Kestrel
Spring 2018
Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 1 10/06/2018 21:07:14 Kestrel Owners Association
Chairman – Chris Grice www.kestrel.org.uk [email protected]
Vice Chairman – Steve Worf Also on Facebook: [email protected] Kestrel Owners Association
Secretary/Treasurer – Ian Rintoul [email protected] or Send membership to: [email protected] 121 Bengeo Street Hertford Magazine Editor – Mhairi Murdoch [email protected] SG14 3EX
Webmaster – Richard Roberts [email protected]
Scottish Rep – Paul Barnett [email protected]
North American Rep – Larry King Cyprus Rep – David Brown [email protected] [email protected]
Builder – Hartley Boats Parcel terrace Derby DE1 1LY Tel: 01332 369751 www.hartleyboats.com
Magazine Design Cover photos Adam Campbell Front: Too close for comfort! Back: 2017 National Champions leading the fleet!
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Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 2 10/06/2018 21:07:14 Chairman – Chris Grice www.kestrel.org.uk [email protected]
Vice Chairman – Steve Worf Also on Facebook: [email protected] Kestrel Owners Association
Secretary/Treasurer – Ian Rintoul [email protected] or [email protected]
Magazine Editor – Mhairi Murdoch [email protected]
Webmaster – Richard Roberts [email protected]
Scottish Rep – Paul Barnett [email protected]
North American Rep – Larry King Cyprus Rep – David Brown [email protected] [email protected]
Builder – Hartley Boats Parcel terrace Derby DE1 1LY Tel: 01332 369751 www.hartleyboats.com
Magazine Design Adam Campbell
Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 3 10/06/2018 21:07:14 From the Editor Mhairi Murdoch paintwork, measuring sails. discussed. I’ve offered Stor- The authors of the following noway but I’m told some- Kestrel 1634 articles tell me it’s almost as where in Wales or North of ‘Still Seathing’ much fun as a broad reach England might be easier for with a spinnaker but person- the fleet to get to... t may have taken a long ally I feel maintenance is best Itime for it to feel like spring left to the helm! As ever, please send in your this year but the cold weath- photos and articles for the er isn’t enough to stop the Looking ahead, we are hop- next magazine. keen Kestrel sailor. And even ing for a good turnout at this when you can’t sail, you can year’s Nationals in Thorpe Happy sailing! still spend time with a Kestrel; Bay in August. The Nationals modifying kickers, fixing up for 2019 are already being
Search for a Webmaster
We are sorry to learn that Richard Roberts is stepping down from his role as webmaster.
On behalf of all the class, we thank Richard for his work setting up the website and running it for us.
If anyone is willing to take on the position please get in touch!
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Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 4 10/06/2018 21:07:15 Advance Notices
16 - 17th June 2018
Scottish Championships — Royal Tay Yacht Club, Dundee
Contact Paul Barnett - [email protected]
14 - 15th July 2018
Medway Regatta — Wilsonian Sailing Club
Contact Chris Grice - [email protected]
22 - 23rd July 2018
North American Championships — USA
Contact Larry King - [email protected]
11 - 14th August 2018
National Championships — Thorpe Bay Yacht Club
Contact Chris Grice - [email protected]
1 - 2nd September 2018
Ian Proctor Centenary Rally — Bosham Sailing Club
More details on kestrel.org.uk
8 - 9th September 2018
Regatta — Maylandsea Bay Sailing Club
Contact Paul Wilkinson - [email protected]
5 - 7th October 2018
Cyprus Open — PISC, Cyprus
Contact David Brown - [email protected]
Please see Kestrel website for more information on all the fixtures - www.kestrel.org.uk
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Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 5 10/06/2018 21:07:15 Chairman’s Chat Chris Grice, Kestrel 408 ‘Chicken’, Maylandsea Bay
After a winter that seems to have been going on for ever, Game of Thrones style, after not one but two Beasts from the East, some small signs of spring are at last being seen. The sun was out in Bedford- shire this morning, and I could distinctly feel its warmth. The sailing season is upon us.
