Sailing Uma · video

What this video covers

The crew of the sailboat Uma constructs a custom hard dodger to replace their previous fabric version, prioritizing offshore protection and crew fatigue management. They align the foam-core panels to be symmetrical within a millimeter, then glass the exterior joints and surfaces using biaxial cloth and chopped strand mat.1:00 To accommodate the new structure, they relocate the mainsheet traveler forward of the cockpit, allowing the dodger to extend further aft and create a larger, enclosed watch-keeping space.14:20 This design change enables the installation of a folding table and provides a dry, wind-protected area for long passages.15:14 The crew plans to mount 500 to 600 watts of solar panels on the finished roof.18:03 While the structure currently remains a work in progress—awaiting interior glassing, final fairing, painting, and window installation—the crew confirms that the increased functionality of a dry, warm, and sheltered cockpit outweighs the aesthetic trade-offs of a hard dodger.13:25

More from Sailing Uma

Our boat won’t look the same after this | Step 495Aug 2026The ONE Thing We Disagreed on This Entire Refit | Step 494Aug 2026We Owe You The Full StoryJul 2026We spent $10,000 on something Pretty | Step 493Jul 2026

From Sailing Uma — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.