The Model Yacht: Volume 19, Number 1 – Winter 2018

Winter 2018 US VMYG Leadership President: John Y. Stoudt, jstoudt309@gmail.com………………………………. (610) 316-8695 President Emeritus: John Snow, jsnowj@comcast.net…….……………………. (978) 594-8521 Treasurer: Ernie Mortensen, usvmygt@gmail.com.….…………………….………(858) 525-5217 Communications & Marketing: Bruce Richter, richterbruce@gmail.com……….(917) 575-2221 Newsletter Editor: Jeff Beck, beck.jeff@gmail.com…………………..………….. (240) 252-0236 Webmaster: Jim Flach, Jim.flach@gmail.com.…………………………………… (610) 299-8138 Membership: Ernie Mortensen, usvmygt@gmail.com……………………………. (858) 525-5217 Regatta Coordinator: Nick Mortgu, mortgu@comcast.net……………….………(609) 820-0509 Awards: ……………………………………………………………………….…………… Open Resources Coordinator:.…………………………………………………………….…….Open Historian: Earl Boebert, boebert@swap.com……………………………………. (505) 823-1046 Boat Yard: Jim Linville, linvillejim@gmail.com…………………………..…… (781) 534-0203 Plans Coordinator: Ivor Walton, vintageplans@comcast.net Construction Advice: John Henderson, jgnhenderson@atlanticbb.net.…………. (443) 282-0277 Class Coordinators Free Sailed:………………………………… …………………………………………….. Open Intl A Boat: Mike Denest, mjd12k@yahoo.com……….……………………..…. (610) 316-3570 Schooner: Kerry O’Malley, komalley1@comcast.net………………………..….. (717) 548-4632 Skipjack: John Henderson, jgnhenderson@atlanticbb.net ………………………. (443) 282-0277 Unrestricted: John Y. Stoudt, jstoudt309@gmail.com……………………….… (610) 316-8695 Vintage 36: Alan Suydam, alansuydam@comcast.net……………………………. (301) 653-4899 Vintage Marblehead: Bruce Richter, richterbruce@gmail.com……………..…. (917) 575-2221 Regional Coordinators International: ………………………………………………………………….…………..Open Mid-Atlantic: ……………………………………………………………………….………Open North Central:.……………………………………… …………………………………… Open North East: ………………………………………………………………………….……..Open North West: ……………………………………………………………………….……….Open South Central: ……………………………………………………………………………..Open South East: …………………………………………………………………………….….. Open South West: Ernie Mortensen, usvmygt@gmail.com ……………………………. (858) 525-5217 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht The Model Yacht is published three times per year by the US Vintage Model Yacht Group. Copyright 1998 to 2018 by the US VMYG. Reproduction for noncommercial purposes permitted; all other rights reserved. Other copyrights are maintained by the original holders, and such material is used here under the fair use provisions of the relevant copyright acts for nonprofit research and educational purposes. Editorial Address: John Stoudt 309 Sundance Drive Chester Springs, PA 19425 jstoudt309@gmail.com On the Cover: Photo from 1915-1916 of what are believed to be the founding members of the Central Park Model Yacht Club and their first mates. From the US Library of Congress archives. Membership Renewals: The annual membership fee will be due and should be renewed with the publication of the first newsletter of the calendar year. Please reference “Membership” on page 3 for the dues amounts. Please use the form that accompanies this issue of The Model Yacht to complete your membership renewal. Getting the word out. On-screen. In print. And with your help. By Bruce Richter We did it! We’ve actually publish the first edition of our redesigned newsletter, The Model Yacht. Thanks goes out to everyone who contributed stories, photos, and their valuable time to make it happen. A big piece of news is that it’s available in digital form. So now we can show off our boats (and sun-scorched faces) in full color. It also offers new options: you can take it all in on-screen or print it at home — in color or black and white. And you can receive it via email or we can still mail you the black and white printed version – if you’re willing to spend a few extra dollars per year for postage. (We’re asking lifetime members who prefer receiving the print version to please consider making a contribution. The pulp and printing process isn’t cheap.) Meanwhile Jim Flach is making great progress on a new website. An abbreviated version will launch soon. Ultimately, the site will offer quick online membership renewals, payments, and boat registrations. We’re also exploring new ways to promote US VMYG and vintage sailing. How has your club gotten the word out to attract new skippers and members? Through events? Social media? Local media? Handouts? Placards and banners? Let us know what’s worked for you. Back to the newsletter. Although we’ve packed a wealth of info into this edition, we’ll need your help to keep that momentum up. We’re asking for articles, ideas for articles, photos, local club news, regatta and race schedules: anything you’d like to share with fellow members. If you have problems downloading or opening the digital version, or if any links don’t work, please let me know ASAP. The idea is to simplify and offer more of everything – except headaches. John Snow and Earl Boebert have done a fantastic job of building the US VMYG and promoting vintage sailing. What we owe them is priceless. As partial payback, we look forward to taking US VMYG and vintage model yachting to the next level. Please help us get there. 1 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht Th htWint Inside The Layline Leadership Team………………..…i President’s Message Getting the word out………………1 The Layline……………….……….2 Barnacles……………………..……7 From the President Emeritus………8 It Is An Honor!……….