Although frankly, there was not much sign of it at Alex- over the weekend of June any ideas I can steal. I shan’t andra Palace Dinghy Show a 2nd/3rd. Proctor’s designs be taking any from the Mer- month ago, when snow was are to be displayed on the lin Rocket though, it had ev- on the ground and the Main green on the 2nd, followed ery conceivable rig and sail Hall, under its glass roof, was by a Gala dinner in the club- control – with a profusion of distinctly chilly. The KOA house, and some gentle (no ropes, lines, cleats pulleys all committee members pres- shouting, barging, luffing, over it. Getting familiar with ent retired to the café for our ramming!) racing in scenic where everything is would meeting which, although Chichester harbour on the take a season, and I should not much warmer, at least al- Sunday. Sounds like a con- think that the owner has to lowed us to wrap our hands vivial way to spend the week- turn up at Opens at least an around hot drinks. end. If you would like to do hour before anyone else just this and have a Mk1 or Mk2 in to get it rigged in time. I bet At the Dinghy Show Kestrel good condition and in some- he never gets it rigged the No 1 was on display in the thing like it’s as delivered same way twice, either! Ian Proctor Centenary area. It spec, could you get in touch has been very nicely restored, with me, please? They would Part of the reason we were and is complete with wood- like 1 of each for the event. wandering around as a com- en rig. It’s distinctly weird to mittee was to make enquiries see a boat you have known in Wandering around the Din- about where 2019 Nationals glassfibre all your life, but in ghy Show on the Saturday will be held, and which class clinker built wood. I was sur- was quite interesting, but we to partner up with. With fleets prised how different it looked, came to the conclusion that on the East Coast and on the like the teenage offspring of there are not many actual Tay, the ideal location would Osprey and Firefly parents, al- buyers at the Show, it is most- be midway between, East or most. ly class stalwarts waving their West. Some irons are in the flag for their own class. How- fire on this – stay posted for On the subject of Ian Proctors ever, I do like to have a look at further details. Centenary Year, Bosham SC what the development class- are holding a special event es are doing in case there are This year the Nationals are at Summer 2017 Kestrel Magazine - 6
Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 6 10/06/2018 21:07:15 Thorpe Bay on the Thames possibly be simple enough Estuary 11th-14th August. for me to understand it, I We are sharing with our old struggle with my phone, but friends the Hornets, for whom if this sort of thing is some- it is their Europeans. There thing that you are familiar is free camping available on with, we could really do with the green in front of the club- your help, please contact me. house (a bit like we had at Harwich). It’s a long weekend, Good news – The Kestrel PY finishing on the Tuesday, so has gone up by 3 to 1038. it won’t use up too much of This makes us more compet- your holidays. This year there itive in handicap fleets. Let’s will be ten races, instead of all get out there and put it eight, and they will be sailed across the other boats whilst back to back to make the it is high – it probably won’t most of the tidal window at last! Thorpe Bay. They are very experienced hosts when it All the best for the season comes to running champion- and I hope to see you on the ships, so it should be a very water! good event. Don’t forget the sights, sounds and smells of Southend – the pier (longest in the world), the Kursaal, cockles and whelks!
Please look at the fixtures planned for 2018 – all on the website, with the contact links on there as well. Both the Scottish Champs and the Cyprus Open carry the add- ed attraction of being able to borrow a boat (rather than take your own), and be pro- vided with B+B. That makes both of them very possible and attractive if you are not local.
Bad news – Richard Roberts is stepping down as KOA web- master as soon as we can find a replacement. Thanks from all of us for setting it up and running it over the last couple of years, Richard. Richard as- sures us that it is a very simple site, and he will supply all the Above: Paul and Sally Grey K1600 necessary details for some- one to take it over. It couldn’t Summer 2017 Kestrel Magazine - 7
Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 7 10/06/2018 21:07:17 Photo caption: The Mediterranean Idyll: The PISC fleet consists mainly of Kestrels and Wayfarers Winter Sailing In The Med
Marc Stowe leaves us with a sea swell waves break over the har- Kestrel 1597 in excess of 3 metres plus, bour wall and will roll a din- which sometimes doesn’t ghy with a ton of water com- Paphos International subside to manageable lev- ing over the weather side as Sailing Club (PISC) els for several days. soon as you clear its shelter.
Believe it or not it does get Here’s a picture of the Agios If you look closely you might cold in Cyprus during the Georgios (Saint George) fish- notice that the race is nearly winter months. Although, we ing harbour, from which we over. The leading boats have had al-fresco Christmas launch, looking to the west. can smell our wintertime Dinner on the balcony in past When the swell is up the speciality: bacon butties! years. And in contrast! We regard February as THE John Weedon sent in a beautiful photo of Rain Clouds over the winter month. It can be cold, Blackwater, probably taken from Marconi SC looking North wet and miserable with the sea temperature dropping to 14 Centigrade which would tempt you to pull on a wet suit especially for us old-uns in our 60s and 70s, which comprises a fair few mem- bers.
