All,
 
after more than 2 years of work, Real Magic is no longer 'mine' - it is now with the printers. Had I known when starting out how big a task it would be.....but no matter, it is done. There are though a few outstanding issues that I face at address with some regret. The sheer size of the book, (the complete form is more that 350 pages of A4) is greater than had been allowed for. Then there is the quality of the line drawings and photographs in the book;- I do not think it is any exaggeration to say that there has never been quite such an amazing collection of Merlin Rocket pictures brought together under one cover as that found in Real Magic. This means that just getting the work digitally printed is simple not good enough, this is a work that demands the best. If the book is going to be in keeping with the ethos of the class, it has to be the best! These two considerations will push the cover price of the book out past my benchmark figure of £40. I had been adamant that this was my upper limit, but now it seems that we will end up somewhere between £40 and £45. One reason for the lack of a definitive price is the uncertainty surround numbers in the initial print run.
 
The plan is still to have a high profile book launch on the Saturday morning of the Dinghy Show (Stand c62), where all those who have been so closely involved with the project will be on hand. So that I can ensure that all those who want a copy (at the Show or via other means) can I ask you all to just drop me a note, a one liner will do, to the address listed below, letting me know what you want and how you will want to get it. P&P charges will become clear when I get the final printed copy - even the weight is determined by the quality!
 
I'm not asking for payment at this point, just an idea of numbers, so can you please email me at
 
[email protected]
 
letting me know that 
 
1: you want a copy/copies
 and
2: when and how you will be taking delivery.
 
As soon as I have a first cut of numbers, I can negotiate better with the printers.
 
Many thanks to you all, I hope that you get as much pleasure out of reading this as I've had whilst preparing it,
 
regards to all
 
Dougal 
 

I saw a few people, myself included, have been helping to advertise the up coming book via social media..!

I hope it is helping...