model yachting Australia - including d'12metre radio yacht forums

Maverick · Guru

RE: An Interesting Happening

Henry · Senior Member

Is is good news the EC12 's way out , more room for a NAUTIC 12.

Henry

\\\\

Maverick · Guru

So Henry,

What is your preferred chosen sailing craft these days?

Hey, this topic is getting a bit long in the tooth. Any suggestions on an up to date topic would be welcomed. smile

Regards,

Don

Henry · Senior Member

Its beena little over 12 months since I wrote that last post Mav. Things have changed some what , in that time!

I nolonger race Nautic 12s , I found they were just too heavy for me. That the blokes started not turning up (for whatever reasons) so I just moved on to some smaller classes. My Nautic 12 is still in the boat house, I don't know what to do with it for they sail so well.

Errol my shipmate died and that was sad but things move on. If the guys don't want to come with me on the "Journey" then, I will do it alone.

That organization was still not delivering to the general public. but still pointing at "Wind mills".

So I have been out sailing, I have a R/C Laser and I did a state championship and national Championship with this class but it was not as fulfilling as I thought it would be. The people who sail this class are very friendly and helpful and quite a few of them sail / race other smaller classes like Micro Magics and Soling OM among others. So in some ways these little classes are all interconnected. I haven't seen any of the so-called Hotshots in there yet and the smaller class es are pretty good to get into.

Henry

Maverick · Guru

But Henry, a Nautic12 with a Challenger keel while better in weed infested waters is still a big boat.

Hey, how about this?

If the N12 folks were able to reconstruct with computers etc an accurate design of Australia II, would they be able to scale it down to produce a one metre long boat? And if they could, then maybe they could also produce a Challenge 12 version as well.

Would not that be absolutely the most pefect combination of boats possible? One metre hull length, half the weight of the bigger boat. I mean, how perfect is that?

That would be one avenue I would be happy to explore but I don't know a designer or a builder who could make it all come together. Maybe the Kiwi's could do it? biggrin

Sorry, had to add, that I find this prospect exciting. Really, really exciting. If the A2 builders who I know have expertise, could maybe join forces with the Nautic 12'ers, and maybe a few others, maybe, just maybe, it could happen. And you know what, this could just maybe be the one thing that could bring everybody together! weirdface

Remember, whether this works or not, you read it on the 12-metre forum first!

-- Edited by Maverick at 22:24, 2008-07-11

Henry · Senior Member

Well that is really nice of you Mav. I really think that the nautic are going to have a great time in the warmer weather ,if it ever comes?

Do you know we have had about 3 wednesday in a row that have been terrible days for racing. But the funny part is even if we are standing there wishing we could sail , people are still coming around on the off chance we are sailing and you can't beat that for keeness.

My mate Ted with the other 12 metre in keen to get another Nautic and each time he comes down to sail mine for a tryout, the weather is terrible. Since we put it out that we would welcome A2s into the club we have got 2 X Ec12s. Now I don't know where anybody can get a A2 from but one never knows what is "blowing" in the wind ??

What ever happens in model yachting , I do know one thing . If we want it to survive it (the boats ) have to fit in a small car. Without saying anything else . I think Mav that we all are going to be introuble with this petrol crisis. Nev tells me in NZ that it is up to $2.05 a litre. And it is going to effect us here big time. Yep we can put our heads in the sand and use our big boats but "the end is nigh". weirdface

And one other thing here that the Nautic people should be looking at, I feel. That this boat should have an alternate keel style. Similar to a Challenge 12 variety keel. The would get my order for one like that. One that had a weed free keel!

-- Edited by Henry at 17:51, 2008-07-08

Maverick · Guru

Henry,

I have to absolutely agree with you that the Nautic12/A2 are the best boats that I have come across, being as they are suitable for the absolute beginner to the most competitive sailor, able to sail in the shallow waters that are becoming increasingly common due to the nationwide drought affecting our country, as well as being able to sail in nearly all weather conditions.

When I sold Maverick2 to the new owner, he said to me that he had been looking at a number of boats, had decided on Maverick2, and would maybe look at something else in the future.

My response to him, was that once he sails the N12, he will not need to get another boat.

I cannot speak for this guy, whom I will refer to as "D", but in ongoing communications since "D" bought the boat, he has been absolutely rapt with it.

