Tips on Handling Your Potter

I designed the Potter at the very outset with leisurely pottering in mind as the boat's sole purpose. She is under-canvassed by many people's standards. Generally, however, I sleep at nights!

The Potter's sections were designed for maximum initial stability, and she should not be allowed to heel more than about 10'. If she does, her sections will not allow an increase in speed, rather they will impede her. Also, her peak of stability is exceeded.

In all ways the boat handles beautifully in reasonable conditions fast and exhilarating in a fresh breeze, close-winded and hard to get " into irons ".

About Force 6 one should consider reefing. She handles well and remains dry with full fores'l and reefed main. Downwind in these conditions a jibe is not something to fear, although of course, one must beware of over-confidence.

If one is caught out in over Force 6 she can be handled and even brought " through the wind " with reefed main alone. But this needs careful handling and experience, particularly if the wind is unsteady.

When all fails and the boat can only be taken downwind, it is sometimes a comfort to know that she can be sailed on to a beach!

I am alive because the Potter draws a mere seven inches with the swinging plate and rudder up!

In light airs, the best tip I can give you is to have her listing slightly to leeward. The lee chine will do a good job of gripping the water and help you up to windward. Never have your sails penned in hard in any conditions.

I have always found the boat goes better, and performs properly, with weight in the cabin. Never be afraid to load her with gear and equipment. She was designed to carry masses of people and their gear. But do remember she will be badly handicapped if this is placed too far aft. The forward third of the lee chine must be allowed to do its job.

Warnings:
(1) A light 14ft. centre-board boat can only be a freak if you can tramp about the foredeck without fear of turning her over. Be careful. If you have others on board and need to go forward on deck, see that they move well aft in the cockpit so that the stable sections aft can do their job.

(2) Remember always that the Potter is a 14ft. centre-board dinghy, with a cabin. Sail her with your main-sheet free to let run, pass it under the cleat at the aft end of the case by all means, but do not make it fast unless you are very sure of the conditions.

(3) Keep the plate down always when you are on board, unless circumstances definitely dictate otherwise. If you do have it up in such circumstances, never forget that it is up, and let it down again without fail when circumstances allow.