Wildsailing; "Mad Ray"

Wildsailing; "Mad Ray" This page will chart the build, sea trials, and adventures of the Hastings Punt “Mad Ray”. Why Wild Sailing? (His RAF nickname).

Because the Sea (even a mile offshore) is our last great wilderness...
The boat “Mad Ray” is named after our Dad.

Winter job. " The snake pit"....option to pump out whichever tack she's on...
12/02/2022

Winter job. " The snake pit"....option to pump out whichever tack she's on...

Here's the trailer we made (now fully galvanized). Its a break-back trailer which winches the heavy boat on and off pr...
27/12/2021

Here's the trailer we made (now fully galvanized). Its a break-back trailer which winches the heavy boat on and off pretty smoothly without getting the axle wet .
Mad Ray is back at the workshop. The wood's soaking up many coats of oil and we're working through a snagging list which includes some interesting & creative innovations...

Thinking and sketching how best to incorporate windvane self steering to a ketch rigged dinghy.....
05/12/2021

Thinking and sketching how best to incorporate windvane self steering to a ketch rigged dinghy.....

Just found this old watercolour by my Father (who was the original Mad Ray).Not a Hastings Punt, but a very similar boat...
26/09/2021

Just found this old watercolour by my Father (who was the original Mad Ray).
Not a Hastings Punt, but a very similar boat from Shoreham. ....I wonder when he painted this, if he had any idea a similar boat would be named after him.....

Ps. Interesting to see how the mizzen's brailed.... (the mizzen can be an awkward though useful sail on a boat like this)...

Mad Rays trailer now ready to send off for galvanizing....
23/09/2021

Mad Rays trailer now ready to send off for galvanizing....

19/09/2021

I havent posted for a while. Sea trials went well and Mad Ray is now in Milford Haven for a month or so before sailing her back up Channel. I'll try and post more video and pictures of her sailing in Milford haven soon.
This part of the trip was the 50 mile passage from the North Devon Coast near Ilfracombe to Milford Haven in West Wales.
I've been getting used to the editing software so I hope you like it.

More pictures from Sea trials in the Bristol Channel...
02/09/2021

More pictures from Sea trials in the Bristol Channel...

02/09/2021

Recent sea trials in the Bristol channel, 1st sailing towards Watermouth Bay Solo in a bit of a blow, 2nd sailing to Barry with Peter Rolt.

Over-night tent with ensuite bucket....
28/08/2021

Over-night tent with ensuite bucket....

Electrics : for navigation tablet, mast light, compass light, bilge pump, and charging box. ..input 38w solar panel.
27/08/2021

Electrics : for navigation tablet, mast light, compass light, bilge pump, and charging box. ..input 38w solar panel.

19/08/2021

Buoyancy / Capsized test.
It was quite an effort to get her over. She came back up with a fair amount of energy.
With the Buoyancy she floats just above the centre board case with two people standing on the thwarts.
Next job electrics......

Some more images of Harbour trials thanks to Rob Skuse of Steamship Engineering .
14/08/2021

Some more images of Harbour trials thanks to Rob Skuse of Steamship Engineering .

Address

Underfall Yard
Bristol
BS16XG

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