RoRo

The trick to tacking in high winds is to tack slowly (rudder slows the boat down) to keep momentum. Once you get to the point just before head to wind let the sails out slightly (this takes practice) then let the boat build speed and sheet in again. If its too much of a struggle you should consider being on a lower rig as bigger sail is not always faster. Also you can let the job boom out slightly to help with tacking in a blow. I am sure there are people with alot more experience than me to answer better but this is how l would approach sailing in a strong breeze. If you go head to wind. Let sails out and use opposite rudder to turn you onto desired course. Then sheet in but not all the way to build speed and then finally sheet in all the way. Remember in strong gusts if you let the sails out you can accelerate through the gust… Hope that helps good luck practicing

I don’t know what you’re paying for the boat, but if it were me, I would look towards the classified section on this site. Currently, there are some very good deals to be had for instance there is a Widget which is measured for sale, in my mind that would be an excellent starter boat and for £300 all in for a boat that sails straight out of the box and would be competitive not bad at all.

Brad has written some very helpful information here http://www.bgsailsanddesign.com/uploads/7/0/6/9/70698521/bg_sails_rig_tuning_iom.pdf there is a wealth of information on his site so a fantastic place to look

Always good seeing you, Rob. I’m sure we’ll catch up soon.

My very first radio sailing boat was a bubbles 2. Really enjoyed the sailing her and the boat taught me a lot. It would be great to see it on the water at some point remember to take some photos and share

Bubbles 2? A guess but a start

I use a DX9. Good piece of kit. I have tried different receivers in my RG65 boat, which is carbon. With Parkflyer receivers with antennas I had a dropout problem since then I went to the AR410 and AR620. I have never had a problem with these in any boat I sailed they are a great piece of kit. Like Steve says I have the antenna near the top of the pot in my carbon Boats. If you find you are still having problems with range, it’s always worth popping it in for a service

Yes that is correct there is a MK2 Widget. Best person to ask is Graham Elliott as he has built Widgets although l don’t know which versions. @Graham Elliott

I will be putting my name down once it is live. Looking forward to visiting woodspring again nice location:) Just remember those 20p!!

Not sure if they are exactly the same but l know Brad has some RG65 templates so might be worth an ask. If not sailboatrc do them but they are doing a clearance sale and are expensive if you just want two numbers as l think you have to get a full set.

I did exactly that in 2022. It was great feeling the buzz and seeing the boats close up. Its going to be a fun weekend see you there

if l am over taken by a boat on the run and they overtake to windward can l luff them up through 90 degrees? I thought l could but was told today l couldn’t. Doesnt make sense as they are windward boat and l called them whilst luffing

If you go to the AGM John Tushingham will be doing a talk on sail setting on a Dragon Force 65. If about fantastic opportunity to learn some tips:)

Just recieved my VAPEX order. Super pleased. Paul went out of his way for me putting XT30 connectors on something they don’t normally do and shipped it with next day delivery. customer service is excellent and packaging super professional. very happy.

Ok so if on diagram 2 (windward spreader) the way l see it is blue on starboard and so is green but just to clarify if green is on another part of the course blue despite being leeward cant interfere with Green? If Green where on port would this change? Sorry if l find it difficult to understand just trying to get a picture in my head l can go forward with simply. Your help is much appreciated