Has a Heron ever been tested to destruction on a demanding cruise - intentionally or otherwise?  - How seaworthy is a Heron? How ambitious could an experienced cruiser be with his Heron ? How suitable is a Heron for sailing in cruising company with Wayfarers or Drascombes which are likeley to pull ahead?

Another of my - No Idea Responses!<br /><br />However, the PY of a Drascombe and a Heron are very simillar so perhaps not that difficult to sail in company - but never done it.&nbsp; <br /><br />There are a few Mirror sailors who do some serious cruising - and my view is that a Heron is more seaworthy than a Mirror (for starters it has a pointy front!!&nbsp; And a foredeck to shove gear under, and better seating (if you&#039;ve ever sat on the edge of a mirror you&#039;ll knoiw what I&#039;m talking about - they don&#039;t have side decks just edges!)<br /><br />Check out:<br />http://www.btinternet.com/~sail/mirror.htm - a page on the hosteller association site about Mirror Cruising<br /><br />I assume you&#039;ve seen the article in the newsletter on the DCA and also their website?<br /><br />I&#039;m also sure there was an article in Dinghy Sailing Magazine late 2002 early 2003 that discussed someone who did some fairly serious cruising in his Mirror...<br /><br />Calum

Me again<br /><br />See Jack de Crow for robustness of Mirror and I would agree the Heron is a more Sea Worthy boat.<br /><br />I have sailed around Plymouth beyond the breakwater to Cawsands, Kingsands, Bovey sands and Whembery with the Somerset Youth and Community Sailing Association (SYCSA) on a couple of their summer trips. Our fleet consisted of my Heron, Wayfarers, Laser 16, Laser 1s, toppers, topper buzz, laser 3000, picos and a Miracle.<br /><br />Titmouse did very well. Better than toppers and Picos, Similar performance to Miracle. The faster boats just took less direct journeys. <br /><br />It all depends on the conditions really. There were a couple of quite rough days F5 with big swell when we whimped out (my boat is 1950s vintage and I dont like bashing her about too much) In these conditions many of the other boats limped home damaged so its just a case of knowing your boats and your own capabilities.