New Member! I just bought C18 #137 'Drifter'

[Drifter]

Hi everyone,

I am very happy to let everyone know I have recently purchased an 18 foot compass careel number 137 called 'Drifter'. I have done a fair amount of laser sailing after starting off as a young child in sabots so looking forward to the joy of sailing whilst staying dry and having some creature comforts. I would be very interested if anyone knows anything of the history of the boat etc. I have felt around the centreboard case and it seems very solid and the floor on each side of the case looks to have been replaced so I am assuming it has been rebuilt granted it was built in 1970's. Also I read something about a careel bible - can someone enlighten me what this this?

Cheers,
Ben

[don47]

Where you from Ben

[maxm]

Hi Ben, welcome to the group! And congratulations on your new boat. Hope you get lots of fun out of her. If you're an experienced Laser sailor you'll have no problems with the Careel.

[Drifter]

Hi there,

I am based in Sydney on the North Shore. Is there a careel contingent in Sydney? Are the careel's very tippy?

Cheers,
Ben

[don47]

Ben if you call Pam on 02 99744701, she 'll be able to probably furnish you with some history.
Plenty of 18's around your area & further afield.
Join the CCYA assoc. asap, first 12mths free !
Come take part in cruises & some racing here & there.
You've a mk1 mod. with the lightest CB so a bit more tippy than mk2-3.
Don't let that worry you though as the majority of 18's are the same as yours.

[maxm]

Probably the majority of Careels are in Sydney Ben. As Don says, join the association and it'll help you get a lot of value out of your boat. The cruises are well worth joining in - friendly, laid back. Just beware if someone offers you a port!

[Drifter]

Hi All,

Just signed up membership to CCYA. I am thinking of joining the November weekend cruise in iddle Harbour - is there anything I need in particular? Like marine radio etc? Nav lights work. Thanks everyone and looking forward to meeting some of you at the cruise.

Cheers,
Ben

[maxm]

Nothing in particular Ben. Some nibblies to share at happy hour (chips, dips, crackers or whatever takes your fancy). Chairs to sit on in the evening. Food and drink for yourselves. That's about it. A radio can be handy but optional because there's usually a briefing ashore in the morning. The only time I remember using one was when we turned up in the afternoon and needed to find where everyone was.