Dart 15 Forums

Entries are now up to 40 boats & I'm still predicting 50-55 at the event. As far as clubs go it is very close between Shanklin & Grafham and also Queen Mary & Carsington are running neck & neck at 4 entries each so Golden Goldstone & Ray Gall (Arfur & 'Ow much') need to get their press gangs out to see who get's the edge. Clubs that are currently running below expectations include Marconi, Thorpe Bay, Seasalter, Beaver & Halifax - but there are still 2 days to go to get the discount.

Bob Carter wrote:Entries are now up to 40 boats <snip>. Clubs that are currently running below expectations include <snip> Seasalter <snip>

Bob,

There will be three from Sesalter going to the nationals, Me, Ben Saunders and Kevin Dutch.

Kevin says he'll enter at the event and Ben I don't know about.

We've just about worked out the logistics of the trip since we have only 1 car with a tow hook and 3 boats!

Martin S.

Yup, i'm on my way as well.
Can't let the old standards slip doncha know.
I have sent off my letter today so hopefully it will be in Bob's hands by the 25th/26th. On the line as usual there.
The current thinking, Martin is that to get 3 boats on Kevin's trailer, mine will be broken apart (in the correct manner, no sledgehammers please) and put inbetween the hulls of yours and Kevins, as i need to do a bit of work on my back beam after i foolishly greased the traveller track at the start of this season. Silly Ben.
Not sure if we can persuade Mr Stafford to join us as well. And Tim with 1923 might be persuaded to come as well.
See you all soon.
Ben

Well done Ben -------------- don't forget your hat !!!

SSCBen wrote:<snip>
Not sure if we can persuade Mr Stafford to join us as well. And Tim with 1923 might be persuaded to come as well.
See you all soon.
Ben

Ben,

Don't think Chris will come but if you can persuade Tim then maybe you don't have to break down your boat since you could put it on his\my trailer (would need to have it looked at by someone mechanically minded first since its not moved a wheel since 2004! bit rusty me thinks) and double up.

Martin S.

Another option is to ask Nick Dewhirst if he is prepared to double up. As Nick is doing the Fun events it needs to be with someone who is also prepared to do the fun events.
Just a thought........................

Don't you think it would be much more relevant to judge the extent of a Club's participation by the proportion of its Sprint 15 owners (perhaps taken as the number of Association members as this may be more readily available) that choose to go to the Nationals, rather than by the numbers that choose to go.

But perhaps Grafham wouldn't show up well by this measure?

And perhaps the Nationals Team Trophy shouldn't be based on the best 3 boats for a Club, which obviously favours the large Clubs.....

Hi George,
Sounds like you want to make up the rules to fit the circumstances for Queen Mary - never mind the increase in participation from QMSC is very welcome.
Cheers
Bob

Frank, I will be bringing a selection of hats for all weathers and conditions, including a very large one for light airs to be used as a head-top sail. I have a davy crockett hat somewhere if anybody wishes to borrow it.
Ben

Bob Carter wrote:Another option is to ask Nick Dewhirst if he is prepared to double up. As Nick is doing the Fun events it needs to be with someone who is also prepared to do the fun events.
Just a thought........................

Nick did offer to take my boat but as I can't make the fun events it wasn't entirely feasible. Thanks Nick though.

Kevin should be able to manage 3 boats with me taking various bits and pieces.

Martin S.

Martin,

You might want to check what suspension units there are on the trailer.

With 6 hulls plus box masts and kit etc Could be very near the limit for 250kg units - I know this is what my trailer had before I changed them.

Would be sad to lose 3 SSC boats in one go - remember about the two up Shearwater trailer that lost a wheel on the M2 on the way to the TT this year. The wheel pulled right off the studs and it was about 1/4 mile before they could stop.

Steve

Hi Steve.
I'm not sure whether the beams and split mast from mine and martins spilt mast could go on Kevins roof rack if he has one. If not, we could have a slight problem. I might try to go up with Nick if i can although i haven't signed up for the fun events in my postal form that hopefully *crosses fingers* Bob has got by today. Can i sign up for them at Saundersfoot?
Ben

Yes Ben - the fun numbers are just for a guide for planning.
Just turn up. There is no extra charge unless you plan to do the go-karts. Kevin was hot in the karts last year - so you might want to give it a try.
Cheers
Bob
PS I got your entry & it was already posted on the website yesterday.
PPS I did manage 3 boats on a car & trailer last year but it was a big car (Volvo estate) and I put one pair of hulls on the roof rack & the car was FULL

Thanks Bob.
One more for you.
Do i need a measurement certificate for the nationals?
Just glancing through the rules and saw that there might be a need for one.
And are praddles compulsory?
Ben

Hi Ben
No quite a few boats no longer have their measurement certificates. We do not ask for them but reserve the right to inspect (scrutineer) the boats. This is mostly just to ensure that the trapeze handles have been removed & very old fun boats (with no cocktail cabinets) have corrector weights fitted.
The praddle is in the class rules and well worth having on board for when the wind dies. They are about £9 in a chandlery.
Cheers
Bob