The Life of Boats

By John C. Harris
June 2012 

I've enjoyed sailing the proa Madness this spring, but have failed serially to get a proper sailing photo shoot. So, finally:
Crew for proa? Check
Fast chaseboat? Check
Driver for chaseboat? Check
Famous marine photographer? Check
Not raining? Check
Lots of wind in the forecast? Check
Lots of wind forecast, an hour before leaving? Check
Lots of wind as we leave the mooring? Check
Get to photo rendezvous: No wind. Not a breath.

Madness: 31-foot Pacific Proa

Madness: 31-foot Pacific Proa

The boat really does go like a scalded cat, yet it's dry and comfortable and handles great. Eventually I'll get crew, chase boat, photographer, sunlight, and wind all on the same day. And then you will all believe the boat can really sail. Or watch the video.

Madness: 31-foot Pacific Proa

Madness the Proa

Shallow water cruiser? You bet.

Madness the Proa

All of these photos are by John Guider. See https://www.johnguider.com/riverinside

Madness the Proa

Beautiful, angry clouds.

 Madness the Proa

A good view of the fineness of these hulls, and how the main mast is stepped well to windward.  Thus it is really well supported by the leeward shrouds and the wire luffs in the jibs.