"D", funnily enough, the same initial as mine, is not an email communicator. But he is happy to phone me on a regular basis communicating his successes and the obvious pleasure he gets out of that Maverick2 boat. From what was initially just a sale of a fantastic boat, to an enthusiast, has I believe, led to the making of a personal friendship.

And you know what. The pleasure that "D" has receive from Maverick2 is the best possible reward that I could possibly have asked for, and makes all the trials and tribulations that I have experienced being part of this sport, so worthwhile.

I have copied an email I received from "D" below, with the only change being to identity. Otherwise, the email is verbatim.
___________________________________________________
Hi there Don, I feel that I need to put into words just how pleased I am with this beautiful yacht and the wonderful support you have given me. I knew little / nothing of sailing a radio controlled boat, but fell in love with the feeling after a good friend of mine lent me his controls for 5 minutes and that was 2 years ago...I had never forgot that feeling. I now live on a canal which is 20m x 1000 which is used for many different sports including model boats / yachts / canoeing / fishing / etc. I sit and watch all this happening right in front of my own lounge / bedroom. Due to the location of this man-made canal it has many varied weather changes which is why it is so popular with the radio controlled yacht people..... I need to be apart of this! After researching the yacht I felt best to suit my needs, I contacted you. To my surprise I found not only the yacht I was looking for but the support which fulfilled this discission. Don, I thank you for this support. Nautic 12 arrived save and very sound and I must say this was a very pleasing experience with wonderful support coming from the shipping company, they really went out of their way to make sure the said boat arrived in tacked on time. The next part was for me to assemble it, learn to sail this wonder looking yacht. It arrived to me in better than new condition including all controls, batteries (x2), chargers and instructions. I don't know what to say from here???? It goes like this!!!! WOW!!!! WHAT A BOAT...IT SAILS SO SOFT...SO TENDER....SO TOUGH.....SO RIGHT. I LOVE THIS MAVERICK 2 SO MUCH, IT TAKES PRIDE OF PLACE IN MY FRONT ROOM LOOKING TOWARDS THE CANAL. I have managed to sail this beautiful designed yacht in many varied conditions and have found it to be very responsive in all conditions and MORE SO. This yacht sails like a lady and a wild bull all in the same breath (breeze). I can not express in words just how pleased I am with the purchase I have made. She is carefully washed after every sail and dry-docked in my lounge-room eagerly waiting for her next outing / race. Don, just to let you know how much joy you have given me, these are words from one of my competitor sailers, "D"! What is that manoeuvre? Cheers ....Mate

________________________________

To get an email like this from someone who I believe, with no offence to "D", who does not appear to like the electronic media, and who by the way, has given me permission to quote this text, is to me, the highest praise that I could get.

So Henry, if some of your N12/A2 sailing buddies do not have access to the internet, I would be most indebted if you could pass the words of "D" around.

And I totally stand by what I have said. If you own or sail an N12/A2, you will never need to sail anything else, because it is the closest thing on this earth that can be all things to all radio yacht sailors. smile

Henry · Senior Member

Well Don, you would be very supprised who reads this forum. I know I was !

You see friend that I think it is really great in some ways that there are just you an me doing the talking , we can weave our way around and our "silent " listeners just have to follow. Its a bit like leading the bull in one of your paddocks.

This conversation about club functions and that sort of thing is interesting. It appears in this "day and age", that the times are changing. We at Ancient Mariners are not having trouble finding members. All the good clubs around don't have that Prob. We just sort of cultivate the ones who can sorta get along with in the bunch. AAND I been threaten by Hairoil and Bob...... in no uncertain terms, that we don't need more members. Now who could refuse those overtones? I ask you?

But this is getting away from Nautic 12s. They are proving an enduring type of boat and will prove to be for years to come. smile

Maverick · Guru

Henry wrote:
Its a bit hard to judge why they keep sailing together! They are all different in personalities, sure enough and as a group in general life they may not have too much in common but the hang on.

At club level and at racing level it is all against the Comodore. I don't know why this is? But it happens all the time. Some days I think it is just a sailing day and then it erups, somebody wins a race and I'm not leading.

I don't know why they keep sailing . I guess we just try to make it FUN all the time. People go R/C sailing because they want to get away from their usual routines and as a club, we help them.

I make sure I keep them "informed" on what is happening in the R/C yachting news. Who doing what to whom and the newsy bits. Even when the guys are sick and can't sail they come down for the "Newsy Bits". other people think these newsy bits are Politics but they're not because the worn (news) goes out. And I reckon our club is one of the better informed clubs around. So , I think really our success as a club is because we have tried to keep club members numbers down. and concerntrate on mateship.

Well Henry,

Seems to me that friendliness and fun and a common aim seem to be the key ingredients, but perhaps the most important one of all is that you guys keep each other informed, even those who cannot make it are kept in the loop.

I'm undecided about part of the success being due to numbers being kept down, although just having said that, our once strong group, did consist of only about 6-8 regular members, who all had fun.

But I will add an additional point here, and it is not one I am happy to make. Our group was a success probably more due to one or two of the group driving it. And what happened, was that once those guys were not able to make it regularly, the others kinda dropped off. And that is a real shame.

And what's more, I don't know how to address that problem.

And you know what else. This probably belongs to a topic of its own in the General Discussion area. Again, it would be a shame if folks with no interest in the N12, missed this discussion.

-- Edited by Maverick at 00:09, 2008-07-05

Henry · Senior Member

Well we went down to saail on Wednesday. Boy it was windy. Where I live is sorta in a gully on top of a hill and well not to put to finer edge on it , I don't get a good reading of wind strengths. Well the usual were there including Bob and Gerry , Ted and myself. Hairoil is still staying close to the heater. The wind was coming in a TREAT. It was coming from the West at about 15 knots but every 3 minutes it came from the North at about 30odd knots. Not condusive to FUN sailing.
Anyway we just had a talk and watch the ducks get blown past . A couple of old trees got rejigged at the same time. Oh well there is always next Saturday, eh.

I did hear talk among the guys that there is someone talking about another 12 metre type. Yep , as I said , "not another one"!! They didn't say if it was going to be a scaly type but the impression was a Aussie 1 with (in this context) a weed free keel.

I can tell you that , I don't care anymore. They can bring out what they like,if it is anygood then people will buy it . Any way , I've put an order in for one. Well what the hell? It may never reach fruition? idea

Henry · Senior Member

Its a bit hard to judge why they keep sailing together! They are all different in personalities, sure enough and as a group in general life they may not have too much in common but the hang on.

At club level and at racing level it is all against the Comodore. I don't know why this is? But it happens all the time. Some days I think it is just a sailing day and then it erups, somebody wins a race and I'm not leading.

I don't know why they keep sailing . I guess we just try to make it FUN all the time. People go R/C sailing because they want to get away from their usual routines and as a club, we help them.

I make sure I keep them "informed" on what is happening in the R/C yachting news. Who doing what to whom and the newsy bits. Even when the guys are sick and can't sail they come down for the "Newsy Bits". other people think these newsy bits are Politics but they're not because the worn (news) goes out. And I reckon our club is one of the better informed clubs around. So , I think really our success as a club is because we have tried to keep club members numbers down. and concerntrate on mateship. smile

Maverick · Guru

Great to hear about the success of your group Henry. Is there something you can write about your group in the newsletter after the Winter break. I'm sure lots of folks would be interested in the reason for your groups success.

I only wish I could report something similar from down here. But I have not given up.

Henry · Senior Member

It seems I already have Maverick, not to blow my own trumpet but I get a lot of Queries from all over the World about model yacht stuff and have had it for some years . I try to faithfully reply to all of them.

Well we seem to be getting back into the swing with sailing our 12s. (8 boats yesterday) There are interested people coming by . This is surprising as it is still pretty cold out there for casual onlookers. But the interest is there in the group and so this coming good weather should bring a rash or interested boaters to the fore. I must tell you Mav , I must be getting old, for I wish in some ways we could just keep our group at 6 boats , for lets face it ,works fine like that.

I Have heard there maybe a move by some folk to get another 12 going with the modern hull and a conventional keel. This was always going to happen though. (not in our club though) It was just a matter of time . Why not put all the good things together into one package??? So , is there a need for it?? well I don't know but if they want to try it , suck it and see? biggrin

Maverick · Guru

It seems that this is a good group of folks to sail with.

And even more than that, if I have got things right, these folks will make you welcome no matter what you sail.

Please make the effort to get along to one of their sailing days. I am damn sure you will not regret it.

And by doing that, you will have made a personal contribution to the promotion of radio yacht sailing in this country.

You never know, you might even be mentioned in despatches.

