N3227 Thriller

[National 12 Webmaster]

The life of N3227 Thriller.  Design: Baggy Trousers, designed by: Robert Peebles in 1980
Original boat name: Triki Woo.

[Tim Gatti]

A lovely example of a well-maintained, cold moulded 'Baggy'. Glasgow-based since 1999 when Marcus Wheel bought her from Graham Camm's brother Geoff. In late 2003 she was bought by Brian Kelly, new to 12's and also Glasgow-based, who did a great job on re-decking, refitting and repainting the hull.  Immaculate paint-job (Sikkens paint) - looks like a spray finish but is actually brushed applied.
Collected from Glasgow last week after unrelenting pressure from my son to get something faster than a vintage boat! Looking forward to sitting 12'6" back in a blow - although hoping for something a little more gentle next weekend to try her out at Ripon Frostbite in competition with some other Northern 12's.

[Tim Gatti]

Had the first proper sail in 'Thriller' at the Scottish Champs at Annandale this weekend - the freezing and almost windless outings at the Ripon Frosbite in Nov/Dec last year didn't really count.  A complete change in handling characteristics from my usual vintage craft so experienced a very steep learning curve! Big learning points - when offwind and the water level rises close to deck level on the stem the phrase 'get back' really does mean get back - helm to transom and crew behind thwart ...and fast.
The word 'submarining' is very appropriate to what happens if you don't.  In one big gust the bow buried and in a second we were in dive, dive, dive mode with the whole hull disappearing under the water beneath us.  But - get it right and the bow lifts and you are planing off on a scorching reach.  Great stuff - can't wait for more

[Tim Gatti]

Smooth bottomed ---

[orkney]

Why are there so many ropes, especially the ones in the middle behind the seat? could you please explain some of them to me? thanks