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Kalabalik on the beat outside Långedrag (Gothenburg) in a Force 5-6 "breeze". Notice how Christer keeps his Kalabalik in perfect balance and in full plane by fethering the mainsail in the gusts.
By keeping the boat planing on the beats, Christer soon became one of the fastest 505 sailors in the world in trapezing conditions. The theory is that by bearing off slightly instead of pinching the dinghy you gain so much speed that you, by sailing over the waves the smoothest way will recover most of your loss in height.
Having started with this sailing technic already in 1964 Chister gradually developed it through the years. After 2-3 years his technique to windward had reached perfection, but downwind performance still needed to be improved. Another two years and the overall performance of Kalabalik in Force 2 conditions and upwards left little else to be desired.
This performance is perhaps best being described by quoting Alex von Wetter of the One-Design & Offshore Yachtsman who reported from the 1968 World´s held at Kiel:
"It was Sweden´s race all the way with some spectacular sailing by the Bath brothers as they worked their way up through the fleet finally capturing first place...."
Incidentally, if anyone wonders what inspired
Christer and Pelle to create their
company logo you now have seen the answer.
Note the all wooden interior of this Parker De Luxe 505 which was a must in those days. An old local yachtsman from Gothenburg exclaimed when he the first time was confronted with the 505:
- Here the lads buy themselves a beatiful boat with an interior showing real craftmanship and THEN THEY´RE HANGIN´ OUTSIDE OF IT . . . .!!??