Henry · Senior Member

We were back at it yesterday (Wed) 6 boats on the water . Well it was one of the best days (weather wise) that I have seen. I think just about everybody had a share of the wins. This was interesting and they did their penalties ( see it does pay off but you're got to keep at em'). Hairoiul didn't front . Its asking a bit much for him to come out and stand on the bank in the middle of winter and sail model boats?

I think we might be seeing another one of those A2s come an sail with us in the near future . As you all know we sail on Saturdays and we are a FUN lot to sail with and on Saturday we end up at the sailing club to tell lies and drink beer. If you're anygood at telling lies and drinking whatever AND I might add sailing boats , then come and join the fun. smile

Henry, I just deleted some blank lines.

-- Edited by Admin at 16:53, 2008-06-26

Maverick · Guru

Henry wrote:
Thanks Graeme , I knew they were on the short side. At some stage we are going to have to condence these small classes into something that is going to do something for R/c yachting , there is about 4 classes that come within the perimeters that you're talking about .

I suppose the HC M could come into that cost factor as well , like the one Hairoil and I did and I think that came out about $72 all up in the hull complete. So the $100 one sounds a bit much?? Never mind it is in the Ball Park.

How ever Maverick will be pulling his hair out about this time, wondering what we are talking about on "his" Nautic 12 page. He likes to keep a tight ship in this regard and more power to him for it. However , I would pray upon him to perhaps combine Nautics and A2 together and see how it goes . both these classes need something at this stage, for they are in the "Same Boat " in this regard. While they ARE different the type is the same and therefore could race together.

However we are looking to see where we can get a hull . It appears that both A2 moulds are not being used (for reasons unknown) and that doesn't help either. So we will have to see where we can get them from in the immediate future. As you all know , I don't need one, myself but there will be people coming along who will need one. So if anyone has any Idea where we can get a A2 hulls or a similar compatable one,The hull doesn't even have to have a wing keel on it, perhaps a wing free type would be considered? then we want to know? Perhaps I can get our mate Ted (the Palmer 12) to give us a suggestion ??

Henry, you are spot on regarding pullng my hair out regarding posts in the wrong slots. You will no doubt appreciate confirmation of your correctness as I lost now lost nearly all of my hair since becoming interested in radio yachting.

You have a point with regard to combining N12/A2 posts together, but I went for this forum system because I simply did not have the time to do the daily elimination of spam posts that the previous forum was subjected too. But it does mean I lost some flexibility.

And what this means is that it is not easy for me to combine topics/posts like I was able to before. As such, that means we all lose out, but given the frequency of overall posts, the existing structure is most effective. I simply do not have the time to delete spam posts.

But what this does mean, is that if these forums' are to be effecive, posters should really post in relevant areas.

As a rough guide, when wanting to make a post, run down the Categories, select, the one most appropriate, create a new topic if necessary, and go for it.

My personal opinion is, is that if non-topic posts are made in a topic, people will quickly just no longer visit that topic. And fair enough.

Maverick · Guru

GraemeT wrote:
Henry,

The Wee Nip is 70cm long and a single chine una-rig design by Graham Bantock.

Free plan can be downloaded from: http://www.traplethouse.com/mmi/weenip.html

A group of guys at Bribie Island have adopted the class as a simple beginners boat to introduce beginners to sailing at minimum cost.

They claim to be building them for around $100 excluding radio etc

This is a bit off topic .... feel free to put it in a more suitable location if required

Graeme Turk
-- Edited by GraemeT at 11:00, 2008-06-17

Thanks for your comments Graeme.

The "General Discussion" forum though might be the more appropriate place for posts like this. I've actually just posted a similar comment related to Henry's post as well. And the reason, for why I think these posts should be posted elsewhere.

Please don't be offended.

Don

Maverick · Guru

Henry wrote:
Mav , I was under the impression that a wee Nip was about 12 " long, whereas the RG65 was about 25" long or Half Marblehead size . Do you know the difference?

Well I guess it is back to Nautics after our travelling south. No folks we are not travelling south for winter!

The Nautic 12 and its sister type A2 will be in the water at Scarborough Park again next Saturday , if the weather is kind . Hasn't it been a bummer of late.

Ted has been coming down each week (or promising to) to race his Palmer 12 but the weather has been really crook and he hasn't shown up. This is where "fair weather sailors" come into their own. Hairoil and I have been checking out the RED at the "Seals" in the rotten weather, (well somebody has to do it).

