing link 8mm G-335, for under £38, and they were with me in two days.
I would definitely recommend that readers should include Flint Theatrical Chandlers in any search on prices.
A large lump hammer and an anvil are needed to make the join solid.
Charles Davies