Wayne Stobbs

Already in my very large box of stuff that I am dragging up to Datchet.

I have been asked to repair/refurbish a vane and it is not something that I have come across before. Any of you guru's out there able to identify it for me. More importantly, I think that there are some bits missing from the set of sprung arms that are attached to the base of the feather holder and would appreciate any advice on these please. Any help would be appreciated. Best Wayne

After a cracking weekend of Vane sailing we got ourselves back into the workshop on Monday to make some improvements to a few existing designs after some great feedback from customers, and also finalising some new products. Our aim is to create a one-stop-shop for all your component needs and bit by bit we are getting there. The main "Improvement" we have made this week is to our printed Clew Fitting . The older design could be over tightened to prevent it moving on the spar, but now it will snug up tight without needing the bolt that holds the clew of the sail to be too tight. Another item we revised was the Proteus mast heel. A very small change here to help the heel account for mast rake. On the "New" product side we have pulled out an Adjustable Fairlead design from our archives and, after some tweaking, made it available in the shop. Then we created a mast heel for the Vickers mast step. Thank you to that regular customer of our that pushed me to do this, you know who you are. Finally we have had added a z-hook and jib boom counterweights to our shop. We do not manufacture these ourselves, but we buy them in and resell them with a small markup. It's all about making everything available in one place. Thank you to all those Customers who visited our shop this week, whether you browsed, purchased or left us a review, we greatly appreciate your interest and custom. Next week we hope to bring you some good news on a new winch drum that we are working on. Keep watching, a number of you have asked us to do this, I only hope we can satisfy your wishes. Have a great weekend everyone. Regards Wayne

IntroductionFirstly, we must express our gratitude to the MYA for providing us with our own Forum space to support our business. The MYA makes significant contribution to all stakeholders in Radio and Free Sailing, and we are sincerely appreciative of their support. Thank You to Our CustomersWe would also like to extend our thanks to everyone who has chosen to become a customer of Cat Components. Your continued support and the positive feedback you share are genuinely valued and greatly appreciated. Our BackgroundCat Components was established in 2025 after Nigel Brown of Catsails and I began working together to address several rig component challenges we were facing. It soon became clear that these issues were not unique to us, as many others we spoke to were experiencing similar difficulties. Initially, we promoted our products via Catsails.co.uk and towards the end of 2025 we made the decision to launch a separate online store for components and additional 3D printed products, CatComponents.co.uk . This allowed Catsails to continue to focus on the sails and accessories which it has successfully supplied for many years. Product Development and Customer EngagementOur range of products is continually growing, and we actively welcome input from both current and prospective customers. Whether you have suggestions for improvements or ideas for new products, we encourage you to get in touch with us at info@catcomponents.co.uk . We are eager to hear your thoughts and recommendations. We are committed to serving the UK and international Radio and Free Sailing community for many years to come.

That Jim for you. A diamond (in the rough)

Take a look at catcomponents.co.uk. Many fittings available for the 11 (11.1mm) booms.

Hi Andrew They are weatherproof but not waterproof. There is a limit to how waterproof to make them unfortunately. Their design has moved on a bit since this picture. Please take a look here for the current situation. https://catcomponents.co.uk/collections/start-boxes Regards Wayne

@andywright1 , are you still looking for a boat? I have an Uno which I will be looking to sell soon. I also have some of the sky shark masts knocking around if you still need

Hi Eric. You are correct. We are finalising that at the moment and should be able to share a price in the next day or two.

Hi Roger I am just finalising a Start Box which comes with Audio, but fully editable by you. Set up as follows when shipped Switch Position 1 (Duplicated on remote - Button A) - 2 Minute count down Switch Position 2 (Duplicated on remote - Button B) - Cancel/Stop Switch Position 3 (Duplicated on remote - Button C) - 1 Minute Warning followed by 2 Minute count down Switch Position 4 (Duplicated on remote - Button D) - 2 Minute Warning followed by 2 Minute count down Switch Position 5 - 3 Minute Warning followed by 2 Minute count down Switch Position 6 - 1 Minute Countdown Switch Position 7 - Unused Switch Position 7 - Unused These are the default recording but you can add/replace them with any MP3 of your choice. Button 1 on the Box plays the file selected on the switch, Button 2 Cancels 2 Integrated 10W speakers which can be replaced with external speakers via jack plugs on the box. I use my 30W horn speaker and it is loud... All powered by any 2S Rechargeable Battery, LiPo, LiFe, Li-ion etc using the battery balance connector. We will have these at the MYA AGM but please contact me in advance if you would like any further detail.

Anyone out here able to point me in a good direction to source the guy springs for vanes? I have bought many springs from an online source but they are all too stiff. thanks in advance

I think I found my pure lead ones on eBay.

I use wheel balancing weights, the type that are double-sided taped in place and look like a chocolate bar. But you need to make sure you get the lead ones, not the alloy which are a bit light. But finding the lead ones is getting more and more difficult

I agree with the panels decision. At a recent event i was RO at, despite covering this in my briefing on 2 consecutive mornings, the majority of calls were incorrect…

Darin, agree that that is the main cause of the issues with Port rounding as an offshore mark. Sadly though a starboard rounding mark comes with its own issues. Why a boat coming into a mark that has to be left to starboard gives up its rights as soon as it takes the proper course to round the mark leaves me perplexed. Correct according to RRS but a bit hairbrain I feel.