Messages

['The glued clinker boats were never going to outclass those which had gone before.]

'The glued clinker boats were never going to outclass those which had gone before.' - Surely, history tells us otherwise, since the ribbed boats were heavier, leaked and were of a construction form that would not have allowed the wider 1960s designs to emerge.  Trial changes to rules allowed us to experiment, for example, with 4-plank construction in the 1950s (Foursquare, which was rejected, probably unwisely) and in the late 1960s with Impact (when it was agreed).  However, lots of Twelve developments have happened because someone had a bright idea that wasn't excluded by the rules at the time.  That's the point about winged rudders - one or two people experimented with them ten or so years ago and we all decided they didn't work.  However, when Jo Richards, Dave Peacock and John Meadowcroft worked out various ways of adjusting the angle of attack while sailing, it all fell in to place.
 
Mike D
N3533 

Your nearest measurer is John Thornton who lives in Woking.  email him at john@saltwood.net or call 01483 730889.

Mike D
N3533

I don't go back that far but I did sail at WRSC's Wintersett Reservoir in the early 1970s as the Leeds Uni sailing club was based there.  The water was pretty black due to the local colliery workings at that time.  That winter trying to thaw out boats before sailing while clothed in a kit wetsuit which kept on coming apart was an especially miserable sailing experience. 
 
Mike D
N3533 

Max - I think you're going to have to be more specific in your questions.  There's lots of learning in the Twelves about T foils and how they work in our boats but it's not clear what advice you want.  If you look back in the archive of this site, you'll see lots of discussion.  Good luck with your project.
 
Mike D
N3533

I have been with MA Noble for 40 years and have always had excellent service.  I broke my winged rudder in two at Salcombe in August.  It was repaired and strengthened by the original makers (at a cost of c.£350) and Noble settled with no problems.
 
Mike D
N3533

The two pics above are good illustration of the lee bow effect slowing the windward boat, allowing the leeward boat gradually to pull clear ahead.  It would be interesting to reverse the positions of the two boats to prove this theory ...!
 
Mike D
N3533

Paul
 
I'd say that as Midland Area series organiser, you can only vary the rules for qualification in your series.  It's not within your jurisdiction to change individual clubs' open meeting rules from the offical norm as each meeting is run under their burgee.  That could only be a matter for them, their sailing committees and/or the Race Officer for the meeting in question.
 
Mike D
N3533

Even a very old sail will work - though not as well as something newer that has not lost its shape.  Twelves went loose-footed about 35 years ago so I think it's fair to say your original main is probably past its best by now.  Don't worry about which side of the boom the loose foot is on when you are close-hauled and tacking.  Just pull it in tight to the black band and leave it. 
 
It's only when you let it off downwind that it works best on the leeward side of the boom.  As for the cunningham in light winds, creases aren't necessarily slow but many people pull their cunningham down very gently in the light stuff - just enough to remove the creases, but be sparing!  
 
You'll often see decent second hand sails for sale on this site if you want to upgrade at modest cost.
 
Mike D
N3533

As Meds says, it just doesn't work for the crew in a 12-foot boat - not only because it's cramped for the crew in their normal sitting position but if they have to move back quickly downwind in a gust, they'll get strangled.  I persisted for a season many years ago before giving up.  Ask yourself why almost no-one in Twelves has one and then commit to learning how to go round corners facing backwards - it's really not that difficult.

Mike D
N3533

Jane
 
Noted ... please can you let us know the key dates you already have and especially the Gill series.  In the regions, we try to organise the local meetings around these to avoid clashes. Thanks ...
 
Mike D
N3533

A date for your diaries - the Ranelagh Winter Open Meeting will take place on Sunday 22nd January 2012, with a 1200 start.  As in past years, the sailing will be followed at c.1430 by the annual Thames Area lunch and prizegiving for 2011.  Everyone is welcome, regardless of whether you have sailed in the Thames Area this year or not.  More details (ticket prices etc) nearer the time but do let us know whenever you can if you'd like to reserve places. 

Who will be crowned Thames Area Champions for 2011?  Graham and Zoe have already qualified and are leading, followed by Dave and Charlie Peacock from the upper reaches of the Thames (Malvern!).  However, a number of boats need only one more meeting to add their names to the qualifiers' list with John and Mandy holding three firsts and promising to make a post-lunch appearance at the final meeting at Twickenham this coming Sunday.  The tension mounts ...

Mike D
N3533

Anne and I will be there with Rock Lobster.  I know of at least one other fairly definite (Dave Peacock) and two others who might be doing the afternoon only.
And to Michael's question - parking is unrestricted in the nearby streets on Sundays but watch out if there's a high tide!  We saw a new Audi wrecked last year as the tide came over the wheels.
Mike D
N3533

Mandy

Any advice about which way to approach the club to avoid the triathlon? Thanks.

Mike

Yes, with news that the leaking tank has been fixed, we'll be there.
 
Mike D
N3533

... with removable transom, anticipating self-draing hulls of the 21st century!
Mike D
N3533