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The Flying Scot is a "one-design" raced internationally with over
100 fleets in the USA. Spinnaker ready and fast!
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What
Our Flying Scot Owners Say
Harry, Karen and
the rest of your Team:
I've seen the letters of appreciation before, applauding the
attention to detail and the immaculate workmanship of the new boats, but
let me add mine.
When we unloaded
the 4 new Scots in Dallas last Monday it was
obvious they were each treated with the greatest care in building,
detailing, rigging and preparation for delivery. It still amazes me
that you folks refuse to cut any corners - the 'extras' that are
included, the fine finish that the hull and deck exhibit and the
careful, thorough inclusion of all the parts, even those that you
probably know some of us won't use. It's just part of the package that
includes World-Class treatment of your customers.
When I realize that there was a trailer and suit of sails as well as
other vendor supplied spars, rigging, hardware, etc. included in the
purchase price, I find it incredible that the boat can still out shine
any other class boat in quality of construction and consistency in
measurement.
I hope you understand how proud we are of our new boats and the
people who care so much about them to deliver such beauties. My 'all
white on white on white' glistens like a star and sails like a dream.
Thanks for all you continue to do for us,
- Richard Wade
via email
I purchased FS 1653
in June 1999, rechristening her "Dragonfly"...My wife and I
have found her to be a most wonderful boat. I have been able to keep up
with a J24 crossing Lake Champlain. We have slept on Dragonfly, we have
taken her to islands where we camped for the night and we daysailed her
with 4 adults and 3 kids. The cockpit is roomier than our (previous boat)
Pearson 30. We feel we have not stepped down from our Pearson 30, just
simplified things alot.
-Joe VLcek,
via email
I have owned Scots
for 23 years (#269, #2564,a dn #4291). I have cruised but now I mostly
race. I purchased a Scot because it looks good, it's fast, comfortable
and I can walk around in it. Its also the best fleet for racing and fun
at Corinthian Sailing Club in Dallas.
-Edwin M. Lockey,
Jr.
Fleet 23, Texas District
I have owned a Flying
Scot for 10 years and I purchased it because of the simplicity, cockpit,
Class Organization and because of "Sandy Douglass."
I would recommend
the Flying Scot to others for the above reasons plus the low maintenance
and good resale.
Dick Besse,
Fleet 43
The reasons we like
the boat are because it is great for family, has stability, and quality
workmanship...We now have the stern ladder and swim off the boat whenever
possible. We love that ladder.
Thomas M. Threlkeld,
Fleet 161, NY Lake District
Reasons I like the
boat: All the usual ones, fun, fast, forgiving, true one-design, affordable..
but the main reason is the people who sail them..I've made lifelong friends...
Robert F.
New,
White Rock Lake, TX
We have owned a Scot
for 10 years. Before that we had a Laser 2 that we were not built for.
We had seen a Scot on Saratoga Lake and a friend of ours took us out in
it. We were immediately hooked! No black and blue marks! Since buying
a Scot and joining the (Flying Scot Sailing Association) we feel like
we have an extended family. We go all over the country to regattas and
renew friendships with other FS sailors.
Ann Seidman
New York
I became a confirmed
Scotter 29 years ago when my neighbors on Candlewood Lake took me for
a sail. The boat was easy to sail, the Class Association was strong, and
it's a great day sailor and racer.
David Jacobsen
Commodore, Captain of Fleet 177
One Year
Reflections of a Flying Scot Owner
After racing Lightnings 35 years ago (mediocre racer), and sailing
Lasers on a small lake for the last 15 years, my wife and I, rapidly
losing our flexibility, but still wanting to sail and expand our
sailing, bought a Flying Scot one year ago. For those sitting on the
fence or considering whether to buy a Flying Scot, I thought my brief
reflections may help. The short answer is, “Buy the Flying Scot.” We
really like ours. It serves our sailing wants well.
We considered smaller boats and keel boats, but wanted an easily
trailerable and easy to set up day sail boat that we could use on
smaller lakes and Lake Michigan, handle ourselves, but could take
another couple, could use a small motor, and would have good stability.
Yes, sometimes the Flying Scott is a little big for the smaller lakes,
and a keel boat would be nice on Lake Michigan, but choosing a sailboat
is always a compromise, although the Flying Scot meant very little
compromise for what we wanted.
