Dart 15 Forums

Graham Shrimpton wrote:

Stolen masts

Just to make you all aware that we have had our second Sprint 15 mast pinched in the last two months.

As you are probably aware we have pretty good security at Stewartby with an 8ft security fence around our site and electronic security gate!

Both of the boats were left in the same fashion, bits of left over rigging lying around!

If you are offered any second hand masts or see any advertised would you please contact me 07711 532973 shrimpo@ntlworld.com

All the best

Graham Shrimpton
Sprint 1595

Robin replied:

Two months ago, in response to my advert on the Sprint 15 website to swap my two-piece mast for a one-piece, I was contacted by someone who said that his Sprint hullls had been written off after running over a concrete slip and he was 'breaking up' the boat, ie selling off the parts. He offered me the one-piece mast for ?125. I wasn't totally happy and so did not take it any further.
I realise this may be totally innocent, but is, I suppose the type of contact people should be aware of.

Bob replied:

Hi Graham,
This is indeed a nasty development. I trust that you have involved the police - with the security fencing and gate you have at Stewartby it must cast suspicion on a Club member, surely? Was the perimeter fence breached? It would be a wise precaution to make sure that all your members have written down the seriel number which is stamped on the bottom casting of the mast. This would be a smart thing for all Sprint 15 boat owners to do. It does not offer more security but gives a better chance of the culprit being caught when trying to sell on the mast.
Regards
Bob

Graham Shrimpton replied:

Thanks for that information Robin I have passed the info on to the relevant persons.

Hi Bob

Yes, this is disappointing situation; the individuals have contacted the police themselves. There has been no breach of the fence which points to it being somebody with access to the club.
We are currently advising all of our Sprint members about the situation.
On the bright side Robin Hall (Mr Gadget) has come up with a simple locking device that will work well with a one piece mast. I will try and get more details later.

All the best

Graham