Sailing "Taka Maru"

This another Atalanta, A183 Bluster sailing in the 2006 East Mersea Ragatta. Atalantas are not particularly fast boats, but every year several gather together to compete in this annual event on the River Blackwater.

You can see how the centre cockpit provides a safe spot for the crew, although it catches some spray in rough weather. On most of the boats, sail handling can be carried out comfortably from the cockpit, without needing to scramble over the foredeck.