I would agree with Robert- I use the ball and mast pin to put the two sections of mast together and pull them apart- that way you can do it on your own. My insert is glassfibre, though still a snug fit. However a word of caution based on experience - the mast cup is made of alloy and I broke it - sn...

Not heard of smoke bombs, but a method I have seen a Professional boat repairer use is air pressure and soapy water. You need to induce a slight positive pressure in the hull by means of a foot pump or similar. A modified hatch cover would be the best way of providing a means of attaching the pump. ...

If you look closely at one point, the camera zooms in on the sail and you can clearly see the 18 in the dart insignia. Still he is giving cat sailors a bad name- next thing will be legislation!

I agree totally that it is a lot of work for usually unpaid volunteers. The guidance notes from the RYA legal dept can be found at http://www.rya.org.uk/sitecollectiondocuments/legal/Web%20Documents/Legal%20Leaflets/Clubs/Premises/ABANDONED%20BOATS.pdf if the link does not work, type abandoned boats...

Had a very enjoyable long weekend last May, sailing a 2 berth traditional broads sailing boat. Even managed to hail on us! Booked with Martham Yachts, and explored the NE corner. But definitely not as fast a a 15.

PY numbers as issued by the RYA are only a guide. They are definitely not rigid, and clubs can change them if they wish, because it suits their particular piece of water;courses sailed etc. Most clubs stick to the published PY numbers, because changing only causes more arguement, and people saying t...

Waterside farm on the south side of Ullswater. camped there a couple of years ago- joint family affair with the Sprint 15, Laser 2000 and a B14 (oh yes, a couple of ironing boards as well) we parked all the boats beside the tents, and the showers were fine. You could pitch your tent right on the edg...

I always secure the lower half of the mast to the ball with the pin to split it, or to assemble it, as it means I can do it on my own. Just one word of caution- do not twist the mast to one side, as it is possible to break the mast heel casting, which I did once upon a time, raising the mast on my 18.

The RYA advocate the use of VHF radio as you can talk to the Coastguard and other water users direct and at the same time. A Mobile is more limited in that respect. Having said that, I often carry a cheap mobile in an Aquapack, which is secured to my bouyancy, so I can use it even if separated from ...

I think George has done an excellent job, penning a witty summary of what was an excellent event- even if I did also retire from the Sunday to conserve the repair on my elbow. (I also suffered on the drive home) All too often at events, it is as if the club want your money, and don't want to do a lo...

Now, we are on to canoe trailers- story from a few years ago, when I was asked to bring a canoe trailer, plus canoes back from the venue where the camp had taken place. I was on my own in my car, bowling along nicely on country roads, when I felt that the vehicles was lacking in accelaration. Engine...

I few years ago whilst guesting at Sandwich bay sailing Club, I recall a report posted in the clubhouse regarding a member who had sailed his Sprint 15 back from France to Sandwich bay. I have no idea how long he took, though I seem to remember that the wind died on the final leg of the journey, inv...

1221 is a Tonga style boat, still with the original green, blue and pink sails. I purchased it in October 2002 from a member of Draycote Water, who I don't believe had owned it long. It needed a name; after a lot of thought, deliberation, and many had been chucked on the scrapheap, it was christened...

I see that the Sprint 15 for sale on ebay attracted a highest bid of £1041, but failed to meet it's reserve, and was not sold. Judging from the write up, may well appear again with a lower reserve. I am personally not in the market as I have a similar aged Sprint, but they don't seem to hang around ...

Disappointed the event has to moved, as I was planning to attend, having booked the time off work. Sod's law says that the following weekend is one I can't make. Looking forward to 2008 at Instow.

Regards, Peter Lytton 1221 Pink Fluffy Elephant