Erling has been deprived

[Robert]

So has Charles sent you his full money then Bob?

C'mon folks, own up - tell us if you've ever owned one. Erling ought to have one as he's a car topper, but then he is a bit lilly livered about the width of a trailer and he does have a good excuse of not subsidising the ferry companies any more than he already does.

I actually got a Sprint 15 because I own a caravan, but as I had a 4x4 I found it a fair way up in the sky to throw the boat on top of the car. An ordinary car + a caravan + a Sprint 15 seems a good idea to me still so the Caravan Owners' trophy at the Nationals might not be such a bad idea after all, if not the image some of us might wish to persue.

[Andrew Hannah]

It's the paradox, Robert! On the one hand, we have a super fast boat and on the other, a slow caravan!

Don't you think Erling is of the right age to own a caravan? I've always wanted one of those VW dormobiles, but they don't make them any more.

[Robert]

Well, I don't know much about Erling's age except that he is older than I am. He probably does qualify for caravan ownership on this basis, but whether he could get one to go fast enough is a different matter. I generally try to hold the speed down to about 60mph, otherwise the fuel consumption goes up too much. Those of advancing years who don't fancy camping at events or finding suitable B&B accommodation may well be forced to go down the Mazda Bongo route - a very sensible option as demonstrated by our Chairman and also Idris from Cardiff. I don't think the fuel consumption can be that much to write home about, particularly with the 4wd version but I'm sure it's a better solution than a VW Dormobile.

I think you can still get a new VW Camper but it has to be imported from Brazil, where they are still being made. Lots of dinghy and cat sailors must own caravans. People travel large distances to sail at Bala Catamaran Club and they stay the weekend at the attached camping site. On Sunday I spoke to a prospective new Carsington member who owns a caravan and bought a Dart 18 on eBay last year.

[Ben]

o dear stop with the caravans cud this be the first problem with i a sprint ive seen!! i mite hav 2 change classes if i carry on maybe summat really exciting like erm mirror dinghies monohulls mayeb ppl mite talk bout thinks like get so drunk u fall over sleep ther wake up then sail!!! thts what we shud do caravans just shows ur age id rather sleep in a old fiat panda how uncool is tht!

[Ben]

WANING SPRINT 15 SITE MAY CUASE CARAVAN ENTUIASM!

[Bob Carter]

Hi Ben
I suppose it could be worse - they could be talking about horse boxes! Have you ever been stuck behind one of them on a winding road?!!!

Happily the sailing will start again soon with the Marconi event on 19-20 April. The sailing there is excellent (but watch out for your rudders when sailing close to the bank to avoid the tide). Charles Watson has had his knees done specially for the event. Keith Ball has got special holiday from work to go. The round the 2 islands course is great fun AND they are getting in a special vat of strong red wine to see Gordon Goldstone under the table on Saturday night! "Will he be able to sail on Sunday?" I hear you ask.
Cheers
Bob