Thames 'Boomie' Barge 'Cariad' Version 6.0d [29 October 2021]

'Cariad' is a Thames 'Boomie' barge built to our new 'Mark II' hull design. Boomies carried a gaff rig instead of the more numerous spritsail rig ('boomie' refers to the main boom required for the rig, which was not needed for a sprit sail), but like their 'spreetie' sisters the 'boomies' were supremely competent, versatile, rugged trading vessels

The third of a projected total of three 'Boomies' to be built by Lili's Yard before moving on to spritsail-rigged vessels, 'Cariad' has significant detail differences to 'Daphne' and 'Hector' which were built in tandem as a pair. This is typical of real-world examples where it was rare for barges, which were hand-built, to ever be identical.

The DynaWind system is fitted enabling sail under fluctuating wind speeds and directions, though this can be switched in and out if you prefer fixed winds.

Under load (choose from hay, sand, stone, rubble, coal or manure, all typical Thames barge loads) the vessel sinks down in the water in prototypical fashion. Loads are controlled by 'Gestures' along with many other features. You can raise the bowsprit for mooring in tight spots. Improved boat rolling motion has been scripted. The topsail, foresail, jib and staysails can all be set or brailed separately to suit the sailing conditions. The ship's HUD will give you Notecard guides for both sailing and using the Gestures.

** First Refit 29 October 2021: Improved deck textures; furled topsail added; mainmast now lowers/raises for shooting low bridges as per real-world originals **

A group has been set up especially for Second Life barge owners, The Thames Sail Barge Association, and a group joiner is included in this pack. We aim to arrange cruises and even races (yes real-world Thames barges have raced for over a century, so why not in SL?), so please do remember to join this group; it will also make re-delivery of any updated models easier.

The Mark II barges will be payware to reflect the work that's gone into them. Lili's Yard is a not-for-profit shipwrights, so by buying this product you are not only gaining a model of a historic ship type that we hope you will like and enjoy, you are also directly supporting our important freeware work bringing good-quality sailing to all in Second Life.

[Please ensure that you have un-ticked the 'Advanced Lighting Model' option on your 'Preferences' Graphics tab because the barge's holds are full depth. This means they are below the default Second Life waterline; un-checking the Advance Lighting Model removes (hides actually) the water which would otherwise show within the holds.]

My thanks to scriptmeister Jero Ramo, and to Yukiko Yeshto for some great testing and suggestions for improvements.