The main problem we have is that we are on the west coast with open sea all the way to Gibraltar, giving a fetch of 2,000 miles or 3,300 kilome- tres. A westerly gale moving eastwards down the Med Summer 2017 Kestrel Magazine - 8
Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 8 10/06/2018 21:07:17 PISC Autumn Regatta 2018 and Kestrel Europeans Paphos International Sailing Club Agios Georgios, Paphos Friday 5th October - Sunday 7 October 2018 Dave Brown [email protected] or Claire Lambert [email protected] for further info
Complementary B & B with Club Members. Come along and either helm or crew a member’s boat with them on board as either crew or helm. You will need to pay for and organise your flights, car hire and travel insurance. Flights into Paphos will be met by club members if necessary.
Friday night will be a meal at a local restaurant. Saturday will be a Beach BBQ and Sunday Prize giving will follow the days racing. Costs to be advised. Sailing fees in the region of 30-40 euros per boat.
On Monday there may be the opportunity to see some of Cyprus with a sa- fari. Details and costs to be available nearer the time.
P.S. Don’t forget your sun- cream!
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Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 9 10/06/2018 21:07:17 Above: Chris’ New and Improved MonoKicker The Mono Kicker Chris Grice on your deck (or on your but- is put up and we move back Kestrel 408 tocks), you get dragged back in the boat as we get on the down the boat by the load. plane, but the reach is a bit ‘Chicken’, Maylandsea Bay So I went to a bridle on the tighter and the wind is a bit Like most who sail Kestrels, transom and a 16 to 1 kicker stronger than I had anticipat- I used to sail with a centre (vang, for those in Lake Sara- ed and now I need to release mainsheet. Then, when I start- toga!), so that the vertical the kicker so that we don’t ed campaigning Enterprises load was taken on the kicker trip over the boom end as in the mid-80’s, I had to learn and the mainsheet only con- it is hits the water when we to sail with a transom main- trolled the horizontal posi- heel. Unfortunately, the crew sheet. Once I got used to it, I tion of the boom. This worked has moved back and is sitting found it way easier to tack, be- fine, but it did mean that you over the cleat, so in despera- cause you can swap tiller and were on and off the kicker all tion, I thrust my hand rough- mainsheet hands before you the time trying to keep the ly between his/her legs to try tack, so there is none of this mainsail leach tension cor- and get to the kicker cleat, tiller-extension-up-your-life- rect. No problem, you have the crew turns to me in sur- jacket-fiddling about-behind- the kicker lead back to both prised indignation, releasing your-back stuff you have with sides so that you can always the spinnaker sheet, the sail a centre main. reach it. However, quite often duly collapses, the boat heels I would end up with all the to windward hard before I When I then swapped to tran- string at one end of the sys- can reverse the tiller, skid- som main on the Kestrel, we tem (always the leeward side, ding away underneath us as found that in a tacking duel, naturally!), so that when I got we capsize to windward. You we could out-tack anyone to the windward mark in a get the picture? in the fleet (helps if you also breeze, with the kicker on bar have the best crew!). Only tight, I couldn’t bear away in So what I really needed was trouble is, the Kestrel main any safety because I couldn’t a kicker control that was al- (about the same size as a 505), release the kicker. Or alterna- ways to hand wherever I was is a bit big to sheet hard down tively, I have enough string in the boat. My hands were with a transom mainsheet. on the windward side to re- always on the mainsheet and Unless you have sandpaper lease it enough as we round tiller extension, so could I the windward mark, the kite work out some way to have Summer 2017 Kestrel Magazine - 10
Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 10 10/06/2018 21:07:17 the kicker control on the tiller through which the kicker line extension? connects to the take up sys- tem. Where there’s a will there’s a way: I tested the Mk 2 and it worked pretty well – the elastic take- Mk 1 Mono Kicker took next up got rid of the excess line, to no time to implement. I and the Heath Robinson UJ single ended the kicker, lead worked OK, although with a it back to a single block as different, rather clanky feel- close to the rudder pintles as I ing compared to a rubber UJ. could manage, then along the On to the Mk2 Mono Kicker. It was super-nice to have the tiller, to a block on the end of I swapped the rubber tiller kicker always to hand, and the tiller and onto a cleat on extension