More New Apple photos

Slipping easily upwind with little fuss or commotion. Note that if you're not racing, there's no need to sit her out as she is very well mannered.

Apple is not only handsome, but strong, too: recently, when racing to windward in a fresh breeze, a competing Wayfarer tacked too close and sailed straight into her (even though Apple was right of way boat on starboard in clear water), striking her midway between two frames - well and truly 't'-boned! Despite a fearsome noise, the only damage done was a partially crushed outer gunwale bearing the imprint of the Wayfarer's stem. Having seen a Wayfarer rip open a Scorpion's foredeck in winds so light that they would not have blown out a lighted match, this incident - on the day these photos were taken - gives a good idea of the toughness of the construction.

Note how flat and undisturbed the wake is as she planes on her bow wave.  Note, too, how well the twist is controlled in the mainsail in the photo below; the main is home-made and sets far better than the previous professionally made one, which was not only expensive and poorly reinforced, but also short lived.  Don't underestimate the importance of cut and the willingness of a sail-maker - perhaps local - to get it right if adjustments need to be made.  Remember: it's only a few hours work for him, but it ought to power your creation perfectly for several years if well made - whether in light or strong winds.

Up, up and away! I'm not sitting out hard as I still haven't bothered to fit toe-straps - my feet are merely hooked under the centre thwart for security. If you prefer a more sedate pace, simply reef!

Apple's distinctive looks and sheer sailing ability always attract attention afloat - if you are seeking anonymity or esteem lacklustre lines, please choose another design! Apple's blend of features, performance and handling is not often to be met with in dayboats and places her with her very traditional looks in a class of her own. And talking of class, one can't better the magnificent Apple cutter - shown below the lug rigged open boat version here - built by Erik Reinhard; Erik had a very clear idea from the outset of what he wanted to create based on the stripped down original, and this modified version of the Apple lives up to his expectations, with the astoundingly well-balanced handling of the original and the exceptionally handsome cutter layout for which he had the vision. A stunningly attractive boat, upon which much attention and careful detail was spent in building, not to mention the high quality materials and workmanship. Superb!  And his wife and friends still speak to him after those long midnight hours!!  A true artist, indeed.  I'll miss our correspondence during those long months about the various possibilities and the anecdotes and stories that arose from them.  There's more to design than mere pen, paper and computer as perhaps these photos show.

Photos of the Reinhard Cutter shown below are courtesy of Robin Reinhard and his father, Erik.

It was Erik Reinhard who originally approached me with a clear vision of the modifications he wished to make, if possible, to the lug rigged Apple, and who is responsible for the stunning cutter rigged development shown below. An internally ballasted half-decked version is offered for the cutter rigged version. The first reduction of sail is to drop the jib - the boat balances well even without the board being moved, and to perfection with it moved back.