BELLE Sailing the Potomac
The following YouTube video was included in the Small Boats Monthly article on BELLE. It captures her sailing on the Potomac. With many thanks to SBM and Tom Sliter.
More thanks are due Tom Sliter for putting together this very nice YouTube video (some of the same footage as the SBM video):
Older Photos from Launch and Construction
LOA: 16’0” Beam: 6’2” Draft: 0’9” Weight: approx 550lb hull weight Ballast: none (optional 40-50lb in bilge) Sail Area: 126 sq ft Construction: Plywood epoxy lapstrake Rig: Gaff sloop Waters: Protected Outboard: 2hp gas or electric trolling motor
BELLE reflects my own thoughts on the ideal small daysailer, since she was designed initially just for my own use. That said, after launch I was very gratified to receive many positive comments and appreciations of the boat. Thus the “Belle” design was born.