Wayne Stobbs

A Mark is defined in RRS as the mark itself and "and an object intentionally attached to the object or vessel" The hooked boat was not intentionally attached and so does not become part of the mark

I am really pleased to share the news that we are now stocking and distributing the sought after John Gill "Rig Gauge". The Rig Gauge helps give rig tension a repeatable number, making it easier to return to a proven setting, compare changes, and tune the boat with confidence. On days when your boat performs well, measure and record the shroud and backstay tensions, wind conditions, and settings used. Over time, this creates a practical tuning aid for your own boat. In stock and ready to ship on our webstore, www.catcomponents.co.uk

It is a line connecting the course side of the two marks. so it you are sailing to windward for your first leg, then a line between the two windward edges of the marks. In the same way, the finish is the course side. So if finishing to windward, a line between the two leeward edges of the marks. that’s the simple answer. There are other things that impact the finish line

Over the last few weeks, especially while we were away on holiday for a couple of weeks, demand for our winch drums has been strong, leaving our stock shelves a little depleted. There was only one thing to do, so the last 24 hours have been spent making more. We now have a reasonable stock of Kingmax drums, and by the end of tomorrow we should also be well stocked with drums for RMG and Red Ant winches again. For a long time, most of the demand was for our 40mm and 42mm drums. Recently, though, orders have spread across a wider range, with more of the smaller 32mm and 36mm drums going out, while the larger 46mm and 50mm drums are also gaining popularity. Alongside restocking the drums, our tumbler has been whirring away deburring the latest batch of stainless steel clew fittings and fairleads, as well as a new laser-cut rig hook that we have added to the catalogue. Another project I have been working on is a bespoke start box for the Cape Radio Yachting Club in South Africa, which they intend to use for the DF95 Global Championships later this year. It uses the same core technology as our popular shop system, with the addition of an amplifier. We used this setup at the IOM Worlds in the UK earlier this year, where it was very well received. The system can be powered by a 12V lead-acid battery, a 3S LiPo, or any other DC power source below 15V. Please let us know if you would be interested in a similar system. With that, I am off to carry on developing a few other interesting products, which you will hear about in due course. As always, all our products, including the winch drums, rig components, and start boxes mentioned in this post, are available at www.catcomponents.co.uk. Thank you for your time, and a huge thanks to all the customers who keep me busy.

Cat Components and CatSails are two companies in the radio sailing world. CatSails focuses on high-performance custom sails and accessories. Cat Components provides lightweight, 3D-printed rig parts. Together, they offer a complete product portfolio for model yacht racers. But are they the same companyThere is a simple answer to this, No. Despite having similar names and logos they are two celebrate business, run, owned and operated independently. How It StartedNigel Brown set up CatSails in 2005 after he left his full time roles working as a sailmaker for various Americas Cup teams around the globe. CatSails has become the premier worldwide supplier of sails and accessories for many classes including the International One Meter (IOM), DragonForce65 (DF65, DragonFlite 95 (DF95), Micro Magic and many custom designs, supplying sails and performance accessories to multiple World and National Champions. In 2025, Nigel and Wayne Stobbs were building radio sailboats together. They had trouble finding good parts at reasonable prices for their boats, whether the IOOM (International One Meter) class, A Class or their current passion, Vintage Marblehead's, so they decided to design and 3D-print their own pieces. Other people soon got to hear about this and wanted to get their hands on the parts and so Nigel and Wayne made their product range available on www.catsails.co.uk. Worldwide demand for the items and components started to grow and so it was decided that Wayne should set up CatComponents, leaving CatSails to continue to focus on their traditional market, sails and accessories. So Cat Components was founded, using the CatSails logo and "Cat" name in homage to the team at Catsails who helped get the business off the ground. The Perfect PartnershipBuilding a fast model sailboat takes more than just a great sail. It also needs strong, light parts to hold the mast and control the rigging. CatSails make the custom sails. Nigels history in the sport of sailing, his technical understanding of how sails work, construction techniques and attention to detail make him the perfect sailmaker for the radio sailing community. Cat Components makes the Rig Components, sail marking stencils, start countdown systems and much more. Wayne's ability to understand peoples needs and turn them into products that as affordable, light and most importantly, readily available is what sets Cat Components apart from other suppliers. Better Gear for YouThink of your model boat as a car. The sail is the engine. The rig components are the frame and wheels. You need both to work as a team. Because Wayne and Nigel work closely together, the parts from Cat Components are made to fit perfectly with the sails from CatSails. This gives you a fast, smooth, and easy sailing experience on the water. For anything sail related please reach out to Nigel and Sue at CatSails. For Components, Stencils etc, Please contact Wayne at Cat Components

We’re thrilled to announce that Cat Components now supports multiple currencies! When you shop with us, prices will automatically display in your local currency, taking the guesswork out of your shopping experience. Transparent Pricing: No hidden conversion fees and no surprises at checkout. Shop with Confidence: See exactly what you’re spending from the moment you browse to the moment you buy. How it works: Supported Regions: Customers in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and the Eurozone will now see prices in their local currency. All other regions will continue to see prices in GBP. Live Market Rates: Local pricing updates periodically based on live exchange rates, so you may notice slight variations over time in line with global money markets. It’s just one more way Cat Components is working to better support our incredible customers around the world! Gear Up for Your Next Session From sail numbering stencils to premium rig components, we’ve got you covered. Head over to our online shop for: Sail Numbering Stencils for DF65, DF95, and International Classes (IOM, A, M, 10r, etc.) Rig Components for the IOM class Our signature Start Boxes 👉 Explore the shop today at www.catcomponents.co.uk

We're excited to be heading to the IOM Worlds in just a few weeks—it's a fantastic opportunity to meet many of our customers face-to-face for the first time. As part of the Race Team, my availability during the event will be limited, but I'd love to meet you. Please do come and say hello. Order Fulfilment During the EventBetween 14 and 26 May, our order fulfilment capacity will be reduced while we're on-site. However, we're bringing substantial stock of our standard components, so most orders can still be processed. We'll handle straightforward orders from the venue, so please order as usual and we'll do our best to get them out. Specialist items like Start Boxes and bespoke custom orders will need to wait until we return to normal operations. On-Site Support & InnovationWe're bringing a small 3D printer to the event for emergency repairs. If you experience a breakage during competition and need a creative solution, find us and we'll help get you back on the water. We'll also have plenty of new products and improved designs on display—we can't wait to share what we've been working on with you all. Fair winds and following seas.

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.

But... surely if you have significantly over stood the lay-line and are coming into a mark that is to be left to port, a port tacker may tack inside your and force you to head up so long as they do not require you to go above close hauled. 18.3(a). So don't just assume that boats coming in on port and tack in the zone have given up all their rights. am I correct?

Topical topic this. At an event this last weekend where I was RO I noticed that red numbers on white mylar or scrim sails are far more difficult to see at a distance than black, despite being clearly legible in closer quarters. So while they pass the test of being "contrasting" they really can be a problem in the real world. This may be to your advantage or disadvantage I guess

Agree with Brad 100%. The penalty for the give way boat needs to be greater. Penalising the stand-on boat is not the way to go