lightning 368

I agree with ex-laser. Ive posted on the forum, but it's true, we all seem to be new to the Lightning class. If we can all post & then pass the link to the CA then perhaps that will kickstart any activity. There's a lot of potential to extend the class here. By the way, just received my new sail..... quite lovely!  ... probably means i'll capsize much more stylishly now.

I shared the racecourse (Laser) with the Lightnings last year at Rutland. They struck me as being quite nippy little boats. I have followed this thread with interest. Good luck to all that have just joined the class. I can certainly see their appeal, although unlike Rupert I'm not quite ready to get one!

On the subject of class forum's, would Y&Y wish to act as 'host' for some of the smaller classes? The infrastructure is already there, granted it may take up a little more time to administer or moderate it (or appoint class moderators). The benefit could be for all and could only help swell the online community.

Was going to post about new sail on the forum - but whilst i can get into here at work, i can't with the other forum.... Anyway, i recently bought a new sail for my boat. Only come from Banks via John Claridge (who was supremely helpful again when i called). Comes with battens & bright blue tell tales along the leech - but no other tell tales (i ordered a set of 16 'port' & 'starboard' stringies from Claridge - just £4.99)

You place the order & he'll email a pro-forma invoice. You then just pay by bank transfer via the details on the invoice. Ive ordered a fair bit from him & there's never been a worry, nice guy to deal with & to get advice from.

I went with standard Dacron but with a window - given how low the boom can come & how 'blind' we can be once obscured by sail in the face!

Was quoted approx 14-days for delivery & it turned up in 14 days.  Couldn't fault it & there's nothing quite like a crispy new sail to increase ones' 'i will not capsize!' skills.

To be honest, i'm not sure of the difference between the Mylar & dacron - other than mylar is see-through and, i think, a bit stiffer? I also think Mylar is a little more 'temperemental' in terms of care, but don't quote me on that.

I had mine delivered folded - comes in a nice 'Banks' bag. As an aside, i also ordered a long rooster sail bag - only £15 - so can store my lovely new sail, rolled and away from harm in a great looking & hard wearing bag. 

Next job for me this coming weekend is replacing the slot gasket - finally gave out in a gush/fountain of floodwater yesterday!  thanks to the boat hugely fast draining (from that one little hole??) feet were dry in under 45seconds but blimey, it didn't half pour in.