I have received offical notification that the event has been confirmed by Dalgety Bay Sailing Club over the easter weekend. I had to agree to act as guarantor for fifteen entry fees but as there are 15 names on the list I didnt see this as a problem. I would however like to pass the funds to Dalgety Bay as soon as possible,so download the entry form and send to me at
Hamish Myles 
47 Dalcraig Crescent,
Dundee
DD4 7QX. Cheques payable to Dalgety Bay Sailing Club.

The event will go ahead as planned,a four race series over two days, with a night of great food, music and libations on the Saturday evening.
I would like to thank DBSC for their support and also the event sponsors, Winder Boats, Harken and Tunnock's.
Here's to a cracking event at a great venue.
See you ( Jimmy) in April.

well done hamish good news I will send form etc asap what is the rules for kids in the club at night? my crew may be my 7year old( only way the fatties can keep the weight down in the boat)

WELL DONE HAMISH AND CALLUM! This hasn't been easy to sort out I know, but you've done a sterling job, and it's great to see the fleet going back to Scotland.

Now its all definite, there's no excuse to hold back - lets have some more entries!

hoo ray

Glasgow Council tax payer will be there!!!

Now to refurbish the boat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Well done Hamish and Calum - great to hear.

Now you lads and lasses do not let them down!

Scott, no worries for children in the club house. Its a private club and as long as the crew brings his pocket money i dont see any problems.

Tunnock's eh.  Does that mean it's caramel wafers all round?  That might persuade a few more...

We are staying here within staggering distance of the club (overlooks the water) and the owner is a member of DBSC and knew of the impending Merlin squad visit through her news letter.  Interesting item at the end of the attached blurb about the Naval Base at Rosyth and Royal Naval Air Station called HMS Merlin - is it an omen for a great weekend?!!

I'll put our entry in the post. We'll be there but I'm getting worried about the boat as she may need redecking! The other half is hoping it can be sanded down and revarnished but he's already sanded most of it and isn't sure yet. 
If it isn't ready in time we'll still come as there's family to visit and either beg a boat or crew for others.

I tried Irn (made fae girders) Bru for sponsorship (great hangover cure) but they gave me the rubber ear.

Great news, entry & cheque went in the post today. Now where did I leave the Merlin?

Half cut - we need you boat on the water. you still have a month to get it sorted, horse on my friend.

Didn't know there were council tax payers in Glasgow!

cheques are dropping through my front door. I wll email everyone who send ones to confirm receipt. For those of you whom have yet to send entry forms could you please do so. If your like me I like to bank cheques as early as possible so that the bank manager doesnt go of his rocker!

2005/06
There are 577670 residents of Glasgow.
Band D tax rate is £1213, Scotland average is £1094

Just to remind you not to let Garry & Hamish down, turn up!

Would like to offer Jeremy to one of the entrants still needing a crew. Weighing in at 7 st -ish and well trained, all the kit and up for anything.

Any takers?

GGGGGGGGGG

G I still don't have a crew yet and at 7st sounds about right if he can bear to sail a boat with a Saltire flag kite. 
If thats ok with him get him to drop me an e-mail.

scott

Don't worry Scott I have a burgee for the weekend which is the Lion Rampant!!! I did have a saltire but have been told that it is an International signal flag for the letter M so can't use it!!  Ellie seems to aspire to being an Honorary Scot (ready to go to Glasgow Uni and holidays in Mull) so I think she can handle that.

What boat are you bringing to Dalgety Bay? Do you have a kite? I think the old poles and kite are in the garage somewhere if you want them I 'm in Aberdeen next week!

its true, i do love scotland!
anyway, i know a guy who wants a sail in a merlin and is quite keen to race for the weekend. 
hes not been in a merlin before so would be good to get him out with someone who is quite good and confident about what they are doing in the boat.  also (nothing against old boat,but...) would be good for him to go in a more modern boat i reckon.
if anyone on here has any ideas let me know, if not i will do a quick ring round or something. could be a possible for the merlin fleet in scotland, hes of to glasgow next year too so i might bully him into the class, in a friendly way of course =)

Just in case there are any people still not sure about the event the entry book is still open. More the merrier and I can promise a great weekend of SocAILising, scenery, and a lorra lorra laughs!

