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On my Slimtel the main sheet post I am reliably informed looks like it's adjustable. But doesn't want to move I was thinking applying local heat from hair drier to post hopefully soften adhesive then using grips or pliers. (Hence the tape) Does this seem sensible or has anyone done it and how did they free it up?

I wish to thank everyone who has sent their congratulations and kind words. I return to the UK in the middle of January and will continue the work I’ve been awarded for. Thank you and Merry Christmas

It has a grub screw good point something I didn't notice well spotted I have ordered one might need to sleeve it watch this space

Stephen I think most IOM rudder shafts are 4 mm Diameter not 1/4"? So please inform how that works?

Active robots £7.26 Servo to Shaft Coupler (H25T Spline 1/4 bore) google the description I need a spare for my Slimtel

Purchased at Stollery 'UP' going to be fettled ready for taking on Datchet Reservoir hopefully both of us will be ready for the challenges it will give us. Anyone who can help guide me help appreciated.

Yep David Creed supplies these

Look at IOM section 'Alternative Build by Richard 98'. He shows his retro installation of the David Creed direct drive rudder servo.

I’m pretty sure Dave Creed has these.

The rudder stock of my MMX Lintel is directly connected to the rudder servo. The connector slips over the rudder stock in the hull whereit is held in place with a grub screw and connects to the gear wheel of the servo via an internal gear set into the connector. Initially supplied by Dave Potter in a boat he built for me in 2013. Does anybody know where this unit could be obtained? Thanks, Terry Connell, Eastbourne

Well done John!

Along with our Handicap system for beginners https://hryc.co.uk/novice-sailors-handicap-system/ we also provide a mentoring system for all abilities, generally some one to one sessions brings the sailor on in leaps and bounds https://hryc.co.uk/mentoring/

I am having a clear out of the workshop as I have decided not to mould any more hulls for the foreseeable future. This mould has made several quick IOMs. Frank’s royalty charges are only around £8 per boat, so this makes it a very attractive boat to build . pictured is my Ellipsis( not for sale) from this mould. £50 +£15 postage . Or collection from NN6 ( Northamptonshire)

Now that World Sailing has not accepted rules changes that would have completely 'changed the game' it would be really useful to identify: - rules and practice that the radio sailing community wishes to maintain; - rules that could, or should, be changed, - issues that need sorting. My belief is that the rules are written for all sailors, and Appendix E is written for all radio sailors. Only if necessary, additional rules (such as umpiring) can be introduced at elite level. Which is why I would be really interested in hearing your thoughts. Gordon

This rule was already in the 2017 rule book.

Darin, See answer 2 in WS RS Call P4. This has been the official interpretation for many years. The issue with writing a 'must be behind the boat that was fouled is that the penalty then depends on the boat handling and rig choice of the boat fouled. It would be better to foul an expert sailor as he would recover quicker, and not to foul the boat that has taken the risk to stay in A rig when everyone else is in B rig (as they are likely to stay in irons for much longer. : Answer 2 A boat still has an advantage in the heat or race when, having taken one or more one-turn penalties, she has gained by her breach a place or places in that heat or race, or has not lost a place or places that she would have done if she had not broken a rule . See rule E4.3(b). Advantage should be measured from a time and position immediately before the boat broke the rule for which she is taking the penalty, until the completion of her last one-turn penalty. If the boat's position in the heat or race after taking one or more penalty turns is better than it would have been if she had not broken a rule, she has not completed her penalty and needs to make one or more further turns. If she fails to do so until she no longer has an advantage, she may be further penalized for her breach either following a hearing or, in umpired racing, by the umpire. Any advantage gained is to be measured relative to the whole fleet. A boat may, after taking one or more one-turn penalties, be in a better position than the boat she infringed, but in a worse position than if she had not broken a rule. In this case she has completed her penalty.

This topic seems to have been debated ad nauseam in several threads on this forum with the conclusion remaining the same since the rule was adjusted in 2021? It may not be the best written rule but it is clear that if, after taking a penalty turn, additional turn(s) are required if there is still an advantage gained in the heat or race with no reference to the aggrieved boat.

Common sense prevails! How refreshing.

Well deserved John. Keep at it!!

THE CHRIS DICKS AWARD - The award recognises good model yacht design at all levels of the sport, together with successful design related model yachting projects. To my surprise, I was informed this week that I had won the 2023 Chris Dicks Award, for contributions to model yacht design. I am truly humbled by those who thought I deserved such an award. The challenge for me has always been to create a design that can compete against the more established yachts and learn from those successful designers. I must pay tribute to the builders, who over the years have translated my drawings to produce the yachts which are seen to be launched. Although recent experience with some projects have been difficult to swallow, I am honoured to win the Chris Dicks award which empowers me to keep designing. Thank you.

Unfortunately many skippers forget that they were once beginners themselves, and to some extent we are all still learning, even the best! It might be worth suggesting a Q&A session 30mins before or after sailing where an experienced skipper can lead a discussion. You will be amazed at how many skippers are quiet during these sessions but admit later that they learned something new

Hi Gordon, This approach appears to have changed over recent years. Can you advise where this interpretation is written or if this is your personal view. cheers Darin

Rococo hull moulded in glass fibre with carbon deck and includes fin an finbox mouldings. although it is finished in blue gelcoat it will require painting. It is a light hull , weighing 1160g without finbox. £85 collection from Northamptonshire geoff.raygada@gmail.com

A glassfibre gunboat plug. Taken from the mould which I moulded my hull from but now no longer required. it is a solidly built hull from heavier than normal glass cloth and consequently weighs 1939g, which is too heavy for a competitive hull but could be used as a plug for male moulding or making a female mould. £60, collection from Northamptonshire. geoff.raygada@gmail.com

It was with much relief that I learnt that World Sailing Racing Rules Committee had rejected the submissions from the Croatian Sailing Federation. It is to be hoped that the intense lobbying, by IRSA, by national radio sailing organisations and by some race officials who know radio sailing, helped WS RRC to reach this decision. Certainly, the replies I received from my contacts within RRC were very positive. Personally I fully support the proposal that was accepted: E6.6 Redress Rule 62.1(b) is changed to: (b) injury, physical damage or becoming disabled because of the action of (1) a boat that was breaking a rule of Part 2 and took the an appropriate penalty or was penalised, or (2) a vessel not racing that was required to keep clear or is determined to be at fault under the IRPCAS or a government right-of-way rule; Rule 62.1 is changed to add: (e) external radio interference acknowledged by the race committee, To be very clear this proposal changes RRS 62.1 ONLY when Appendix E applies. There is no suggestion that there will be any change in the main body of the rules. It makes RRS 62.1(b) easier to read, allows for redress as a result of vessels not involved in radio sailing (not an issue for small pond sailors but a real issue when racing on navigable waterways). It also makes provision for radio interference. The other lesson learnt from this episode is that we cannot assume that all radio sailors agree with and accept some of the fundamental elements of how our sport is run. I would suggest that it is time to review many of our practices, to reaffirm our wish to maintain many of the key points, change anything that needs changing so that we do not have to go through this again.