UJ for an upright I soon got used to having a the tiller extension. Sailing it, lead 30mm blocks above:- much thicker tiller extension. however, soon revealed the The down side was that occa- first teething problems. First- I bolted the base of it longitu- sionally, when the tiller exten- ly, Newton’s Third Law rough- dinally to the tiller, carefully sion was in line with the tiller, ly states that each action has took out the pulley centrepin it would almost lock into po- an equal and opposite reac- and replaced it with a bolt sition, and I would go straight tion. In this context, when I holding s/s cheek plates/ on whilst I sorted it out. The pulled in the kicker, the tiller straps on either side of the other problem was that up- came with it – I had to apply pulley, which were bolted to right lead blocks turned out an equal and opposite force the tiller extension. Since I not to be very robust – I need- to the tiller extension to hold needed a take up for the ex- ed a new one every year, plus the same course. Weird, but cess kicker line inside the til- they are a bit clanky. just something to get used to. ler extension, I needed a tiller extension with a diameter For the Mk 3 help was at hand Secondly, there is perma- large enough to accommo- in my own boat bits junk box. nent tension on the kicker date some micro blocks. Un- In the shape of a Harken roll- line, and since the extension fortunately there aren’t any, er furler fitting (the one that rubber universal joint was so I had to visit my favour- goes at the top of the sail). I downstream of the cleat, it ite suppliers for marine bits, had bought it in a boat jum- compressed all over the place Wickes Builders Merchants, ble very cheap about twen- from the kicker line tension. who were able to supply 2m ty years ago, just because I The rubber UJ would have to of 40mm black waste pipe knew it was an expensive bit go. Thirdly, where did the ex- for the princely sum of £3.50. of gear, even though I had no cess kicker line go after I had Beat that, P+B! I cut it down use for it at that time. Since pulled the kicker on? It fell to the length I wanted and they are milled from solid al- over my legs, so that by the bolted one end to the cheek uminium alloy, I was able to time I had tacked four times, straps on the upright lead shape it a bit with an angle they were tied neatly togeth- block. I then used a few Yacht- grinder, fitted a roller bear- er with a round turn and two speed 19mm micro blocks on ing between the jaws (where half hitches, so that I had to a shockcord to take up my the sail normally attachs) and pogo across the boat on sub- excess kicker line inside the bolted the tiller extension sequent tacks. Not ideal. pipe, Lashed (it looks better cheek straps to the outside of than it sounds!) a Servo cleat it. This turned the system into Conclusion of Mk1 test :- The with fairlead on to the til- a Rolls Royce Mono Kicker – UJ was a problem and I need- ler extension quite near the it was very smooth and the ed to deal with the excess swivel block, and cut an en- clunkiness was gone. But I kicker line. try slot into the plastic pipe still had that occasional steer- Summer 2017 Kestrel Magazine - 11
Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 11 10/06/2018 21:07:17 ing lock – had it at the Na- the extension would tend to Overall, it’s an example of tionals and went straight get stuck if in line with the why I like our rules. A one on at the gybe mark, taking tiller (like when you are on a design hull, but with a fairly Andy and Richard with us run or a reach with the crew open policy on fittings. You (sorry guys!). on the weather rail playing can have your own (may- the spinnaker and the helm be crazy) idea about how a What was causing it? I re- moving about in the middle system could be improved alised it was geometry. of the boat). So, out with the and play about with the con- Because I have a through saw, epoxy and cloth and the cept until it either works or it transom tiller it angles end of the tiller was changed doesn’t. In this case I ended upwards about twenty to a slight downward slope – up with a system that I like, degrees throughout its sailed many times since and that no-one else has (that length. I needed a level or it seems to be the end of the no-one else wants, possi- even downward slope at problem. This is a sketch of bly!) and that works well and the end where the tiller ex- what it looks like now:- solves all the problems I had tension joins on, otherwise with a conventional system. A by-product that I hadn’t anticipated was that no-one will borrow my boat. I have offered it when I can’t sail or am doing rescue boat but people take one look at the tiller extension and say ’Oh no, thanks anyway.. .. I think I’ll just borrow a Laser…’!
