If my memory serves me right, Bat out of Hell was built for Bryan Drake at Parkstone YC - he was a very good helm who was unbeatable (locally) in his day - the days when we saw 25 Merlins out regularly for club racing and Summer Wines went well on the waters of Poole Harbour. The boat stayed at Parkstone for a while after he sold it - was always a nice looking boat then with the picture from Meatloaf's Bat out of Hell album on it (don't suppose that's still there?!), so glad to see it back on the scene again.
Posted: 02/02/2005 10:36:52 By: Jude |
Most memorable for us is Richard sailing it in Shoreham with Steve Vyse in 1996 and in the process of trying to save Steve's new paint and varnish job, ended up losing his thumb on the front of the boat! We believe it was in Shoreham during the time of 1994/5- 2000/1 owned by Steve Vyse who sailed it with a number of crews including both of us at different times. Have had some fantastic sails in it, especially off Shoreham in a blow and breaking the rudder. Richard also borrowed/stole it for Salcombe too in 1996 (not put off by losing his thumb he went back for more!). If you want more Steve Vyse is a good contact, now sailing Juvenile Delinquent in J24 class via Sussex Yacht Club, he knows the whole history and lovingly restored it and kept it beutiful whilst it was in his possesion, although he didn't have the success he wished for in it, he had enthusiasm and it was great entertainment, especially at Salcombe.
Posted: 05/02/2005 06:58:32 By: Richard & Sue Parke in New Zealand |