Getting into the cabin of the Cardigan Bay Lugger

[Julian Swindell]

A question for Tony or anyone else that has been in his Cardigan Bay Lugger. How easy is it to get in and out of the cabin without a sliding hatch? I could not get into my Winkle Brig cabin without one, but I notice that the CBL seems to have quite a high and sloping main bulkhead to make it easier. Does it work? I am 6ft 3in...

I also wondered if you can sit on the bridge deck with your legs in the cabin and gaze comfortably over the cabin top whilst contemplating the world at anchor? This is one of my favourite positions, especially on peaceful summer evenings.

[Matt Newland]

Julian,
I think Tony is on Holiday in the Ionian with his boat (oh, and family) until the end of the summer. What's wrong with the weather here in the UK I ask you?!
Will badger him about this when he gets back.
Regards,
Matt

[Tony]

Hi, Julian.
No worries about the cabin access (or the view forward) on the CBL. Just step over - or down from - the bridge deck and you re in. Good sitting head room and - with the closed cell foam (Old, cut to fit Kip Mats) very cosy even before using the self inflating mattresses.
How are you fixed for getting over the cabin top in a hurry? When mooring bows on, single handed, I have to get up front quickly with shore lines or a boat hook. Shuffling down the side decks and leaning over the cabin to stop excess heeling takes too long on the CBL. Wriggling up through the fore hatch takes FAR to long! I have a removable step on the bridge deck to leap on to the cabin top, grab for the haliards on my way to the mast. Hope you have a better system. A sliding hatch would be a distinct liability for me!
Agreed. Washboards are a pain! Can't use your idea for fold back upper half and fold down lower as I have hatches for light and air either side and dont want to restrict access to the bridgedeck lockers. My idea is a one piece, slam-in job with a central, restricted hinge to replace my 4 wash boards - when I get around to it!
I'll send you a pic if some one will remind me how to do it!

[Julian Swindell]

Hi Tony,
Welcome back to the land of mists and mellow fruitfulness, not to mention continuous rain. 8-(

Thanks for your comments. I like the idea of not having a sliding hatch if it can be avoided. The biggest danger mine poses is stepping on it when I think it is shut, only to find it is not. I am very used to scrambling over cabin tops to grab moorings etc. but I like to furl the jib before I scramble. That is why I am interested in seeing if it is possible to furl the balanced club jib from the cockpit before going forward.