We have not single handed our Flying Scot, although many people do. We
have sailed it with just the two of us on smaller lakes and on Lake
Michigan with 10-15 mph winds and three foot waves. We’ve have had 5
adults multiple times and even 7 adults once on Lake Michigan in 10 -15
mph winds. The boat handles well in 10-15 mph winds under full sail, and
still handles well (We raise the center board slightly to take away the
weather helm.) under just the main when the winds get gustier although
we still try to stay off the water with really strong winds yet. It was
“surprisingly comfortable” with 7 as it really does have a roomy
cockpit. (I know that it “seats 8” according to its ads.)
As we’re still mediocre sailors, I would be more comfortable with a keel
boat on Lake Michigan with stronger winds, but we’re getting more
comfortable with the Flying Scot with each outing. Door County, a common
and beautiful sailing destination on Green Bay, is just over a 2 hour
drive and 30 minute boat set up to be sailing there while it more than a
day and a half sail (or motor) in a keel boat from our home port. The
Flying Scot makes this a very feasible day trip. We have the aluminum
trailer, and the boat pulls easily behind our Sienna or our RAV4. It
sets up so easily with its hinged mast pin, and launches and retrieves
so easily from most boat launches that exploring new places to sail
becomes fun to do rather than a challenge.
We bought a “near new” boat that was well cared for, and all sails and
gear were in excellent shape. Flying Scots are solid boats, so we’ve had
no unexpected expenses. While I suspect we would sail slightly more if
we kept the boat at a marina, we store the boat in our garage and take
it out each time we want to sail. We do save the cost of a marina, but
also this allows us to choose where to sail each time we go out. Again
set up is incredibly easy so hasn’t deterred us from sailing.
We’ve added a swim ladder and grip to the boat for ease of getting in
with the idea of being able to anchor and swim off the boat although so
far we haven’t done this.
While likely the purists will be disappointed, I bought a 2.5 Suzuki 4
cycle out board. (See my previous post.) Raising the motor mount board
(actually I cut a new board) brought the cavitation plate to the correct
level, allows the motor to lock in the up position correctly, and
generally keeps the motor from dragging in the water while under sail. I
use the “palm device” as describe elsewhere in this forum and so far
have had no problem with leaving the motor attached while sailing. While
we often could sail to and from the boat launch dock, using the motor
takes the “tense moments” away from the most difficult parts of sailing,
and the motor sure was great when the wind totally died on Lake
Michigan, and we were 3.5 miles from port!!! The boat paddles quite
easily also for those “motorless Sundays” on one of our smaller lakes,
but 3.5 miles!!! I like my motor and would recommend it for any Flying
Scot cruiser.
I’ve made a few things to make set ups, take downs, and trailering a
little simpler and quicker, but these additions aren’t really necessary.
I made a “mast sleeve,” use the pole wrapping method for the main sail,
and after drying the main sail often attach the foot to the boom and
slip the boom with the rolled and attached main sail into the sail bag
(I added an extension) to make the next set up quicker. I’m toying with
a jib downhaul (See previous posting), and for those leisure cruises,
added cup holders - Minivans have them!!! Actually I don’t want to drill
any holes in my boat so the cup holder are in a “prototype stage” right
now, but “clip” into place and work quite well.
Future: Except for a little splash when there are 3 foot waves, the boat
is dry, and we hope to sail with jackets on enjoying the fall colors.
We’ve not yet used the spinnaker this year as my wife still starts
perspiring just thinking about flying the spinnaker on our Lightning 35
year ago in a strong wind during a race (yes, we swam.) However, for
cruising, I like the simple, factory set up for the spinnaker, and the
Flying Scot spinnaker is only 200 square feet rather than the 307 square
feet of the Lightning spinnaker. I’m sure we can handle it. We may take
lessons next year to correct our errors and help my wife, and I gain
confidence. Likely we will drive to Door County to watch the Flying Scot
nationals next summer to check out the different riggings.
In summary, if you’re thinking of a sailboat this size, or maybe even if
you’re thinking of a sailboat of any size, I believe you’ll be happy
with a Flying Scot. Sure, if racing is your priority, and Lightnings,
but not Flying Scots, are raced in your area and you can always find
enough for 3 crew, the Lightning is also an excellent boat, but for us,
we’re glad we bought a Flying Scot. I’ve not yet joined the FSSA as I’m
generally not a “joiner,” but the people at the builders, Flying Scot,
Inc., and members of this forum have been great with help, advice, and
ideas. Perhaps we’ll join in the future.
Any other comments, reflections?
Thanks and good sailing to all.
Rog Klettke -
Sheboygan Falls, WI
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