Maiden Voyage
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Click on links above to view pictures of my RC tall ship the Lady Love .

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May 29th 2003, Maiden Voyage

ClubPixE03.jpg (56741 bytes) The Lady Love sailed, briefly on Thursday night. Winds were somewhat high early, but with calm spots between gusts ClubPixE01.jpg (48446 bytes) So the christening went on.
 
ClubPixE02.jpg (48479 bytes) The mini champagne bottle was opened and the bow got wet. ClubPixE04.jpg (58390 bytes) Followed by a nervous approach to the lake.
 
ClubPixE05.jpg (57981 bytes) She floated just fine, and wanted to go. After a tense moment, I had to let her go.  ClubPixE06.jpg (61166 bytes) She sailed close to shore.
 
ClubPixE07.jpg (48026 bytes) Then, flags exchanged,  the American Flag lowered and the Jolly Roger went up. The cannons fired taking out a bystander on shore taking movies. ClubPixE08.jpg (58687 bytes) With the calm wind, the sails filled. I did some circles and cheered. Got a little braver and took her out farther.
       
ClubPixE09.jpg (60378 bytes) Then, the wind kicked up. (Doh...)    
ClubPixE10.jpg (64738 bytes)   She had a full tailwind and started moving fast, I decided to bring her in and steered her to starboard towards shore. I noticed the spanker sail got full as well as the fore jibs. I let the sheets out to stop the lean.
 
ClubPixE11.jpg (56713 bytes) But it was too late. A small gust and poof she was on her side taking on lots of water. ClubPixE16.jpg (57979 bytes) Matt's son saved the day and took a swim to recover her. (All recovery tugs were in port at the time.)    
She did look real pretty in the water before the crew laid her over. Them damn old pirates wouldn't give up their treasure. "Arg, we'll sink our own damn boat", was heard. 
ClubPixE12.jpg (30191 bytes)Then the rest of the evening, we set sail by the lights on our vessels doing our best to cheer the night.
 
 

Helmsman, round up and make your heading full and by the wind.

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