'Matilda' is a Thames 'spreetie' barge that has been fitted with a basic wheelhouse in her latter years in service.
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.
The mainmast lowers/raises for shooting low bridges as per real-world originals.
The Mark II barges are 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 as always to scriptmeister Jero Ramo.
