Yes Geordie & Tony. It does fit the Aka cross bars. Managed to get about a quarter turn. I didn't check the rudder though. Next time.
Well I took her out for the maiden voyage this afternoon. Didn't have anyone to go out with, so my first outing was solo -although the dog gave me 'the look', so against my better judgement I took her with me.
It was all going well. In fact, I was having a fat time. My dog, not so much. After the initial excitement, she just sat there looking like she couldn't wait for it to be over. I wasn't sure if it was because she was getting drenched or the noise of the sail while I played with the trim, but she clearly wasn't having fun. I headed back after a while, and as soon as we got back to shore she jumped off, ran about 20ft, and let loose with a dump that must have dropped her body weight by 10%. Any more and I think her eyeballs would have caved in.
I rode in the front. I know you guys ride in the back solo, but for my first outing I just wanted the furler and the centreboard nice and close. I've tried it before on a test boat, but that was in light wind. In 15 knots she was a bit bow-heavy, and I'll certainly be sitting in the back seat in future. Lesson learned.
I'd post up a photo of the poor dog sitting in the back, but I've got no idea where I've put the camera.
Oatesy.