Graceful launch of Komale

The now sticker-less Komale has been generously granted residence in the Lymington Yacht Haven, where she has been expertly looked after. Damage done during her return from Antigua has been repaired by Graham Thomson, whilst Matt Mew has done a superb job of polishing and antifouling her bottom.

Komale spent a cosy night in the crane slings before splash down early Tuesday morning. We are pleased to report that she floats admirably, sitting very high in the water without her ballast

Determined not to be defeated by the ferocious wind tearing it's way through the marina we took Komale out for her first voyage (with us). It soon became apparent that although a speedy and nimble vessel downwind, any wind across her bows plays havoc with navigation, particularly in the narrow lanes of a marina.

n search of larger expanses of water, which we thought she would feel more comfortable in, we nosed out into the Lymington River. Sure enough she steamed her way to the windward bank, but to our dismay politefully declined to do an about-turn in the face of the wind once getting there. Action stations were required to avoid some beautifully varnished X-boats and not without the help of a lonely buoy did we manage to settle the situation and swing her bows around into the wind ready for a race back across the river and avoid the need for rescue on her maiden voyage.

Maybe this rowing malarky isn't so straightforward after all...