We're sorry that other class (IOM ) didn't work out but we can still sail the R50s when we want. They are not bad and do have something going for them as they are not only a good one design but can fit in with Nautics and A2s in the racing. I personally have had enough of looking for a lighter boat other than a R50. I suppose I can bang my head against the wall for ever and not get aa better boat than this one and we have the moulds as well.

Should I send you some photos of our visit to Wollongong, to post on the forum?
-- Edited by Henry at 18:09, 2008-06-16

No Henry, the Wee Nip is about the same saize as a "Victoria" if you are familiar with that boat.

But Henry, we are getting really off topic here and I am concerned that people with no interest in the Nautic12 will not read these very informative posts.

You have lots to offer, but posting mainly in the Nautic12 topic, will mean that lots of your very valuable general sailing comments will not be read by folks who have no idea, or care about, what a Nautic12 is.

Might I respectfully suggest that general interest items actually be posted in the "General Discussion" forum.

That would I think open up more potental avenues for discussion.

Don

Henry · Senior Member

Thanks Graeme , I knew they were on the short side. At some stage we are going to have to condence these small classes into something that is going to do something for R/c yachting , there is about 4 classes that come within the perimeters that you're talking about .

I suppose the HC M could come into that cost factor as well , like the one Hairoil and I did and I think that came out about $72 all up in the hull complete. So the $100 one sounds a bit much?? Never mind it is in the Ball Park.

How ever Maverick will be pulling his hair out about this time, wondering what we are talking about on "his" Nautic 12 page. He likes to keep a tight ship in this regard and more power to him for it. However , I would pray upon him to perhaps combine Nautics and A2 together and see how it goes . both these classes need something at this stage, for they are in the "Same Boat " in this regard. While they ARE different the type is the same and therefore could race together.

However we are looking to see where we can get a hull . It appears that both A2 moulds are not being used (for reasons unknown) and that doesn't help either. So we will have to see where we can get them from in the immediate future. As you all know , I don't need one, myself but there will be people coming along who will need one. So if anyone has any Idea where we can get a A2 hulls or a similar compatable one,The hull doesn't even have to have a wing keel on it, perhaps a wing free type would be considered? then we want to know? Perhaps I can get our mate Ted (the Palmer 12) to give us a suggestion ?? confused

GraemeT · Member

Henry,

The Wee Nip is 70cm long and a single chine una-rig design by Graham Bantock.

Free plan can be downloaded from: http://www.traplethouse.com/mmi/weenip.html

A group of guys at Bribie Island have adopted the class as a simple beginners boat to introduce beginners to sailing at minimum cost.

They claim to be building them for around $100 excluding radio etc

This is a bit off topic .... feel free to put it in a more suitable location if required

Graeme Turk

-- Edited by GraemeT at 11:00, 2008-06-17

Henry · Senior Member

Mav , I was under the impression that a wee Nip was about 12 " long, whereas the RG65 was about 25" long or Half Marblehead size . Do you know the difference?

Well I guess it is back to Nautics after our travelling south. No folks we are not travelling south for winter!

The Nautic 12 and its sister type A2 will be in the water at Scarborough Park again next Saturday , if the weather is kind . Hasn't it been a bummer of late.

Ted has been coming down each week (or promising to) to race his Palmer 12 but the weather has been really crook and he hasn't shown up. This is where "fair weather sailors" come into their own. Hairoil and I have been checking out the RED at the "Seals" in the rotten weather, (well somebody has to do it).

We're sorry that other class (IOM ) didn't work out but we can still sail the R50s when we want. They are not bad and do have something going for them as they are not only a good one design but can fit in with Nautics and A2s in the racing. I personally have had enough of looking for a lighter boat other than a R50. I suppose I can bang my head against the wall for ever and not get aa better boat than this one and we have the moulds as well. biggrin

Should I send you some photos of our visit to Wollongong, to post on the forum?

-- Edited by Henry at 18:09, 2008-06-16

Henry · Senior Member

Post moved to the appropriate topic.

-- Edited by Admin at 23:01, 2008-06-09

Maverick · Guru

Hi Henry,

Sounds like you had a good day. Good on you.

I totally agree with you in that if there are lots of people interested in scratch building in a sport, then that is most encouraging news.

