Since I left the M/Rs 20 years ago I've survived two glider crashes without physical injuries. I reckon the third one could be unpleasant so I'll probably join you lot in Merlin Rockets instead. Having watched the Vintage boats racing at Upper Thames and Tamesis I'm very attracted to to this kind of racing.

I'm rejoining Tamesis, if they'll have me and I'm looking for a boat to sail on the river, ideally a Holt plywood boat 600-1000 or an early Chippedale MK IX or MK XI or maybe an Adur 7 (I had the first one no. 1502). Hull condition should be OK but I'd probably replace the rig and sails.  

Any ideas please.

How about a Star Rocket? I have a fully restored one which my father and i did (see the next magazine) Had alot of bad luck selling her on E-Bay. The hull is spotless and the all bove is new. There is a good rig on her which would do you until you could put carbon on it (which i guess you will be doing).

Robert,
You could try contacting BryanM under the thread "1700" earlier on the forum. He's just bought 1700, but might be persuaded to sell! That boat is in superb nick for it's age! He's based at Tewkesbury Cruising and Sailing club-sorry, I don't have a number for him.

There is a guy who is considering buy my Star Rocket in a couple of weeks because he does not want to re-deck his 9b. I could ask him if he wants rid of that one?

Ollie's 'new' Passing Cloud 3560 may still be for sale although not on the for sale list anymore.

Thanks Brian

If you  know how much he wants for her could you e-mail that to me please.

Thanks BmaxRog. I've just sent him an e-mail

Welcome back Robert - your return wouldn't be linked to a desire to race again now you know the rules would it  ??

Why don't you try and find Baccarat Robert?the smokers ,what a  boat!

Morning Ben, think a Smokers is a bit new if you want a vintage boat. My Star Rocket is much more the thing!! See you at the club tonight!

Bacarrat is a Satisfaction not a Smokers.

How about the mighty SPLATTER 3 times winner of the Cookham open?

open to offers

Splutter/Splatter. I'm interested of course so can you e-mail me please or phone me on 01628 529658

Thanks to everyone for your ideas and suggesions. William's right, 2614 Baccarat is one of that group of Rowsell 'Satisfactions' that did so well at Championships in the 70s. She was always my favourite boat. Being over 30 years old I think she does qualify as a vintage boat. Ben do you have any idea where she might be and her condition nowadays? 

BmaxRog, BryanM confirms that he will be sailing 1700.

Robert, can you purchase one of the boats you previously owned? For that full-on nostalgia trip?!

Thanks Mags. Tell me which one please

Neds old boat will do you  3grand and she's all yours

There are a few Merlins of various ages (and probably condition!!) on Boats and Outboards

Thanks for that OTLO

I stand corrected,and IU'm afraid I don't know where she is now,her last owner sold some time ago after sailing her in kent.She was my favorite boat too.

Robert, will you be putting a carbon mast on that....?

Can you get stock hog-stepped carbon merlin masts?

Do you have to get a special from Jacko or SS?

Jon

3451 might be able to answer that one. I believe he has a hog stepped S/S rig on Deep Thought.

Justin Eddy of Starcross has a hog stepped carbon mast on his NSM 2, this is an overlength SS section beefed up at the mast gate by Linton.  I'm sure Jacko could build one as well, but in terms of bang for buck, it's probably better to put the money into a newer boat with a deck stepped rig.

I would prefer a a 22.6 mast like most of the Vintage boats at Tamesis. If I could obtain a good hull only I would certainly go carbon, it would probably have to be keel stepped. 

I guess the decision becomes more complicated if the boat has good sails on a lower aluminium mast.

I believe all the carbon masts on Tamesis boats are hog stepped

Apparently "Hiker Harris" has put his old ss carbon mast on his Adur 7 which was extended by Jacko..........still can't beat his old man though!

If you happen to have a spare carbon mast lying about and are in no particular hurry, it's the way to go.

Hi Ph... sorry I mean Splutter

Obviously I'm interestd. Thelast time I saw Splatter was when nephew Andy won the Cookham open in her in 2003. Please ring or e-mail me.

yes jon SS hog stepped a carbon mast without any problems on Deep Thought,lovely job!