Thanks to FoS my search for a Wally has been successful; After a good scrub to remove the thick coat of guano accumulated over time, some 21st. Century epoxy, (to repair the ubiquitous daggerboard case split) which actually sticks to the polyethylene...for now at least.
The maiden voyage was comical; as soon as the sail filled with a puff of wind the Wally dived for the bottom of the river like a submarine! I could'nt remember that happening unintentionally. On closer inspection the old timer had acquired a unique "Reverse Banana" rocker line and scoop! Possibly from time spent upside down in the rafters under hot roofing iron! No problem. All chocked up under some black cloth weighed down with concrete blocks in the scorching sun all day yesterday, cooked back into the shape Hoyle and Jim intended.
Time for a test run this morning; a glorious sunny start with a 5-10 Knot breze. The thought of the original rig was less than appealing after the first try. I was reminded very quickly what a mongrel those old baggy sails are to use. On the first session the bugger slammed me into the water back winded in a gust and tossed me over the handlebars like a rag doll! So after some surgery which will make the purists cringe; " A Marriage Made in Heaven"... 70's genious meets 21st. Century refinement; Wally with Ezzy 6.3 mounted. Talk about a transformation. Fast ,controllable and smooth. The perfect start to the day. Windward tacking up to Crafish Point and down winder home in time for breakfast in the sun.
See wedding pics below!