The RG65 has been around now for a few years in Argentina. It is also sailed in Chile and Brazil, alongside something called a JIF65. There is actually a full size RG65 plan for a boat called "TINKER" by Charles Detriche in the January 2008 issue of MARINE modelling International.

There is also JIF65 Building Manual in the May 2007 issue, again, of the above magazine.

Should anybody want back issues of these magazines, I'm sure Malcolm Kampe of RYSA would be able to organise that or at least point you in the right direction.

Also in a number of issues of the above magazine, there is a description of a Graham Bantock designed boat called the Wee Nip which is fractionally bigger than the RG65 both is version 1 form with only a mainsail, and a version 2 form with a jib as well.

Henry · Senior Member

Mav , lets get this in to perspective a bit. What we are experiencing is not just happening to us but there is a whole host of people out there that it is happening too. For many different reasons but it all comes down to similar to what is happening here.

Well we went South yesterday. It was good , it was windy and it was cold in the end but what a great bunch of blokes and if I may say so, similar outlooks. That was refreshing. We talked boats , caught up on a few old mates, talked old boats and Gee it was fun! Look forward going again. We did the one metres and they are going to visit some wednesdays. So who knows what??

They showed us a little multi chine boat from South America, called a RG65 about 25" long (half Marblehead size) (just google RG65) and how beautifull it was . Like a 16 ft skiff in proportions. Interesting , just shows what can be achieved "outside" the square! Its funny for this is the second person within a week that has been doing something like this and tryiing to promote stuff for people to build. We can only encourage this . I encourage it, for it shows that the "actual " sport is healthy. smile

Henry

-- Edited by Henry at 12:12, 2008-06-08

Maverick · Guru

G'day Henry

What are they so incensed about?

Is it just costs, or is there more to it than that?

Hey, and enjoy your sail tomorrow.

-- Edited by Maverick at 12:49, 2008-06-06

Henry · Senior Member

You see Mav we have all these posts talking about everything except Nautic 12s!!!

Now I have not lost sleep about that. We will still sail EM but we won't do anything else. Nautics Saturday, others on Wednrsdays. We can play the game as others play it. By the way I heard the other day some blokes (not our club) are so incenced about things, they are going out of their way to find better ways to using stuff for their boats , like one of them had a trip to the fishing line shop and found stuff there that can save him heaps in boat building costs. I will see if I can get more info and do a write up in 12 METRE NEWS on it. And we will be doing a little something on something else to do with Metre boats that we sail. Hopefully we can do some stuff on rigs and stuff for the next edition.

I'll leave you with this little saying , "When it gets tough , the tough get going and change the rules".

Maverick · Guru

Thanks Henry. biggrin

Henry · Senior Member

Don't let it worry you Don , These cretins don't care about anything! They don't even see the big picture . All they are concerned with is their hamburger at the end of the day. They are only legends in their own minds.

If they had anything to contribute they would have done it before now but all we get is "CLUCKING". (some times I think it is like feeding the chooks) I read some good books in the last few days . Had a game of bowls , did a bit of this and that and feel refreshed , somewhat .

And Viking , I not allowed to drink, guzzel, slosh, copious supplies of whiskey. Its a drug.

Henry smile

Maverick · Guru

Henry wrote:
I'm a little bit tired that we have gone on this journey of finding a light boat to sail/ race, only to find the perfect one is here already.

Henry

I would be really interested in general comments, but alas, it appears that whilst there appear to be many readers, contributors are sorely lacking, so the radio yachting community continues to drift out of control in stormy weather.

Henry, you are getting a bit tired of looking for the right boat, and I must confess, that I am getting really really tired of putting in the work without some support to keep this sport alive. You are excluded from the previous comment, for it is you that provides the content. All I do is provide the means to get it out there.

But nevertheless, the running of this forum, the running of the website, is taking up more time, effort and expense than I am increasingly becoming unable to afford, both financially and emotionally.

It is great to have an avenue to make my comments known, but I am increasingly feeling that what energy I have is being sucked out by the folks who do not contribute or return anything back to this sport, and it is draining. It is very, very draining.

Maverick · Guru

Henry wrote:
I don't know why .... its just a senior thing??

Weellllllllll, I was wondering. But it's OK.

Henry · Senior Member

No , probably it is not. I have been searching for a lighter class to sail. There is going to be a point where I and others are going to get to, of sailing a boat that is too heavy for us. Not to get from the car to the pond but to handle it from the car to the boat house and around the yard. At times like those there is nobody to help and well not to put it to bluntly , the boat is going to be too heavy.

Now we can struggle with this answer but the end will come that we EITHER stop sailing (which will be a pity) or do something about moving into another lighter boat. Now I would like to know what that class could be. I'm sure there are people out there who possibly would like to move on to a boat like that NOW.

We have looked at several possibilities already; such as Victor Aussie 11. We thought here is a little boat in keeping with our theme of 12 metres in general but no , there is a problem with supply. Then we looked at Canterbury J . Again there is a problem with getting them as we would want. Both these little boats we have put up on your forum and there they stay and I don't think (apart from you) anyone can get one. This brings us to the R50 or Nautic 12 trainer. This is a light boat that has given us some good service in the last 6 years. It is a fiberglass hull and is made to last. Our 6 year old ones are still going fine, so there is this thing about them that shows that they have staying power( more than you can say for some of these Carbon Fibre boats that are around). They have one rig. They have other tuning things on them to help the novice to learn sailing . They can be a "twitchy" boat for the expert to match race with. In fact as a one design class they can be for the novice or the expert alike. So what it has achieved isthat we have finally found a boat that will fill our needs , right here in our back yard.

I'm a little bit tired that we have gone on this journey of finding a light boat to sail/ race, only to find the perfect one is here already. weirdface

Henry

Henry · Senior Member

I don't know why .... its just a senior thing?? confused

Maverick · Guru

Just out of curiosity Henry, why the Canterbury J forum, if I may ask?

Henry · Senior Member

It was one of those things Mav . We'll(Hairoil and I) be going down there soon to do our visit.

I'll be using my Nautic 12 trainer(R50) again for a while . My Nautic will be used by our new mate Ted. I hope to get a bit more use out of this trainers. You know they are proving a very durable boat again. biggrin

I think Mav, I might continue this post in Canterbury J forum...........

Henry

Maverick · Guru

Henry,

Just click on the images to view a bit bigger picture. smile

Sounds like the boys were looked after.

Sorry to hear about you and your mate being crook. cry

Here's hoping you two get better very soon.

Henry · Senior Member

Well the ancients went to the Woolongong Model Yacht club on Saturday to race . Hairoil and I were suppose tro go but we were both crook. I had my fibulation and Hairoil had his bad back. This is disappointing for I was ready to go but it didn't happen. Anyway the others went and had a good time.

This lake is off the expressway near Kiama is one of the windest lakes I have ever sailed. ( I went to a M state regatta there some years ago and it was blowing 40 odd knots and that was only for starters.) It didn't get to anywhere near that on Saturday, I was told but they sailed for about 3 hours before the wind and rain came as they were packing up to go home. This is a very good venue and we will be going again. The Woolongong Club put on a BBQ for the boys.

Those photos I sent you Mav could you put them up please. smile

Henry

-- Edited by Admin at 22:55, 2008-05-19

Henry · Senior Member

Mav , you know when a dog has been in your sail its time! Doesn't matter if its big or bigger.

We use K-Mart wire fishing trace 60 lb, the one with the black coat. Now this can be used with a swage and then you can twist the wire , give it some heat and it will be permenant.

One of the good things about racing a one -design Mav , is that all the boats in that class a pretty equal in what or how they sail . We notice this because we race together alot. We enjoy each others company so much so that we keep doing it.
-------------------------------------------------------------
If that one design status changes then we will make up our own minds what we feel about it.

-- Edited by Henry at 23:45, 2008-05-14

Maverick · Guru

Like, would that be a big dog, or a little dog? biggrin

Question: Do you use metal or cord sidestays?

And where, prey tell sir, down south are you heading, if I may ask?

It seems to me that you folks are really really lucky to have available so many good sailing venues.

Henry · Senior Member

I had an occasion to do a replacement sail change, last week . After the rig knock-downs over the last few weeks , the sails were looking pretty ordinary , to say the least. Somewhere between sleeping in them and the dog playing with them sorta thing??

While doing it , I noticed that the Port side stays were getting a bit frayed, near where they go into the mast. So I replaced those aswell. In doing the jib sail I had to replace the bowsers and ropes for they had gone funny. So while I was about it I did some new sheet rope adjustments on both the booms. Now I warn you if you have to do this job also . Take a measurement of the length of the fore stay between the bow ( the sharp end) and the jib takeoff point (where the jib stay touches the front of the mast). For it helps when setting the boat up later.

