Hi all, after many years of deliberation I have taken the plunge and ordered my first new Merlin which, fingers crossed, will arrive in May.  I have had a number of kind offers from potential crews and thought it only reasonable to give them a chance to find out the reality of my Merlin sailing skills before committing themselves to a campaign.  I am therefore on the hunt for a good ship to beg/borrow/steal/charter for the odd pre-season outing and wondered if any of you good folk would open to a little bribery.  I am Oxford based and would probably head down to Chichester or one of the winter events where I am likely to find some other playmates.

Cheers
Tim
p.s. if anyone wants to try / buy a one year old B14, I am open to offers!!

Hi Tim 
My ship 3671 is available from next weekend until late March!  I am probably going down to North Sail to pick up a new cover next week and could leave it with them for you!  Give me a call on 07711029843
Regards Piers

I live north of oxford where about are you? and whats your local club

Tosh 3650

Thanks for all the kind offers of loan boats.  Am sorted with Piers and 3671.

Is anyone sailing at Chichester this winter as I would like to go somewhere where there will be playmates.

Cheers
Tim

Sadly we are going to miss most of it this year, but we will be down for a couple in February so if you go we might see you there.

My boat is at Chi - but I am in Oz - hopefully get out in Feb - but don't suppose I will be able to your level - still learning - another 40 years should do it. By the way the way, take care with your kit if you leave it at Chi - had my rudder nicked and I think my strongback - cant remember putting it back on last time I sailed - Aunt Fanny is just outside the club next to the path from the car park and the club house - if anyone goes down can you tell me if I fitted it - if not I will have to come down as soon as I get back to secure the boat.

And maybe David might stamp the boat number on his fabulous rudders -

Hi Stuart
I can confirm that Aunt Fannyis ok and has her strongback on..sorry to hear about your missing kit. You haven't missed much weather wise..racing has been better though than the frozen toe series..which was freezing.  It will take you some time to acclimatise no doubt though
Tim B

Looks as though Jude & GGGG have a pass out to play this Sunday...

Thanks Tim B (?) off sailing in Sydney Harbour today - just a low key cruiser race with a stop off for beer on the way - no kites allowed - but its better that a good day at the office!

By any chance, are you linked with Papercourt SC - Six stages of seperation ETC Cheers Guy??