Hi guys - further to this ....
For those who expressed an interest - Bill, Bob etc -the yacht now looks like this.
I thought some of you who expressed that interest in this might like to know this has actually been completed and has now had its first 'sea trials'
Once the sails arrived it did not take long to get it rigged - all save one of the fittings were home produced, machined from stainless and black acetal. The decks were clear coated with an aerosol clear lacquer used on a previous hull refurbishment which has proved extremely resilient.
Last Saturday saw the first real trial - a tentative attempt had been made a fortnight previous but it was rather windy and so was I - prudence playing the greater part etc
Instead of our usual racing, last week was one of our 'open days' hence the Thames barges and Wherries on the water. Sue had first go while the initial pics were taken then it disappeared up the pond - it was a good hour before I could prise the transmitter out of her hands
As mentioned on the other thread Bill this is our pond - 440 feet long by 80 feet wide with an average depth of 28 inches. Purpose built in 1929 for the express use of sailing model yachts (not radio controlled of course) it has a lovely imposing building at the near end (not in shot) which houses our two setting up rooms below with a very cosy club room above.
It exceeded all expectations on the water and performed beautifully several members having a 'spot at the helm' later.
Now, if Bob (Maryak) is reading this how about this for a coincidence. We'd had a good afternoon sailing and retired up in the clubroom for tea around 4 o'clock. As I came down to pack things away Sue and one of the other members were talking to a member of the public looking at the yacht. "Tug - this gentleman is very interested in your boat - he used to sail on them"
He asked if he could see it on the water which of course we did and I asked him what position he sailed at "Skipper" he replied "On the Valsheda!"
He told me this was in later years when it was used for corporate charter but was still very much in racing trim - I told him of your picture of course. He left very pleased to see the yacht sailing and promised to return having just moved to the area - who know's we might have a new member
Well that really is it for this thread - this boat at least is finished, the Mill still hasn't had a cut put on and no I haven't been distracted by all those Strictly I/C mags - well not yet that is
I know it's not 'engine' but thanks for all your interest and comments hope it's been of interest all round.
Regards - Ramon
