what makes a seakindly nis18?

19th April 2025:
Prior to doubling Bass Strait in his self-built NIS23, Robert Ayliffe undertook necessary preparations. Robert is the agent for Bruce Kirby's Norwalk Islands Sharpie plans and kits, and had made several boats. His study of the design and build has brought him into regular contact with Bruce Kirby (dec) including various trips to America. So Robert's "the man" if you want to learn about Sharpies. 
So I spoke to Robert today and here's what he told me: 
* There are no structural needed NN:- Robert built Clancy.
* The masts on Clancy are the same as those on Charlie Fisher.
* Centreboard and rudder are also the same.
* I will need to ensure all rumming rigging is led back to the cockpit to limit visits to the foredeck.
charlie fisher nis23

Some Advice on Sailing the Sharpie:
* A Tiller Tamer, or simple bungee system was used to steady the tiller and she sailed herself with wind forward of the beam. 
*"Selfsteering when going downwind is achieved by "tacking" off the wind, lash the tiller and balance the sails.
* The NIS is self-righting from 148°, "even with the hatch open
she will not ship water below".*
* Robert fitted watertight cockpit hatches to provide added buoyancy. 

Recommended Mods:
Building a box girder above the centreboard and fitting turning blocks, before leading the line aft to the deckhouse winch. This eliminates the winch by the companionway. 

* Robert relayed a complaint from a customer, as follows:- 
Customer: " Robert you told me that my NIS wouldn't take water below if knocked down". 
Robert: "Yeah, why what happened". 
Customer: " Well I got water below." 
Robert: "No. How did that happen, I've never heard of that before."
The customer went on to describe the approach to the downwind mark in a race in lively conditions. The boat did a Chinese gybe and knocked her flat. Customer fell to the leeward of the cockpit, his grandson and a tennage crew were flung into the sea. Just then he said she righted with such a flick that he was knocked out on the aft tabernacle. He came to, dragged the boy aboard and ensured the other crewmember was picked up by the club rescue boat. After he found water below and relayed that the mainsail had scooped seawater and dumped it below as she righted. 
She completed that race, but missing a crew member was disqualified. 

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