27

(1 replies, posted in Non-Contessa Chatter)

You take all the time you need to feel safe, but make sure you go!

28

(6 replies, posted in General Questions/Comments)

Can't see much, but she sure looks like she's been well cared for. I can't tell you how jealous I am!

Even though I love my Kittiwake 23 and her sliding companionway, I really do miss my Contessa 26 a lot.

Hello all!

Tania Aebi will be speaking at the 2014 Toronto boat show! For those who don't know, Tania sailed a JJ Taylor Contessa 26 (#324, named VARUNA) around the world singlehandedly. She's something of a legend among Contessa aficionados.

She is scheduled to speak Friday January 17 and Saturday January 18 at 2:30 (both days) in Room 107.

I met her a while back when I still owned my Contessa. She is an interesting woman to speak to. I highly recommend trying to hear her speak if you can.

30

(18 replies, posted in Site Support/Comments)

That's a serious improvement, in my opinion. Though as you say, I wonder about structure. I am sure it could have been drone in a strong way.

The companionway on my kittiwake ( coupled with the bridge deck) makes her look much bigger inside.

a

Absolutely it was strong enough. Drove the boat at 5.5 knots (hull speed) for the last two weeks from Ottawa to Toronto. Admittedly in really high winds it struggled a bit, but for general use, the 5hp was perfect for my 4000lb boat.

BTW, highly recommend Klaus Marine. They were excellent.

I have a Mariner 5PH 2-stroke outboard that needs some servicing before I motor the Rideau canal with my Kittiwake, and am looking for someone local who can do some routine maintenance to the engine. It runs (I had it fired up this morning), but I'd like a tune-up before motoring for 40 or 50 hours.

Anyone have any sources?

36

(0 replies, posted in Wanted)

Hey all,

I'm looking for a used tiller pilot in working condition. Autohelm ST1000 or Simrad TP10 preferred For use on my Kenner Kittiwake.

37

(2 replies, posted in Non-Contessa Chatter)

Hey all,

I'm looking for recommendations for insurance companies for the boat. I'd prefer someone who doesn't require insurance surveys, though I'm not 100% adverse to them if required.

I only need liability insurance, so the idea of a survey having an impact on that irks me.

Any ideas?

Perhaps a smaller more trailerble boat might be in order? I for example have recently bought a Kenner Kittiwake, which old be more easily tailored and launched than a contessa. It's very similar to an Alberg 22.

MIT be an option worth considering?

39

(11 replies, posted in Technical)

Yes. I can totally understand that. But trailoring a contessa for that reason seems penny wise and pound foolish in terms of effort!

40

(11 replies, posted in Technical)

Trailerable indeed, but not easily launchable. This is a bigger boat than you might be thinking. An excursion might be able to pull one and her trailer (~6500 lbs I'm guessing), but I wouldn't consider it a trailer-sailor by any means.

The mast is pretty heavy, though I'm not sure exactly how much. I am sure it can be raised without a crane, but it'll be a lot to manhandle.

Apparently AIS is a better solution overall, since all big ships are legally required to run AIS now.

This is good to know oliver. I've just unearthed my box of 'sailing bits' and found my Canadian flag. This'll be the third boat I've had it on, but wasn't sure where to put it, since at this time there's no flagpole.

I haven't had a Contessa in ages, and I've kept the forum going! I have no intention of ever shutting down this site, really. No need to. It's the primary source for Contessa information on the web, thanks to all of you.

Unfortunately I won't be able to make it tomorrow night guys. Maybe someone can have a beer on my behalf?

I might see some of you wandering the aisles of the Toronto Boat show tomorrow though.

46

(9 replies, posted in Non-Contessa Chatter)

47

(9 replies, posted in Non-Contessa Chatter)

I generally agree about the boat show, but I have a list as long as my arm of things I need to pick up now that I have a boat...

48

(9 replies, posted in Non-Contessa Chatter)

Here's a couple, for the time being. She's in need of a really good cleaning up, since she's been sitting on the hard for 3 years, but she's more or less sound, has sails used for one season, and is just enough boat to keep me going for the time being.

Also means a bit of an adventure in the spring, bringing her back to Toronto from Ottawa via the Rideau Canal, something I've always wanted to do.

Also means a lot of shopping for new gear!

49

(9 replies, posted in Non-Contessa Chatter)

I bought a boat, but not a Contessa 26. The price was simply too good to pass up.

I am now the proud owner of a 1967 Kenner Kittiwake. A lovely little boat, perfect for my current needs.