Update from Maylandsea At the end of last year I took the Blackwater Icicle taking make you feel seasick, watching part in the Winter Series at place from Maylandsea Bay. his clips did! The other thing to Maylandsea. This was the first know about our estuary is that one I have done for probably One particularly good thing for at low water 90% of the water 25 years, but despite my fears those of us who sail in estuaries is missing and is replaced with of frostbite, it was not very is that the moorings are mostly saltings, mud and ooze! cold (apart from the very last empty in the winter months, so day). We had some good rac- there is a lot more room and a Now, as the longer days have ing and only the occasional lot less hazards. In fact only the finally arrived, the Maylansea straggling fleet where several hardened dinghy sailor ven- moorings are filling up – more of us were over the line at the tures out in the winter or the hazards to avoid but more start and had to go back. odd fisherman along the banks. hours in the day to go sailing! One of our Maylandsea Bay There was more fun on Satur- members often takes his GoPro day 20th Jaunary 2018 with sailing. If the sailing itself didn’t
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Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 12 10/06/2018 21:07:18 New Smaller Jibs For Cruising And Training Stewart Murdoch Kestrel 1634 Still Seathing
Last year the Tay Sail Train- ing charity (Dundee) worked with Tim Rush to develop a smaller foresail or jib for their fleet of 4 Kestrels. The sails had to be legal within the Kestrel measurement rules (hardly a problem), capa- ble of being sheeted to the same blocks and fairleads as the existing so as to re- quire no alteration to fittings. They also had to be cut with a higher clew making them and it was found that, for the purposes the new sails have better suited to being roller majority of conditions, there been a great success. furled for storage etc., The was no disadvantage in per- new sail has proven to be formance (the exception One added bonus is that the very successful and two pri- would only be a light weath- new sails have all been fitted vate owners in the RTYC fleet er fetch where the extra sail with u/v strips on the luff to have purchased the smaller power would really count). protect the sails when they sail for their own use. are left furled. For training What has been the feedback boats used several times So what was the thinking be- on the new smaller jibs? - a week this is a big advan- hind the change? The stan- Our experience with the new tage and should reduces sail dard foresail was just too smaller jibs is that they are damage and finally, having powerful across the range far easier to sheet in a breeze less overlap with the mast is of conditions when the boat and upwind the boat remains reducing the abrasion dam- was being sailed by cadets well balanced and points age to the clew area which is or trainees. Those with long higher, probably because of where the standard “overlap- memories will know that the the more open slot. In terms ping” sail shows wear surpris- “standard” jib is already a sig- of performance the boat will ingly quickly. nificantly smaller sail than lose little in medium winds the outboard sheeted genoa and may even be faster in a that Ian Proctor designed for strong wind. Of course, when the boat originally. The step the wind is lighter, or on a down from the genoa helped two sail reach, the reduced by the move to inboard sail area is a disadvantage sheeting improved pointing but for training and cruising Summer 2017 Kestrel Magazine - 13
Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 13 10/06/2018 21:07:18 Yachts And Yachting Dinghy Show Chris, Ian, Paul, Stewart and a Kestrel met up at the Yachts and Yachting Dinghy show in London 3rd March. Despite the weather conditions with snow right up to the Alexandra Palace it was a good show, well attended with lots to look at and some good talks.
One of the highlights of the Dinghy Show was seeing Kestrel No 1 near the entrance – she was saved from the flames by the Kestrel Owners As- sociation and beautifully restored by John Blake for Hartley boats. Jeckels Sails made a suit of sails comparable to the era and a set of timber spars were sourced and re-conditioned. It is hoped that she will be on show and sailed at the Ian Proctor Centenary Regatt.
The Kestrel on show was well presented, but see- ing it next to other classes again raised the issue of how to make the Kestrel stand out. The boat looks great but now looks comparatively expen- sive against other classes.
One bit of news was that for those who handicap race, our PY Number has gone up by 3 which will give us a further advantage against a range of classes.
Here are some photos of Kestrel No 1 taken at the exhibit:
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Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 14 10/06/2018 21:07:18 Above: Restoration in Progress
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Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 15 10/06/2018 21:07:19 Above: Chris’ New and Improved MonoKicker Kestrel Maintenance Larry King Check: before you start. es that need extra work, sand 1.Make sure you have ev- with 150 grit, go to 100 and Kestrel 1635 erything you need on hand: to 60 grit if necessary. Re- move the damaged paint). Larry’s top ten tips for [editor: check the shopping list How deeply do we sand? The a painting repair! on page 20] goal is to scuff the surface so that the paint or gel coat ad- f you have owned a Kestrel, Buff out the little dings heres to the rougher surface, Ihave you ever spent any 2.and scuffs first. Why buff each little sanded area like time attending to her needs? the little ones first? It’s a nat- mini-velcro loop and hooks, ural instinct to go around the nooks and crannies that A rhetorical question if there boat with the leftover (ex- locks, adheres, and hardens ever was one! Now, smile, pensive) paint and dab away fast to the new paint. and read on, only if you are at the little scratches and so inclined about the subject. dings. The problem is, it just Apply the paint, either After several years, I finally creates more work. Instead, 5.spray, or with a foam am now getting good paint have fun, and find out how brush. Remember, paint adds and scuff repair results quick- many will go away with sim- weight. Go easy, but enough ly. This takes me a weekend. ple buffing. coats to bring a thickness at About one day to prep and or above the surrounding paint, with paint drying times, Admire how much bet- good paint thickness. Don’t and I sand and buff in a few 3.ter she looks, and at how worry about the amount of hours on day #2. many dings disappeared in paint, apply coats as needed. about 10 minutes. Break for And remember, the fairing Larry’s steps and rules to re- a cup of tea and to feel good process will sand away up to pair seasonal scuffs and dam- about yourself and your boat 1/3 to ½ of what you put on. ages to gel coat: Sand damaged surfaces When I’ve applied paint with 4.with the rotary sander, a paint brush, the bristles and by hand, the deep marks leave a finished product that with 220 grit. (for those dam- has brush lines, which require ages, chips and deep scratch- sanding smooth with 120 Summer 2017 Kestrel Magazine - 16
Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 16 10/06/2018 21:07:19 grit. This is ok, but extra sand- ing work. Rule #1 will assure that you have a foam brush or sprayer, and thus you won’t go running about the house looking for and using a spare paint brush because you for- got to get one. It wastes your valuable time.