The Nautic 12s are off visiting this week end . The nautics are having a regata down South and are going enmasse. Some are travelling collectively in others cars for company. This is not the first time we have done this , for we went to Canberra, last year. I will get some photo you can post when we get back.

Henry

Maverick · Guru

Don't get upset henry.

All I said was that I hadn't seen them this far south. That position, could always change of course. smile

Henry · Senior Member

I can see by the tone of your post that you think I am pulling your leg but I assure you I had witnesses!

Maverick · Guru

Hmmmm, don't know much about them.

They don't yet appear to have migrated down this far south yet, or at least I have not heard of any reported sightings. weirdface

Henry · Senior Member

Well in normal situations it could but the wind wasn't being co-operative . you see Mav there was not much wind at the time and Rudder Duck could keep up and , and not to put too finer point on it the Rudder ducks are going faster this year! Didn't they tell you? cry

Maverick · Guru

Unbelievable!

Must have been quite amusing at times. Couldn't the N12 outrun it? biggrin

Henry · Senior Member

Did I tell you about the other sailing day of this duck in the pond that kept attacking the boat's rudders. I first noticed it when I put "Southern Cross" in the water and this long necked duck went for the rudder as I sailed from the wharf. He did first one side and then the other and I turned this way and that and sure enough this persistent little bugger was at it ..... till he saw Bob's Bright red KA13. Well this was too much for him and went for Bob's Bright red rudder I think he was a EC12 variant for it left them alone (wise move) for they might wear the pointy end? The funny thing is this Duck was relentless in its attack till it got sick of it ,always going for the rudders?

Any theories?

Henry · Senior Member

Yes , of course I did. And, and and, I have already sent you some to put in the next 12 metre Group Newsletter No 2 That you will be putting out soon.

And Maverick , these boats were facinating to look at . The one I think is an A1 has had somebody (the chinese fella) mucking around with the keel, for it now sports a A2 keel on it and it has not been put on real well because it is twisted and not central . The Owner, Ted, said he didn't put it on but he thinks it should go back being a model of Australia 1 and I agree. You will too Mav when you see the photos, which I will send you. I intend to do an article for these boats in our next newsletter No3. Stay tuned. We had a good time before we started sailing for the day .
I got dismasted again, I'm thinking of making a rubber mast?

Maverick · Guru

Henry wrote:
Where have you been sailing maverick . T-Rexes and Helicoptering ?? getting off the subject. This all started when I was talking about paint & maintenance and you're making up your own words now like "Helicoptering" ,fair shake of the horse's tail , Mav.
Do you do your "heli whatsit" at the same place you do the sailing?

Those three things ; not evasive , non pollutant and gracefull..... with our lot .... Ha Ha Ha, you're joking?

Well, I'm pretty excited about both. Sailing and Helicoptering.

Apparently there is a Heli Club about an hour's drive from me. And the best part of this is, that it is beside a lake. I hope to get up there to have a look this weekend. If suitable for sailing also, I will be in absolute heaven, as being only an hour's drive away means that I would only have to travel about half the distance and time I currently need to do, to get to a sailing site.

One interest will not make the other one redundant. In fact, strangely enough, I seem to be more fired up with the sailing now, so am looking to get some done very shortly. Hmmm, must be I like variety.

And if the lake turns out OK, that will fire me up even more to see if I can get someting organised from a sailing point of view.

Maverick · Guru

So Henry,

Did these guys turn up?

And did you get to take lots of pictures that you can share?

Henry · Senior Member

Interestingly, we have some people turning up to sail with us tomorrow 16/4 that have kindred type 12 metres. Now , I do encourage them , for this is what 12 metres are about . Just the history of them gets me going. We are going to compare the different model types from when the Livingston Brothers were involved in 12 metre racing in the 50s' just before Gretel era. Breaks the monotany a bit . I'll have the camera working full on, too.

Henry · Senior Member

Where have you been sailing maverick . T-Rexes and Helicoptering ?? getting off the subject. This all started when I was talking about paint & maintenance and you're making up your own words now like "Helicoptering" ,fair shake of the horse's tail , Mav.
Do you do your "heli whatsit" at the same place you do the sailing?

Those three things ; not evasive , non pollutant and gracefull..... with our lot .... Ha Ha Ha, you're joking?