Sailing a Firebird catamaran in Barbados

I have sailed a number of widely different boats since arriving in Barbados four weeks ago, videos of those will be posted later!

However the one that gave the most fun for the least effort was a 26ft Firebird catamaran. No winching needed, yet speeds in the high teens are easy.

The Firebird was a popular Micromultihull catamaran built in the UK in the 1980s until sadly the boatyard was destroyed in a fire. Phoenix was one of the last to be built. I had sailed a sistership in the mid 90s when I crewed for Graham Goff and we won the UK National Championships, I had also sailed Peter's Firebird when I last came to Barbados 20 years ago

So it was great to be asked out once again. The west coast of Barbados is a great multihull sailing area, with flat water, strong winds and usually a close reach in either direction.

Unfortunately the rainy season has still to end, and when it rains in Barbados it really rains! Peter said it was the first time in 20 years that he had enjoyed sitting in a hull!

Of course the wind died when the rain stopped so we had a gentle sail home in a gradually increasing wind. Hopefully I'll be able to sail it again before I leave.