Mariquita Book - mk2.5

JAMIE MATHESON
Owner & Helmsman
SAILING MARIQUITA DOWNWIND
In upwind mode, Mariquita powers
through the water like the cheetah of
the seas that she is: every halyard, sheet
and spar taut and straining. Downwind
she glides gracefully through the water
displaying calmness and serenity. One
could be lulled into thinking that she
was almost benign and forget that
unpredictable forces of nature are
powering 80 tonnes of beautiful racing
yacht along at 10 to 12 knots. Upwind
sailing requires huge concentration to
keep the boat at the sharpest edge of its
performance capabilities. Downwind she
demands the same level of concentration
to keep all the sails filling, but in this mode she is probably at her most dangerous. Unlike
modern racing yachts, particularly with their a-symmetrical spinnakers, Mariquita has
an old-fashioned balloon jib allowing her to sail virtually dead downwind. This has the
advantage of enabling the boat to be sailed directly from one point to another but that
is also the moment at which the rig is most vulnerable. A sudden lapse of concentration
and an accidental gybe could spell disaster. Despite the danger, it’s a part of sailing I really
enjoy, moving along with the wind and feeling the warmth of the sun. It’s an awesome
sight to look up at this vast field of white canvas and sparkling wooden spars. Mariquita is
the most demanding boat I have ever sailed. But also, without doubt, the most rewarding.
153