Steve

Who hasn't had a boat starting with P suddenly pop out in front of them? We've pretty well decided that they should have stopped designing yachts after the Stewart 34. They had it right.

That's really nicely put. Bring it on.

Was that before or after breakfast?

Yes, its a pity. I note, however, that Trish finished over a week after the 2nd to last boat into Mooloolaba. That sort of thing tends to strain the volunteers a wee bit. I also know of a Raven 26 that used to regularly cruise the Pacific. I guess times have moved on. That was back when men were men and sheep were nervous.

We're in.

The Katabatic thing is really a Stony Bay issue. Very steep behind the bay. If it happens, head out to sea, quickly. Yes Peachgrove Bay and surrounds has been voted best place in the world, by us.

There's a product at Wyatt Machine Tools in Onehunga that seems to work. Specifically for the job, they'll know.

The theme ones are fun. Like all the Ross 40's with cowboy derivatives. We had one going in the Etchells fleet with Blackadder, Baldrick and Cunning Plan. But I guess the Stewarts win.

New words, love it. Maybe this is just a design problem waiting to be solved.

See below Pulling the keel up drops the stern like putting a All Black tight five on the back of the boat.

I use a fishing float

Starting to sound like Mercury Bay’s the place to be for good racing.

Pics please.

SSANZ NOR 2.1 Racing rules shall be changed as follows. 2.2 Yachts with lifting keels shall have keels locked in the down position and not moved whilst racing. This changes RRS 51. 2.3 Yachts with movable ballast, in the form of a canting keel or water ballast, may move that ballast to increase or decrease weight, or to change trim or stability. This changes rule 51. 2.4 Movement of sails not in use while racing is allowed; however, sails not being flown must remain within the boat’s lifelines. This modifies RRS 51 only as to the movement of sails. 2.5 Rule 52 s

Bit of a fine line between movable ballast and a lifting keel I guess. I think it's probably a bit of a hangover from the trailer yacht days when pulling the board up off the wind on your 780 was an advantage but also bloody scary at times. Now, in most SI's you will see that all keels must be in the locked down position for the duration of the race. Canters have a separate rule. Bit of a pity as I see an advantage there waiting to be exploited.