Ah, currently off to Edinburgh on Friday to check out the water levels in the Forth.  I heard they were low at various times of the day which is quite worrying.  Is there a drought in Scotland too?

water level will not be a problem once the snow melts. Anyone else get the feeling the seasons are slipping backward through the year?

Any more takers for this event. I need to make some catering arrangements with DBSC and would hate to run out of food.
Everything else is in place so hears to a "crackling" event.
AG gets everywhere!
Snorkers Good Oh!

Just to remind all you "smoking" Merlin sailors, with the new law you wil be fined £50 for lighting up in a public place.

Unless you decide to smoke outside

Isn't outside a public place too?

I would agree with you Alan F but then I'm a non-smoker

Alan doesn't have any smokers, he has 2 Canterbury Tales.............

A two storey boat then?

Got an other good bottle of Malt  for the raffle. 
See you all at Easter, still need a plank thing to steer the boat with!

or will I be able to fit my dart18 rudders(mini transat style?)

I have a fixed plank you can borrow, should fit OK but there is no extension on it. Give me a shout if you want me to bring it.

Calum if you have a fixed rudder I could borrow I would be very gratefull, One of the guy's down south was going to lend me a spare but the travel or shipping is less practical than a visit to tayport. did you get a new mast sorted out?

Hamish - did you get the entry as I haven't had an email?

Only two weeks to go. Still have a few entry forms to recieve and would like to take the oportunity to remind others about the event. The more the merrier as they say.

see you all soon.

Took my Flybe dH Dash over the bay the other day.  Looks very nice.  Could not persuade the pilot to fly thru the arches of the bridge though.

Right, bit of a problem.
What time are we going to be finished on sunday coz i could do with getting to Oban sunday night.  The only train i can get goes from Glasgow 18.20, so i can get the 17.00 train from Edinburgh and should make it =/
im guessing im going to be able to make that time-wise?
can anyone let me know for sure? 
and also is there a good bus service between DB and E?
cheers
ellie

There might even be a train from DB to E.  I'll check

If you go onto the trains site (Network Rail) the Dalgety Bay 16.28 gets you to Edinburgh in time to get a train to Glasgow and then to Oban.  What one has to do to retain a crew these days!!

cheers!

Hamish, Sent entry form and cheque in post this morning.  Still trying to source a helm - may have found someone but they are unsure if they can make it that weekend.  Towbar and trailer sorted (at last!) so getting boat there should be no problem.

Richard, spoke to Rodger last weekend. He is up for it although he did warn me that he will be hungover on the saturday- something to do with glasgow Uni's agm on the friday night!

I have just heard my man is at the same Uni event as Roger.  Two, or is it too, hung over?

Its the GUST AGM.   Work that one out!

I've been a losa at SUSA but never got invited to BUSA.
Laser2's are pants anyway!

Come to Dalgety Bay everyone where Ellie will be modelling the latest in sailing gloves (see Salcombe thread!)!!  Only a week to go now so get those last minute entries in and get up here.  Don't forget the dancing shoes and remember the budgie will have to be left at home for this venue!  Looking forward to meeting everyone on the Friday afternoon/evening.  Hamish an I are hoping to get there mid afternoon.

GUST. Gay United Sailing Team!!!!

Glasgow University Student Television - are they going to come and film the Scottish Merlin's!

Roger - drop me an email with contact details - I assume you are still on for the event (see Hamish's comments above) - hangover no problem - hair of the dog!

ellie, I've been on hols so never seen your post I would be able to drop you at glasgow station on the way home only 1 mile detour no hassel is it Queen St or Central station?

Scott fixed rudder will be there Sat AM but don`t forget yer extension. I should be there about 7pm Friday with Hamish, Garry and the other Friday drinkers.

