Cliff Hannam

Oh dear John B, I'm sorry my original post has created you so much work! I always find your very comprehensive explanations extremely helpful and the effort you put into them is very much appreciated.

Thank you both for your prompt replies! I now understand the the rules that apply in this situation. Often the rules are all very clear and easy when racing full size. Not so straightforward however when sailing fast moving models remotely, from a distance, when incidents occur in a split second....

Whilst running directly down wind to the leeward mark, in first place leading an adversary a few feet behind. (Possibly trying to block the leaders wind) Both were goosewinging (wing on wing), the leader on port the second boat on starboard. The trailing (starboard) boat was obviously the first to catch a following gust, which accelerated him into the stern of the leading boat. Trying to gain an advantage by being on the inside approaching the leeward mark, the contact was actually made by first inch or so of the starboard bow of the the overtaking boat, to the port side of the leading boats transom. A protest was immediately called by the skipper attempting the overtake, claiming that leader should have moved out of the way because HE was on starboard gybe. Stating that being on starboard overrules everything in all circumstances. This was countered by the leader (the lesser experienced of the two), claiming the fact that the boat attempting the overtake is the one that should keep clear and not ram his stern. So...who was correct? I'm sure John Ball and many other knowledgeable people will be able to advise. TIA

One more question: Do the buoys on the course marking the finish line, only become 'live' when approaching it to finish the race?

You won't regret it Vernon - clip on's were invented by the devil

Model aircraft silicone fuel tubing. (Standard thin wall, not the thick walled variety) Buy a foot, it'll last you a lifetime for less than £2.00. No need for glue!

Are you switching on the transmitter before the receiver ? Sounds like it's looking for a bind. Once bound it appears, from your description, to be functioning correctly.

No doubt about it Trevor, the Nottingham J has got to be the best weed beater. With no appendages to get snagged, the hull just slips efficiently through (or over) what ever weeds it encounters. At Whitefriars we have a fleet of ten J48's, with another in the build. These are used very successfully for the period when the IOMs become unusable, and have proved to be a most suitable choice.

Hold on Stephen, as you have three numbers on your sails, there is a strong chance that is the boats registration number. If that's the case there should be no need to change the number - unless it was the previous owners personal number.