It was a tough day at work so I needed a break. We still have long evenings and summer weather so taking Louve for a spin was a natural choice.

I wanted to test my new main sheet thimble which replaces gigantic block I had, which Albert landed on his face when we went out last time. This new arrangement, as in fact specified in F.Vivier plans, should not cause so much pain if hitting someones (mine) head.

New, beefy soft shackle made as described in article on Small Boats Monthly.

Launching went smoothly, in just a few minutes Louve was ready to go.

I knew the wind will eventually die but I took no engine. It was so calm and quiet that spoiling it with mechanical noise would be a sin.
I rowed out of the harbor and set sail. We sailed downwind, southerly wind leading us towards Vätö church.

New sheets working as expected - anodized aluminum thimble adds almost no friction compared to the previous block.

The wind was getting weaker with time but still we were ghosting in the evening sun. If not for a few power-boaters which passed by the evening was calm and silent.

We did not reach Vätö kyrkan, the wind died entirely. I took down the sail and rowed back. Rowing Louve on this calm water was very smooth and easy. Without much muscles we were doing good 3 knots.

I sculled into the slip. I cannot say I am as good as Maynard Bray but watching this video taught me how to scull. It is, indeed, very easy!

This time retrieving the boat onto trailer went smoothly and she landed nice and straight. Apparently the problem before was due to side rollers which were too high up. They were grabbing on strakes and skewing the boat. No such problems after I adjusted them.

Two hours sail and row adventure. It does not need to be the whole day nor very long trip to feel like being in “Swallows and Amazons”.

Building Louve can be found here.