Robin Gray

First time entering a DF65 event and the entry form asks for the Sail number (no problem) and the boat number. Where do I find the boat number? The only number I can find on the boat is an RC Boats order number stuck insid ehte hull. Is this what I am looking for?

This boat was built in 2007 and I have recently acquired it. I have been refurbing, painting, new sails etc. but have no Idea on the type. I was told it was a "Little Wing" by the guy I bought it from but that is not right. Next guess was an "Erica" but the transom is different. The original owner has no idea. Can anyone help identify this boat?

Not sure who should know but when talking about rule changes, there is a small change required in the Class rules on the Introduction page (Page 3) under Deviations outside tolerances - the rule quoted from January 2025 will be RRS 60.1 not 60.4. This is due to WS revamping nearly all of PArt 5 rules.

DF65 Sailor for two years - just acquired this 2007 locally built (Northern Ireland) IOM and setting about refurbing it. Not really important but would like to know the type. It has been suggested that it is a "Little Wing" - would this be correct? Need to replace the front bumper but can not find the bumper listed on any site so far - any suggestions who to talk to? And lastly, as I have to replace/create all the sheeting lines, what specification line should I use for the main line to the sheet winch and the sheets going to both main and jib? Have found many and various suggestions from 100Kg Dyneema to 50Kg. Thoughts?

Hi David - Happy to share both .stl files and FreeCAD files - email sent

These questions prompted by the discussion here on "The start" and comments made in another place about poor rule observance at the first mark. My club is new, racing only DF65s at present and none of us has ever been racing at another club. It would appear that the normal course used is not described in the MYA SSIs but from watching YouTube videos seems to be Start, beat to windward mark (1), short reach to spreader mark (2), run to a gate (3S and 3P) below the start line, back to 1 and 2, back to gate and then to finish (which is the same line as start). Am I correct? Is it normal for two laps and what would be the normal target time? This is the same course as was used by full size boats for a long time, but for many years the windward leeward course has been Start to 1, 2 run to gate situated above the start line, back to 1, 2, and then either run to 3P and finish across the bow of the CV or run straight back to start/finish line. If this was used it would give a longer first beat and separate the fleet a little more before the first mark and possibly reduce the poor rule observance mentioned above. Just wondering about the rationale of using a start/finish line half way up the beat? Still learning!

Will do. If you want to see our marks in operation before that - we are racing at Millisle Lagoon on Friday at 1400 - I set the course from 1330 on.

Another variation is a radio controlled mark. We have one version working in North Down in Northern Ireland. It works quite well but needs more development as the motors we specified could be a little bit more powerful. The anchor is a 2 pound fishing weight which can be dropped and retrieved remotely. Youtube Video of mark being dropped and recovered: and a second one showing how it works: