Hi All,

I thought I might post a near end of season update on how the "Toy" managed its first season back on the water.

It was presenting pretty well in its first couple of outings up at Sugarloaf, still trying to get the family into the missing Saturday afternoons, we got in only about 6 or 7 sails before the States loomed up.

The Starboard hull signage showed some signs of lifting. I have a graphic artist mate who printed it up for me on the vinyl that is used on cars. The states prompted a trip to Altona for a bit of sea and wave training for the crew. That trip did the signage in a bit more, showed a weakness in the rudders against jellyfish, and collapsed the beach rollers I had knocked up. Oh well.

For the titles I modified some old kick up rudders to fit the Toy and changed some rigging.

By the time we arrived at Somers I was missing some of the signage and sailed well (at least I thought so!!!)on the first day, the second day I had to pull out of the first race as both of the rudders had stripped their glass outers and split the timbers, so it was back to the originals which kicked out backwards at the wrong moment (I never worked out if there was a 'right' moment). <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

The last day showed up some tuning issues with the rig in heavy weather with a massive weather helm and the luff of the main being back winded. (cause and effect).

Final result - 7th... which sounds better than last <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Inspection of the platform the following week has shown the decks have gone soft in the ply with some cracks in the starboard hull running abeam near the front beam. The 'Toy' has stretch marks again!

All else is in good nick - boards, rudders and sails are on the soon shopping list, with another set of hulls in a few years.

The International 2 pack certainly has done the job with the only weakness coming from underneath the paint. The keel line is standing up to a bit of treatment on sand, mud etc and still looks good - Definately a recommender.

Hope everyone enjoys the winter fixing time, I know there are a few clubs with races over the coming months (Sugarloaf for instance), And I hope to see you all at the Sauna Sail!!! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I know there is a certain "Lemon" yellow mossie that is under repair at the moment - How about a story and some pictures please Peter...? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />