Final preps for the Beagle's maiden voyage begin. First I put the Beagle in the backseat of our Escape, secured with some weights, and took a little spin around the neighborhood. Looks like she should travel safely, but I have to dip the mainmast at an angle to get her in and out of the car... scary...

Next I took her outside on our deck, secured by two dumbbells, to do some stress testing on a day with 14-20 mph winds, which kept changing direction. Put her through her paces moving yards and rudder around and tested the range of the transmitter, since I've never been more than a few feet away before. Everything seemed to hold together well.

Next I attached the jib sail to the fore stay. For her maiden voyage she'll have seven sails: tops, top gallants, spanker, spanker top, and jib. I'll keep her royals and courses furled for now.

Last but not least, I hung her extra large BEAGLE nameplate on the transom. No doubt not authentic, but anyone watching her sailing will know her name. Fun.

Bought a little two foot long cart and crafted a wooden stand for transporting her from the car to the water.

We'll be going to a 3 foot deep weed-free pond called the Carmel Reflecting Pond, about 15 minutes from our house. The local r/c group in Indy called "Indy Admirals" uses it for some of their functions so it comes highly rated.

Eight months after starting this new hobby... finally ready for a test sail.

Maiden Voyage