Have just paid a deposit towards Tanja the gnome to bring up to Lymington where a few of us are getting second hand Merlins to start local racing with teenage kids.  If all goes according to plan we will have 4 out there by spring with a couple of suprising names possible getting into the boats as well.

Does anybody know of Tanja the gnomes history - built by Spud, I know, and from the photo's she still looks great.  Hear that they have flatter underbody so plane well but struggle in the ligther stuff boat - just gone into 20 yr catagory, wonder if it will be competitive in that section of fleet.  Any comments gratefully recieved.

David

Is this 3352 Tanya?  If so, she was built for class stalwart Ben Jennings who sailed her at Exe SC for most of her life.  For the last few years she has been at Starcross and has had several owners.  She was going reasonably well a few years ago, but has not been sailed much recently and would probably struggle against the carbon rigged Canterbury Tales designs most of the Starcross fleet have upgraded to.  

However, she should still be competitive with boats of a similar vintage such as NSM variants and early CTs.  I used to own 3398, another Rowsell Gnome, and found it an excellent introduction to the class - quick and easy to handle in a blow, but you will need to sit well forward in the light conditions.

Interestingly my father has just sold 3371, an NSM 4 to someone at Lymington.  Apparently a very well known yotter came along to inspect the boat, will definitely have to keep an eye on Lymington!

I think I know who it was who looked at the other boat and he is a past merlim champ

Does this mean a new supply of carbon masts? ex Sparcraft?
LTSC ?

ok not just yet who is the smartipants

ok "not just yet", who are you, we never built anything that small at Sparcraft, and it is R.Lym.Y.C. so far but LTYC welcome to join in.

Welcome David,
I am glad you have done the deed - just hope you can stay ahead of Mr Smith!
It's a great idea to get a group of similar vintage boats together for class racing - a new fleet is emerging at Lymington (whichever club)- perhaps an open meeting venue for 2006?
There are quite a few ageing rock stars down there arn't there? - it'll be good to see you all again.
Pat

More well aged like a good wine, rather than ageing - thanks Pat. I am sure we will try to persuade a few others into the fold down here and then who knows.

David, give us a call over hear on the Island if you guys are going to hold any open meetings. There are two boats here at Gurnard SC my 3236 & Joe Richards 350? which might up for sale if you have anyone looking.
    Regards Barry (X McWilliam's) I remember your old 707 sails!!!!

Wine does not neccesarily improve with age especially the stuff most Yotties drink, which is rather more for effect than taste! However many fond memories of the Easter Regattas at Lymington in the 60's and early 70's. But Wight Link (Which is up for sale any millionaires out there?)(Come on at £50.00 a car return we have to make money!)Ensure the river and the area outside is less fun these days!

With global warming we make it down here now - not bad either.

We'd come from the Hamble aswell and could talk a few others into a trip West!!

Hey guys early days to talk about open meetings, we have not got the boats on the water yet, got to figure out how to rig it first, but you never know for next year (06). Great to hear that there would be such a willingness to travel to Lymington.  Suspect Club would be up for it.

Is Dick's the only tuning guide or are there any others?  Got his rags so suppose some of it of interest.  Hi Dick.

If you take a look at the "Training" section in the main menu you'll find some downloads. Dicks info is refered to in this as well.  Barry.

Thanks Barry will do

Re the wine that you even think of drinking any wine made in the UK show what crap you drink! However Adnams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Berry brothers are a bit behind the times have drunk wine in Bordeaux, Napa Vally SA and NZ and some of the UK stuff catching up - not there yet but catching up

In pure taste yes but sadly as long as they (new world & UK) aim for a consistent product the wonders of Romanee Conte and Montrachet in wonder years will never be theirs mind you you could buy a good new + sails Merlin for a Case of Romanee Conte 1996! But the aftertaste of the winw will be better both will be orgasmic in pleasure.

who is this berry brothers bloke

Who for that matter id D Barrow does he come with  wheels?

hhhmmmm I think this has gone far enough.

Dare I say the wheels have come off!?

no just paused for a bottle of wine did not realise it was so hot in here!

Obvioiusly only use the net at work!

work and home the same place

Dull

might be for you.

very

very