Our member in New Zealand, Pete Sullivan, shares this report of the completion of his first coracle, originally mentioned in our 2015 Journal. The coracle, named PV Gloria (PV = paddle vessel), was launched on St Patrick's Day from Naval Point, Lyttelton

PV Gloria - first impressions

Seating position: 1 out of 10 – the seat surface (my fault) is as slippery as hell. I will afix some thin closed cell foam I have in the shed for some bum grip

Steering: 1 out of 10 – she is a true lady and goes wherever she wants to. I found by sculling on the right or left of centre or switching hands seemed to allow some control. The wind was quite gusty and tended to take control at times. I wasn’t able to apply too much power as I was using most of my energies staying upright – The power will come and hopefully a sense of direction

Concentration required: 150%, make that heaps, one false move and Gloria’s got you by the short and curlies. I sort of muffed a couple of strokes and was very thankful for the paddle skills I have accrued over many years

Stability: 1 out of 10 – the centre of gravity is way too high and - can’t really do much about the centre of gravity but toughen up I guess. It’s like sitting on a saucer but with your bum about the height of the cup lip, much tippier than my k1

Speed: speed, what speed?

Beauty:  3 out of 10 – na! Seachbhad, my recently finished outrigger is beautiful

Wet socks department: no wet socks today but I can fully understand how a newbie might just go to sit down, the hull scuds away and they end up in the water. All those years in/of tippy boats is paying off!

Cuteness: 12.5 out of 10 – I mean, what can you say, every time I look at her I smile, it’s got to be good therapy

Enjoyment: 12 out of 10 – It’s a neat boat to paddle and I will enjoy many hours getting to know her

If anyone gives me stick or laughs: they will be invited to paddle her! Ha! And finally – drumroll...

AOB: There were a few (3-4?) wee leaks where the stitching holes (I sewed all the tucks so that the surface is reasonably tight) were, sort of a drip every 5minutes sort of leak, not a problem really but I will dry her competely and then apply some more sealer, I used about half a can/litre for the initial 3 coats, I’ll put the rest of the tin on her

End of report from a very happy Pete