I shall be in there the bar but not drinking.  Crew has me on strict fitness regime.  Lean, no fat vegitarian Haggis, purified de-chemicaled water as a side salad and retiring early-to-floor to straighten back muscles.  I will in the corner reading up on wind and tide strategy. Rising at 6am for initial speed trials in the first of the fourth. 

If I'd have known it was this serious I would have stayed at home eating chocolate eggs!

Time Zulu - can we gat there early on Friday to get the home gym assembled for the early Saturday morning session?  Seriously what tiem do you anticipate getting there?

Can't believe I am not going. We are moving back into our house this weekend after having an extension built. The place is a mess and I have 5 rooms to paint (bare plaster), plus all our junk to move back in.

Going to be knackered and close to collapse - dont mind that after a day on the water, but I've got nothing but a month of DIY to look forward to.
Gonna need more than a few chocolate eggs to keep me going...

Have a damn good time if you're going!

As a Scottish Merlin who this weekend will be on his way to Australia with the missus for a hol, may I say that I am getting more and more depressed about the amount of fun everyone else is going to have.  I hope Dalgety Bay 2006 is a classic - it deserves to be.  Best of luck to you all.

Bill, we will be missing you from the event. Hope Austrailia is as good as it sounds. I promise to keep a copy of Yachting life for you so can see what happened.
safe trip and see you at WBC in June.
all the best.

The entry book is still open for anyone who fancies coming. First start on Saturday is 1400hrs, breifing at 12.45hrs.
£30 for entry including two course meal.
Long range forecast shows SW Force 2, temp 10c for Saturday and much the same sunday. Sounds like Ideal conditions.
see you all there!

Mags, I am surprised at you!!

I too have much DIY.  Put in a new boiler just before Xmas eve which resulted in grandiose plans from partner. She was not putoff by no heating over Xmas. I have just removed two chimneys and hence have no kitchen or main bedroom to speak of. Needed expert Irish labourer to pull down 3 tonne roof stack, unfortunately into next doors fire grate.  Garden lawn now wrecked due to throwing down of bricks from stack.  Needed to rebuild three floors and two ceiling areas where chimney bits were. Got the plastering done but burst a high presuure water pipe and was without heating for three days.  Following additional electrics and telephone extension and new skirting boards now doing lining wallpaper.  Bedroom ceiling needed repair and partially fell in. Victorians couldnt build for toffee. Waiting for carpenter due to deliver warddrobes promised last January. Paper or artex ceiling next. Then need new proper wallpaper in two colours.  Carpets and curtains to be fitted.

Loo got blocked last sunday!

Then the kitchen.  Just had new bay window to replace knackered wooden one. Sink and draining area to follow. Bespoke new cupboards,  if carpenter ever appears again, with accompanying white goods, cooking kit and matching teacups!  New flooring needed. Painting of walls required and ceiling as result of aforementioned flood.

Easter seems a good time to do some of this.

But Dalgety looks better! Only a days drive there and another back.

Mags,join us! you know you can do it!

Garry R
The Midland team are travelling up in convoy on Friday to ward off attacks from red rosed inhabitants on the way followed by lowland Border guards.  Some anticipate arriving at the D Club before closing at 4pm.

Hence could be in the study at about 6pm.

Sorry cant make the Gym you suggest as conflicts with my usual running pattern.  You might try GGGGGG as GGs are good at running.

No, sorry, you still cant claim a bigger project than me - I've had an extension done on a Victorian house that gutted every room of the house bar one. We too had a chimney taken down, and £2k worth of steel in the loft to hold the stack up. Garden has been totalled. Brand new kitchen and appliances. Floors rejoisted. Water main burst. Total rewire. New boiler and pipes to all radiators.
So ner!!!!  ;o)

I was just about to mention the awful trouble we had with our architect, but wanted to clarify that after we sacked him and got Stuart Gurney on the case, things have been going marvellously. I definately recommend his services.