Brush each coat in oppo- site directions with the foam brush. Pay attention to the uneven surface left behind after each coat, use your read- ing glasses if necessary!
Cure gelcoat with heat 6.lamps if needed, a lit- tle heat up to 100 degrees speeds gel coat cure time. If painting, feel free to use a hair dryer on low, but be careful.
Sand (again) Once you are fine with me. Every boat buffer in circular motions, go 7.are satisfied with enough that races has them... over a few times, don’t buff coats of paint that you are too much, and take a look at ready to make it smooth and Wet sanding works very the finish. glossy, start sanding. The goal 9.well from 400 grit, to is that the entire sanded sur- 800, 1000, 1500 and 2000 You will see imperfections in face looks the same to the grit. Get a bucket of water, your job. Don’t sweat it. You eye, a consistent haze with keep the surface weight, and are not a professional. Your 150 grit. If you see single move right up the ladder of result will not impede your scratches through the rough grit size. Sand in swirling racing results. hazed sanded area, or if you motions. still see brush marks, work it by hand a little. If you start to Buff with electric remove paint at the edge of 10.buffer. We amateurs the job area, stop sanding the can’t replicate the ultra-fine edges of the new paint with shine that is produced by that grit size. The perfect job professional car detailers. leaves a dull, random scuffed, Don’t feel bad about it. My chalky but consistent haze. buffing is two-step because Then sand with 220 grit, and it is quick. I use a wool pad with 320 grit. for the first buff. By itself, a wool pad puff might leave a Clean the surface. I’ll be shine that makes you happy. 8.dog-gone, it has scratch- My second buff is with a foam es! Guess what? Now you can pad, and I use the same cut/ go back and redo the above polish compound that I used steps! I don’t. A few scratches with the wool pad. Move the Summer 2017 Kestrel Magazine - 17
Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 17 10/06/2018 21:07:19 Shopping List Larry’s List
Paint/Gel coat Water bucket 1. Check Hardner MEK Electric buffer 2. Buff Styrene wax additive Wool Pads 3. Admire Paint measuring Foam Pads 4. Sand mixing containers Polish compound - 5. Apply Stirrers cut AND polish 6. Cure Dropper - for adding Heat lamp 7. Dry Sand gel coat/MEK hardener Hairdryer - for paint 8. Clean 1” Wide foam brushes drying acceleration and 9. Wet Sand Dry Sandpaper Grits - Larry’s hair! hand & electric sanding 10. Buff Wet Sandpaper Grits 11. Re-admire!
Left: New technique demon- strated by the American team: The crew calls everything and the helm simply looks astern!
Ian Proctor Centenary Regatta 2018 marks the centenary of the over 65,000 boats built to his Proctor’s firsts include: birth of the renowned dinghy designs, 50,000 of them Top- - GRP production dinghy designer Ian Proctor. In con- pers! The Kestrel junction with his family, Bosh- On Sunday 2nd September, - Production trapeze dinghy am Sailing Club are hosting a there will be some gentle har- The Osprey Centenary Rally in Ian Proctor’s bour racing, with a grandstand honour over the weekend of the finish at Bosham Quay followed - Injection moulded dinghy 1st and 2nd of September 2018. by various awards. It aims to The Topper The Centenary Rally will be a showcase the spectrum of - Trailer sailors unique opportunity to gath- Proctor designed dinghies in- er the Proctor clan together to - Aluminium masts and global clude some of the finest exam- sailing brand demonstrate just how import- ples.....and what finer example ant Ian Proctor was for the UK could there be than a Kestrel? dinghy sailing community. With
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Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 18 10/06/2018 21:07:19 Above: The Playground at Margate A Labour of Love Theo Caderius van Veen tivities. You may think that I am was clear that the other club Kestrel 1490, ‘Plum’ biased because I own one of -Raf Akrotiri- had had first pick these versatile craft; but I had of gear as there were some mis- This time last year the sun be- many hours of sailing in other matches in hull and sail num- gan to shine and on April 15th, dinghies before trying a Kestrel. bers, so a diplomatic request l was able to be in the boat yard I had previously sailed Bosun, to be allowed to match sails to in Margate beginning to get Topper, Laser, Lark, Seafire, 470, hulls revealed that there were Plum (a Martin built Kestrel) a couple of blasts in a Flying spare good quality spinnakers, ready for the season. Kestrels Dutchman and some rides on genoas and spinnaker poles are spacious, comfortable, sta- a Tornado and a Prindle 18 cat- available. A sneaky look around ble, responsive and easily man- amaran. l was syndicate leader Raf A showed that the prettiest aged. of a club owned Albacore but hulls had stayed there. until the Kestrel appeared