thanks for the compliment - However the tabernacle is false and its all glued together - but this is not glued to the boat - so once the sheets are unattached and the shrouds released, the mast just lifts off, so its easy to transport.

I really like the mast lowering mechanism, I think Ill adopt that for my current build

Hi Roy

I do think your gaff version looks great, a touch of a Norfolk Broads boat about it. Perhaps I'll look at how I could make another rig for my Bella. Would be interested to see how you fitted the extra servo in for the second sail/jib.

Had another sail today in slightly less wind, so it was a better test. The servo for the sails was OK - occasionally there was a need to luff up so the sails were pulled in but once in the servo seemed to hold them tight. I made a 2:1 system for the main, this does mean this is let out slightly further than the jib but in gusty winds this does help balance the boat, as it releases some of the power and helps stop the boat turning up into the wind.

I'll leave the trim as it is - did think about moving the batteries but it would mean removing the cockpit each time the batteries need replacing. Another couple of sails may show some other issues and it would be good to sail it alongside some other boats.

Hi Andy here is Pelican going at near full speed, a small bow wave but otherwise fairly level.
The fore sail creates a wind slot that smoothes the airflow and when tightened (3rd. Channel) the speed increases. The bowsprit is there as otherwise the sail plan does not fit on the boat.
I used different mast stays to add a bit of the 'old charm' to this yacht.
The name Pelican came to me while watching the pelicans here in Australia where I am now. They are very elegant in the air but landing is wings all over the place then they resume their elegance like swans on the water. I am watching one now on his/her regular breakfast route.
regards
Roy

Hi Andy I did move my battery to the stern I think it was a flat 4 cell pack, held in place with some elastic. Perhaps you should not add weight rather just move it around.
If you look at my harbour you will see a yacht with the Bermuda rig and those are the sails from my Bella!
However my conversion to Pelican and a set of sails drawn to same areas as Bella did not work. So I drew up a set that looked right and so I have a 40% increase in sail area over the standard Bella. The C of E is much lower and she handles about the same I would judge.

As far as a stronger servo I would go for a high power metal geared but standard size servo 15Kgrms or so. Howes have them at £9.99 and it would be a direct fit into the space already there.
I see that you have introduced a pulley in the sheeting system so a 90 degree servo swing works OK
regards
Roy

Thanks Roy
Like your idea for the side benches. I did keep the left wood from the deck, not certain why but it seemed to good to throw away. I’ve only sailed the boat once but did feel it was a little bow down, so may look at adding a touch of weight in the stern. Don’t think there’s enough space for the batteries.

The servo is “one I had” but if it proves “weak” I’ll look at replacing it with a HiTec HS 625, which I think has a higher torque but is the same size as the one I’ve used.

I’ll let you know how I get on.

If you’re ever passing Fleetwood - it’s not far off the M6 - please drop in, it’s an excellent purpose built pond.

Hi Andy checked out the servo you are using ,carbonite gears, but standard torque. Does it actually pull the sails in when the wind is blowing?

I found on my Pelican which maybe different due to suit of sails that she moved easier through the water by moving the battery pack back and under the well deck. Then used an extension lead from the battery to the rx.

Love to sail with you but no one near me seems to have a Bella.
regards
Roy

Hi Andy nice job. On the practical side (full size) the space under the seats would be used as locker space for ropes, fenders, maybe the barby equipment.
There is enough spare lined wood with the foredeck to make a seat and fill in below to make locker.
See attached photo.
I used a ships wheel, as the tiller arm would get in the way of the sheet to the mainsail.
Well done with strengthening the keel, much too flexible otherwise.
all the best
Roy

À Nice old fashioned small sailing Boat! What else do you Need!
À Little Wind, Nice Company à good Captain and a Nice Lake
That‘s what Life is all about

Looks pretty majestic and distinguish. Definitely not toy like.
My congrats dear sir

Lovely looking yacht is the Bella. Quite brave of you to sail it at Fleetwood. The winds there are generally stiff to strong, plus you have the additional challenge of dealing with salt water !
Good luck 😉

Looks really good Andy - like two other Bellas in my club, a superb sailer in lighter winds.

Coincidentally, it is much the same size and with it's realistic open cockpit, it looks very similar to my own self
-design "Lockdown Dream". This was built on a Chris Brown fibreglass hull and very unusually it has no keel with internal ballast only. Photos to follow.

Dr John F Leeds and Bradford. MBC. 😊😊😊