MartinRF

True. The best compromise in my experience is modern design not using 'breathing' fabrics. /Martin

Foul weather gear is much nicer now /Martin

On the opposite side of the planet there was a lot of GRP boat mass production in the 70's and 80's. The owners of those boats are getting old and there are very few buyers as those boats are deemed too small (mostly 6 to 9 m LOA) and primitive by today's standards. Hence, they are dirt cheap and many times very sound in hulls if not in engine and sails. Heavy, low-tech for sure but you can get a working sailing boat for less money than a new mainsail cost these days. Some elbow grease and some additional money may bring it from just working to being reasonably nice. If this is your cup of tea

Assembled and launched boat today. Long, sunny day. Relaxing after much needed shower now. Rigging some other day. Monday hopefully. /Martin

From Arcona's web on the 460 model: It follows, it seems, that not even the highest CE Category ask for watertight bulkheads. /Martin

Behind the scenes: https://spectrum.ieee.org/unicorn-startup /Martin

But also one of the most pleasing ways to go somewhere. Btw, it is not uncommon for me to out-pace sailboats motoring -- even to windward. /Martin

This is supposed to be a sailing forum and all you discuss is motors of various types... /Martin

Replace rather than repair. This may be of interest: https://www.reflectometrist.eu/doc/Blockfriction.pdf My 2 cents... /Martin

This video should be of interest: There is no mentioning of its creator Collin Forbes who filmed it while crewing on Burton Cutter. His copyright was not respected when Volvo (I think) uploaded this video version on youtube. /Martin

This one is properly neat. /Martin

What did the Finns have to put in a sealed bag? /Martin

Boy, am I glad I only have 5 hp outboard engine. /Martin

Easy Composites have produced some good how-to videos. https://www.youtube.com/user/easycompositestv /Martin