Hi Andrew I am sure that those affected by hosepipe bans will not be able to use a hosepipe to wash boats down. Luckily, as far as I am aware, our area, including Thorpe Bay YC, is one of the few in the South East to escape a ban. Essex and Suffolk Water supply us and they are not one of the provide...

Hi Mark I used the mast pin for many years on various 15s as I thought it was an obvious way to save wear on the ball. However, I was told that the steel pin reacts with the mast foot alloy and can cause damage. I then used a 6 inch nail with insulating tape on it, but now just tie off the mast firm...

Hi Dave

As George says, you can forget about the righting line in the beam. Like most I use a line attached to the mast ball. I have knots to help grip, but also put a loop a couple of feet from the mast to act as a step just in case I have trouble climbing back on board.

Regards

Duncan Ford 1973

Hi Andy Told you there may be differing views! David is a far better Sprint 15 sailor than I ever will be, so best go with his advice! I don't think many of our local fleet use the ratchet, but that may be why David regularly beats us in our winter series! Not sure about how many failures there have...

Hi Andy Others may have a different view, but it sounds fine as it is. I always make sure my ratchet is switched off and the block running free anyway. It is actually an anti-reverse and locks the block when it is on. If the ratchet is on you have less control on easing the mainsheet (and the sheet ...

Hi Rob My wife won't go near my Sprint but she loves sailing on the Broads because she feels safer seeing the bank either side, so we hire a traditional gaff rig boat every year for a week and love it. Your post seems to suggest you want to take your 15 to the Broads. I may be wrong (hope not) but I...

Martin As others have said, it is a great website and easy to use, so please don't change that. On the other hand, we should have confidence in your ability to make it even easier and more flexible! Regarding suggestions, I find the boat database interesting but it would be better if the boats were ...

Now you all know why we have tried to confiscate the guitar!!

Duncan Ford 1973

Hi Bob

Re sail areas, I went by the marketing blurb and have always thought, until now, that Sting sails were slightly smaller, as that is what Laser said! Shows you shouldn't believe all you read. Thanks for putting me right. I was interested to see it.

Best wishes

Duncan 1973

A minor correction. The Sting bridle wires were, on reflection, 6/7" further aft than the Sprint 15. The mast had significantly more rake backwards.

Duncan Ford 1973

Hello all Yes Andrew, you have guessed my sail numbers wrongly before, but you got it right second time this time! Why guess and not ask? (my boat is next to yours!) My Sting, bought new in Feb 1991 was sail no. 1235. I missed 1234 by an hour or so! The answer to Mike Godwin is that if you want a bo...

If we confiscate the guitar and keep it at Thorpe Bay during the Nationals, will the Committee grant Andrew a reduced entry fee?

Duncan Ford 1973

Hi Andrew Well done for all the info on TBYC boats. How big is our fleet now - or should I ask your secretary?! I find the database interesting and try and keep in touch with what has happened to my old boats. 1755 has recently returned home and looks in better condition than when I sold her. A ques...

Hi Duncan Just returned from hols to see your mail re 1755. Andrew is like a bloodhound with these boats! Really glad to see her return to TBYC. I'll have a good look at her and make sure she has been well cared for! Am hoping to sail to Whitstable tomorrow (17 miles or so) if enough wind. Generally...

Hi Duncan Pleased to hear you still have 1755 but sorry to hear she is in your garage! We now have something like 29 Sprints at Thorpe Bay due to the hard work of our fleet captain Andrew Hannah. Sounds as if 1755 ought to come back here if you are doubtful about sailing her. I will alert Andrew. I ...