2004 News Letter

Message from the Hon. Secretary

I seem to have been a bit short of things to write about in the Newsletter and this is one reason why it has been a long time coming this year. I am usually spurred on by a contribution or two to get a copy out. Anyway I have got a bit of fleet news and of boats turning up again.
The sail design ballot has been and gone and you voted unanimously to keep the existing design, so no change there. I have included a 'For Sale' section since there are a few boats available and looking for new homes this year. Could anyone wishing to sell or knowing of a boat for sale to please re-confirm with me. I will not be able to make the National Champs this year - they are too late for those who, like my crew Nan, are teachers or have children, since the schools start back during the week. A Secretary's report will be sent up for the AGM and I am looking for a willing volunteer to take the Minutes for me please!!
Best wishes and happy sailing,
Bill
Fleet News
Tenby
The Tenby fleet is now fully up to speed for the season with Mike and Deanna R195, Dave and Helen, R221 Alex and Ruth, R219 and Rolly R244 now regulars for club racing.
Shipwrecked
The fleet sent a few boats to the big Coppet regatta at Saundersfoot during the Whitsun holiday week. On the voyage round to Saundersfoot disaster befell Dave and Helen in Discretion R221 when they were shipwrecked on an uncharted reef just off the beach. Bailing furiously Dave was able to beach the boat before she foundered. After hauling the wounded boat above the surf the damage was able to be inspected.
Splintered garboard
There was a fear that they were going to be marooned on this distant coast for ever but in true Robinson Crusoe fashion the shirt was ripped from someone's back and stuffed into the gaps in the splintered garboard to keep most of the sea out. It was thus that Discretion was able to join in the racing during the week.
Cornish Race Officer
At the recent Tenby regatta and round Caldey race they were joined by Kevin and Christine in R161 istral and R228 put in a rare appearance too. Conditions were to say the least, 'testing' for the regatta race but having a Cornish Race Officer in the shape of Brian Carvey meant that there was no wimping out and we started in F7 gusts. Mike and Deanna in R195 battled through the conditions to take the Cadwallader Galleon.
Horrible accident
Conditions were so 'good' that from my position at the back the scene I saw before me at the gybe mark looked like some horrible accident judging by all the upturned Lasers and RSs. strewn over the bay!! At one stage I could swear it was only the 3 Redwings that were upright! Brian said that he'd only stopped by for a holiday and didn't expect it to be a busman's as he found himself press-ganged into the race officer's job for the day. The wind had abated somewhat the following day for the round Caldey Island race and no less than six Redwings took part R161, R195, R219, R228, R244 and R202 Melody on the water for her annual outing.

Looe

The Looe fleet is as strong as ever although there have been some late starters this season, including my correspondent. Ben and John Crabb are the current fleet leaders with Roger H, Desmond H, Harold , Geoff Godbolt, Richard Vasey, Simon Cole and Peter Kinver out regulaly for Thursday and Saturday sailing. Brian Carvey has been officiating on the water (except when he is away doing the same at Tenby!) Cecil has only recently started to sail this season waiting for the water to warm up a bit.
R149 Restored
During the winter Clifford was busy refurbishing R149 Penguin for use as a Club Boat. Derek H has been out in her to try her out and has been able to provide some healthy competion. There is great excitement in Looe at the prospect of the forthcoming Nationals in The Isles of Scilly as boats are readied for the voyage down to the islands. Is anyone going to sail their Redwing over to St Marys??
Some more Boat News..
Cornwall
We heard recently from Martin Potter who informs us that he has taken on R27 Comet. Martin keeps his boat at St. Ives and was looking forward to getting her afloat this summer. Hope you can make it over to St. Marys in August and compete in the Championships!
U.S.A.
R230, the only Redwing (so far) to have been built of the batch of sail numbers that was issued to the U.S. in the early 'nineties has come to light again; She is now in the safe hands of Joe Bondi who has been busy giving her a spruce-up ready for the summer. By now she will have been re-named 'Eagle' (very apt) and her sailing area is the mighty Potomac river.
For Sale
The NRDA cannot accept any responisbility for the accuracy of these adverts having not viewed the boat(s)advertised.
R101
Fiona Partly restored - all major hull work carried out, just needs finishing. Complete with all rigging, sails, etc. and road trailer. Further details from Lawrence Drennan 01743 242548
R136
Skua Complete but needs restoration. Further details from Mr. Richard Pears 01386 710 324
R224
Maid Marian' Excellent condition and ready to sail, Harken blocks, cleats and muscle box. Super Spars mast and boom, 2 centreplates, 2 suits of sails, road trailer, launching trolley.£2500 o.n.o. Contact Ben Crabb Evenings: (01503) 262886 Day time: 07973133780

And Finally…

As part of an occasional series (when I can be coaxed in from the workshop and dusting off the sawdust, woodshavings and flakes of varnish I eventually sit down in front of the Mac and actually write something) I thought I would bring some words of wisdom from the workshop: Some typical workshop rules;
·  Dropped chisels (like buttered toast) always fall edge down.
·  That lost pencil is not behind your ear (nor are your spectacles on your nose) and furthermore the tape measure is not where you left it.
·  Time spent looking for a misplaced tool is time well spent; you'll not find the tool you lost today, but the one you lost yesterday. But don't despair: the one you lost today you'll find tomorrow, and so on.
·  You can never have enough small drill bits and yet, drill bits, in the smaller sizes, are always just too big or fractionally too small.
·  The bandsaw or grinder you bought from the DIY or Screwfix will be on special offer next week, and cheaper still at Machine Mart.
·  The amount of glue on overalls, hands, hair and spectacles is twice as much as the glue used on the workpiece.
·  Finally: measure twice and cut once. Discard, measure again and cut (but it still won't fit)
Carefully Guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life. Proverbs 4:23