Have you put the lining paper up horizontaly? If you do it this way you don't see the joins so well.

Got to agree that Dalgety sounds better than than DIY, work too but my boss does not see it that way!

GGs might be good at running, but I'm not sure that GGGGGGG's are!  Never seen it myself unless it's in the opposite direction from the gym!  Thought this was a sailing and social weekend, not another marathon!!  Zulu - don't forget that you need to exercise those arm muscles, so I'm sure you can swing it with your ultra keen crew - a wee dram or two will help you!

We're both really looking forward to the weekend, so see you there - it's gonna be good!!

The following image slightly brought me out of my DIY-related depression...

Zulu, Technical question, how did you burst a pipe doing the plastering?  Is there a technique I know not of?  Spill the beans..

GGGGGGGG

Remember - in Scotland it is expected that if you play the pipes you will need to be plastered!!!

Col B - as Ellie is integral to my sailing plans this weekend I would be grateful if you would allow her to remain in the car for the entire journey even when she asks "Are we nearly there yet"!!!

I would also recommend the services of Steve Watson.  Talented in many fields.  Like cows.  Not so hot at DIY but a willing shirker.  The burst pipe came as an indirect result of the re-flooring aspect of the project. Putting the flooring back and screwing the floor boards down.  You can guess the rest.

Mags, I could have saved you money on the steel work.  I took the bottom two parts of the chimney down first.  I designed the stack to be supported by a 'linear arch' type of structure which resulted in a transfer of the stresses from the upper chimney to the central and other side of the chimney in the neighbours semi. I got my inspiration from Florence. Steel support was not an option as the available existing structures would flex too much, thus reducing he stiffness required in the system to support the brickwork. Later examination suggested to me that a strong north west wind would exert considerable lateral forces thus creating excessive tensile stress on the stack.  I did not want it to ruin my new ceiling by falling over not mention killing me in bed. Unless I was not there at the time. So thats when the Irish builder was employed to reduce this risk to a tolerable level.  It does sound as though you need a holiday from your Victorian home.  Mine is also Victorian.  (Why is it they used 12" thick wood beams balanced on 1/4" of brick?) 

If you came to Dalgety I could educate you in the ways of coarse DIY!!

Garry

Fear not

Ive got my proclaimers album to play as we go across the border 

I will walk 5000 more

if you guys could set up the pints for around 6pm that would be great, mine is McEwans 80 shilling s'il vous plait ( in a dirty glass )

Yes the lining paper was put up horizontally. Trouble is the house does not appear to be that horizontal itself so there is some disagreement between lining paper horizon and actual walls and ceilings. Its supposed to hide the various lumps in the walls, although it does appear to exaggerate some of them.  I have tried Clearasil but the awkward spots wont go away.

The chimney stack did not need any support - the builders removed the breast below, and just left it for 4 weeks. Then they had to add the steels in before the inspector came, to meet regulations. But it wasnt going anywhere!

So how many white vans did you all get coraalled, wagon train style? Hope the cowboys' spurs didn't leave marks on the woodwork ;-)

Since the helm's a builder there's no chance of any DIY - all the home work's gone on the boat so it's bye bye Wiltshire - we're off to Dalgety even though the varnish is still wet!!

Hamish
What time does the club shut the gates. 
I blew my car engine earlier this week and although the garage promised me it back today its not ready. I have to put a tow bar on the wifes v old (v scruffy v little astra) and will be travelling up much slower than expected, so dont think I will arrive before dark.

Paul,
I will be camping at DBSC from Friday. I will make sure you can get in.
Its not getting dark until about 8.30pm up here. Bar wont close until midnight i expect.

Thanks Hamish, I hope to be there by about 9 ish.

blow the DIY.  I'm off!

Per Ardua Ad Astra! Safe journey!

only 15 mins until i get out of the office. Suns out and its not cold here in Dundee.
DBSC here we come!!!!

are you sure you are in dundee?

Dundee is Bonny!