they The clever design is at home in were all just boats. So there is No problem, we were all the lake waters or the volatile ac- an element of discrimination more determined to get our tion of sea sailing and allows and objective experience in my three hulls rigged and compet- the hull to perform swiftly and firmly held opinion. ing. surely in manoeuvres with a re- assuring agility that soothes a My interest in Kestrel dinghies One of our members -Dave W- a helm’s nerves. started during the early 90’s retired North sea diver was a ca- when the services sailing club pable fibreglass mechanic. He There is room and power in Cyprus, of which I was a repaired the “ooops!” RAF fork enough for two crew and suf- member, received 3 old hulls lift punctures in the top sides of ficient fore-deck to keep light and sails donated by a joint 1441 and the repairs were co- spray out of the cockpit and re- services sailing club in UK. One loured the same as the deck so duce wind-chill over the legs. had a pale blue deck while the there could be no doubt. 1441 Once they are rigged and sail- others were scarlet. I guess one was named Ruby Tuesday by ing the boat gives confidence to had been a Crab air boat and the girl who was her skipper. those who seek fun and compe- the others were Pongo boats. Much research and effort (an tition while enjoying sailing ac- Hull no’s 1439, 1441 & 1442. It ice breaking trip to Rutland Wa- Summer 2017 Kestrel Magazine - 19
Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 19 10/06/2018 21:07:20 ter in February to view and sail Sonic Mushroom) resulted in our 3 boats rigged with control lines led aft to both sides of the thwart for helm or crew to man- age, and furling jibs for ease of mooring on a lee shore, an every day event in Cyprus. We added granny lines to speed up righting after capsize, not really a problem in the comfortable Mediterranean temperatures, spinny pole rests on the boom and one or two other refine- ments. I had many hours crew- ing for races in this delightful Mk 11 Kestrel and we did ex- tended passage making in her which gave us a good feel for the performance. An unforget- table experience was a three sail reach of more than 3 miles in a fresh offshore breeze on flat sea which had the self-bailers out of the water most of the time! at and tried different boats 420, ber was a harsh dose of reality. It So this was where l became Osprey, 505, Wanderer, Jave- had obviously sat for a while but, hooked on the Kestrel dinghy! lin, Comet, one or two others, what the heck. Some work was but none appealed, too small, needed (lots). Well I had time Back in England, South- too big, too twitchy and so on, and knowledge and some skill end-on-sea, the year 1999, I I visited the local sailing club with scrubbing brushes, rope- bought a Kestrel 2000. Fantas- and discovered to my horror work, screwdrivers and stuff...I tic, what a boat! An absolute that there was very little time could do it. Having joined the witch in light airs, capable of between the tide in & out for a yacht club in Margate as new taking line honours (twice) over boat of the sort of size I want- sailing member, I arrived with Dart 16 catamarans which were ed, so briefly put the whole Kestrel 1490 on 20th December popular in the Thames estuary thing on hold, while l consid- 2015. After months of clean- clubs. A hip injury August 2008 ered having one of the smaller ing out the green algae in the prevented me from doing any boats that were the local popu- hull, hundreds of spiders nests sort of dinghy sailing activities lar classes. Then a timely visit to inside the mast, re-rigging the and I ended up seriously short of Margate revealed a very active halyards, lifts and downhauls, money in the credit crunch 2009 group of sailors who had deep removing useless or redundant and so She had to go. We moved water access at all states of the deck and hull fittings and hard- to N Kent in 2010 I bought a step tide. Suddenly I felt that it was ware, assessing options and thru-cycle and daily walking all possible, so in 2015 I started adding control lines and fail- up and down nearby cliff steps looking for a Kestrel that could safes, I had the boat fitted out for a couple of years restored a be bought and collected on my some way towards what I be- great deal of mobility and 20+ rather feeble pension. lieved was sensible and useful. months of early morning swims in the local swimming pool Months of browsing turned up By the middle of March 2016, gave me the mobility l needed one in Bedfordshire. Viewing I decided to see if the boat to get back in a dinghy. I looked the Kestrel on the 21st Novem- would float, level and trim. It Summer 2017 Kestrel Magazine - 20
Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 20 10/06/2018 21:07:20 was a lovely day, clear sky, had a very pleasant 45 minutes (Theo is hoping to make it not a lot of wind, SSW force sailing about on Margate sea to the Nationals at Thorpe 1. I loaded the boat with all front. Bay this year. For more the normal gear, rudder, sails information on Theo’s sailing etc and pushed her into the Two years on, and I am still en- look at his blog here http:// sea in Margate harbour. I joying the Kestrel and sailing theocvv.co.uk/ .) checked for leaks, no leaks; from Margate. We are a small good trim, yes; level, yes; and club with less than sixty mem- after a few minutes looking all bers but we manage 12 - 17 round I just could not resist boats on the start line. having a go. She looked real- ly good, seeming keen to be sailed. I figured that I would be able to raise a sail and just steer about in the harbour, so I hopped in and raised the mainsail. Then I realised there were one or two items pres- ent but not connected and one or two others needing to be attached correctly. There was not room to do this be- fore bumping into the har- bour wall or another boat, so I sailed about holding the sail in place with one hand and steering with the other. Soon I got out of the harbour into open water where I had room to drift while I worked. I re- rigged the rudder, sorted the sheets and other vital lines. 25 minutes later I was satisfied with most of the things and I Summer 2017 Kestrel Magazine - 21
Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 21 10/06/2018 21:07:20 Send your letters to Mrs. Slocum: edi- [email protected] Not having heard from Mrs. Slocum for a while, the editor went to track her down: Editor: We haven’t seen you around re- cently Mrs. Slocum. Is everything alright? Mrs. S: Yes thanks, I’ve just been having some work done over the winter. Editor: Oh, interesting, what kind of work? Mrs. S: Well, I’ve had some stiffening put in on the starboard side, some titanium Mrs. Slocum plates and screws. a.k.a. Campbell’s Crew Corner Editor: Ah, clever! Presumably that’s be- cause the because the courses on the Tay tend to be port-hand? Mrs. S: No, it’s because I fell off a ladder and broke my leg. Editor: That’s a bit silly. Didn’t anybody ever tell you about working at height? Mrs. S: Yes, my Joshua was always on about ladders. But I thought he was just talking about stockings – he used to have a bit of a roving eye you know. But that’s another story. Anyway, I hope to be back sailing again soon, though my physio keeps telling me it could take a while. Seriously, the KOA membership wish Campbell well for the process of recovery after a horrendous ac- cident and really nasty break. We hear that the recuperation target is focussed on Thorpe Bay
ear Mrs Slocum DI am contacting you in desperation as no-one else seems to take my condition seriously. I have been suffering from a lack of concentration on occasions and just cannot seem to help falling asleep at odd times. I have even been known to sail off to- wards the wrong mark. I am not sure whether it is just sheer bore- dom with my “friends” that accounts for the involuntary power naps.
My crew attributes such power naps and lack of concentration to my failure to defend our championship title successfully last year. Why it has even been suggested that this condition accounted for my lapse in memory when I agreed to the 2018 championship dates which just happen to clash with my youngest daughter’s wedding agreed only weeks before.
Now I have this dilemma as to whether to forget the champion- ships or the wedding! Help me please.
Yours, Desperate Dan - by way of Anonymous Summer 2017 Kestrel Magazine - 22
Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 22 10/06/2018 21:07:20 Above: Sailing Area at Thorpe Bay National Championships 2018 Thorpe Bay The 2018 Kestrel National Championship will take place at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club. We are shar- ing with the Hornet class again, as we did in 2015 at Brixham. Racing is from Saturday 11th to Tuesday 14th August, and there will be ten races across the 4 days.
Thorpe Bay is at the mouth of the Thames Estuary, and racing will take place 3 hours either side of high water over the sand/mud flats in front of the Clubhouse. Launching is from a beach. Registration starts at 7pm on Friday 10th, and there will be a briefing at 9:30am on the Saturday. The entry fee is £150 per boat, and this includes 2 tickets for a BBQ and live music on Saturday evening, Fish & Chip supper on Sunday, and the Championship Dinner on Sunday. Additional tickets can be purchased. The Club will also be open for meals on Friday and Tues- day evening, and will be open for breakfast each morning.
Camping is available on site free of charge, and campers have access to the clubhouse toilets and showers 24 hours a day. Hotel / Guest House / Self Catering accommodation can be found at http://www.visitsouthend.co.uk.
Above: Layout of Thorpe Bay Summer 2017 Kestrel Magazine - 23
Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 23 10/06/2018 21:07:21 © Kestrel Owners Association 2017
Kestrel Magazine Q1-2 2018.indd 24 10/06/2018 21:07:22