Manuls Ten is out

Virtual sailing just got better. The Ten is out. Yes, it's Manuls beautiful Ten, an almost legendary boat that so many people have seen and dreamt of but never sailed. Manul never really took it to market, but his partner, Tawnielee - somehow - managed to persuade Manul to release it. An updated version is now available for a bargain price. Not only that. There's two boats for the price of one. I sailed it one morning not too long ago.

Two Tens for the price of one

Here's me after receiving the package with the two Tens. There's the original wooden boat, and there's also a plastic remake. I must admit I tend to favour the wooden one, but both are - ofcourse - completely true to the original and unique design by Manul Rotaru. That's right. The Ten is 100% Manuls brain child. It is a virtual sailboat that exists only in SL, and it is the first and only time so far, I wanted to move a boat from SL to RL !!

Early morning sail

While I sat there debating with myself which one to sail, Dutch suddenly appeared. He was kinda curious about the boat, so sails up and off we went. I've said it before: There is nothing like an early morning sail. I guess it's the combination of fresh air, the quietness, the long shadows, the different colours. All mixes up and your heart magically becomes lighter. This time was no exception.

Heading south

We sailed south for a while. Noone said a word. We just sat there and took it all in: The breeze, the sounds and the sunrise. I noticed the Ten had been updated to the latest BWind sail engine. The first time I sailed the Ten it was running on an elderly version. This one is much more responsive, has better  sounds and it comes with flapping sails. You can also toggle the hud off and sail by feel only.

We were not alone

After a while, Dutch had things to do, so he hopped off. Not sure if he paged that helicopter or what. Probably not. Anyway, it was just me and the boat. So what's there to notice? It sails like a dream. Really. It is very easy to handle, pretty stable and it turns heads. What's there not to like, hehe.

Add birds to the soundscape

Honestly? There are a few parts of the Ten that are not completely up to date. It's not easy to see on these pics, but the sails are flat, and there are no sheets. While I'd usually object to this, I will make an exception here. This is such a pretty boat and it sails so nicely I am willing to forget those two things. In fact I already forgot. Besides, you never know if there will - one day - be an update...

Heading north again

Anyway. I sailed her around the Blake for some thirty minutes before I set a northerly course up the east coast of Pslande. Passed the Schiffsratten clubhouse and soon I found myself in the open waters of Rivadulla; Look what I met there...

Meeting a Baby Sloop

Out of the morning haze came roaring... a Baby Sloop! The original Becky Baby Sloop that was used to develop and test the BWind 2 engine of the Ten. It was close hauled and quite heeled over, so I tried to catch up. Turns out the Baby Sloop is faster than she looks. I gained but I didn't manage to catch her before I was back at Tradewinds.

Catching a Baby Sloop

Perhaps I was too busy enjoying the view and taking pictures. I thought I trimmed quite a bit, but then again I had switched the HUD off. Dunno. It's not important anyway. It was an amazing morning with a fantastic sail in a beautiful boat. Besides, I can always tweak the Ten to go like a rocket, hehe.

Back at Tradewinds

So here we are... Back at Tradewinds. The Baby Sloop already moored. Conclusions? This is an absolute must have boat. It's super pretty, it sails super deliciously and it is dead easy to handle. There's no complicated sails, but if you must sail wind in back, you can wing the jib. It is the perfect match for a beginner looking for a day cruiser; And it will turn the head of any experienced sailor.

Where can you get it? Ask TawnieLee Rotaru or check the Rotaru Bootshaus.

PS: More about the Ten at Orcas World.