TOPIC:

Guys, I've just about finished restoring my old wooden Albacore (Hull No.1638)and I'm getting keen to get her wet pretty soon. My question is, does a wooden Alb require bouyancy bags? If so, just how much additional bouyancy is required? Also, what do people think of mast-head floats. It's been a few years since I last sailed, and Whilst I'll be starting out gently untill I get back in the swing of things, I don't much fancy the idea of an inverted boat.

Mick

If your boat does not have any built-in buoyancy then you will definitely need to have bags. The class rules ask for a minimum of 360kgs in 3 bags- new bags are marked with the amount of buoyancy they provide.

Mast-head floats are used by a lot of sailing schools - they do not have to be too big as the mast is a long lever - I have seen small (approx 12 inch long) inflatable yacht fenders used- obviously it needs to be well-secured to the mast

Cheers Jeremy, Just the information I needed. Off to find the necessary, then it's all down to the weather!!