……………8 The US VMYG is at a crossroads after 23 years. The newsletter is taking on a new appearance. It will be made available in color, electronically, and black and white if mailed to you. You may print the electronic version at home. This issue has a lot of information in it reflecting the “Weigh Ahead” and the survey. The content of the newsletter reflects many of your suggestions and recommendations. 2017 Budget Report….……………9 Definition: A layline is a straight line (or bearing) extending from the next mark to indicate the course a boat should be able to sail on the one tack in order to pass to the windward side of the mark. Events Schedule………….………..10 Maritime Model Expo at Chesapeak Bay Museum…………11 Mission and Goals…………….…13 (vsk.wikia.com/wiki/Layline) The New Logo……………………13 Weigh Ahead Survey Report……..14 National V36/VM Regatta…….…17 Look What I Found In The Dump!……………….………20 Bithell Cup Regatta Report………24 Traditional Watercraft Regatta Report………………….…………26 The Vintage Model Yacht Club Is…. People……………………….29 Build Your Own VM………….…31 Build Your Own V36……….……32 Resources…………………………34 Boat Registration Form….…….…35 This column is being called The Layline to show the direction the United States Vintage Model Yacht Group is taking to chart its course to the next mark as an organization. Both John Snow and Earl Boebert expressed interest in being less involved in the organization. The group is currently undergoing a transition. Others have stepped forward to pick up where John and Earl left off. The US VMYG is going to focus its efforts through its mission and goals (noted elsewhere in this newsletter) on two things: 1. Increasing membership 2. Adding services for its members To do this, we have looked at the leadership structure and are structuring the organization around many of the things pointed out in the results of the “Weigh Ahead” survey conducted recently. 2 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht The group has discontinued life memberships for obvious reasons. In just a few years after a person pays for his/her life membership the group has no income from that member to support regular operational functions for that member. Although we will not require a life member to do so, we would like to ask that you make a voluntary yearly contribution of $10.00. The leadership team will honor the life membership commitment regardless of what you do. Leadership An election was held for a new president. You elected me to take over for John Snow. The leadership cadre is being organized to focus on archives/history; the classes we sail; model yacht acquisition; communications; regatta coordination; resources and construction advice; finance; marketing; and membership. The leadership structure can be seen inside the front cover. If you would like to volunteer for any of the open slots please feel free to contact me. There are many vintage model yacht sailors who are not members. We need to find them and encourage them to join so we can incorporate their ideas and passion into our group. Membership Any organization is only as strong as its membership. Therefore, we must grow our membership through an aggressive outreach program. The US VMYG has too few members. There are currently 252 members: 138 regular members and 114 life members. (45% of our members are life members.) There are 27 individuals who receive a complimentary membership. There are established clubs sailing vintage boats. We would like to feature these clubs to recognize their efforts and share their enthusiasm. Budget You will find the 2017 budget report in this issue of The Model Yacht prepared by John Snow. The members are the strength of any organization. The group is going to focus on improving our membership numbers and providing additional services. The yearly membership dues will be as follows: ● ● ● ● The 2018 budget is under development. I am working with Ernie Mortensen and other leadership team members to prepare a working budget that reflects many of the items identified within The Layline. We are trying to get our arms around membership dues collection and the associated income. The various leadership team members have been providing input on the costs necessary to fund the activities that are being identified including the newsletter (mail distribution), website development, printing and postage, plan digitization, regatta support, and other costs. Regular Dues o emailed newsletter o (US, Canada & Overseas) o $30.00 Regular Dues o mailed newsletter o (US & Canada) o $40.00 Regular Dues o mailed newsletter o all other countries o $50.00 Life Member Contribution (optional) o $10.00 We would like to provide a relatively accurate income and expense projection. The 2018 budget will be provided in the near future. 3 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht Newsletter The newsletter will continue to be published and distributed three times a year in electronic form to those members for whom we have email addresses. This form of the newsletter will be prepared and distributed in full color. You will be able to read it on your computer, file it electronically, and print it out to read in your easy chair. For those members who do not have email to whom we mail a newsletter, it will be sent in black and white. very capable website developer and avid pond sailor. We anticipate the new site being ready soon; however, it will not be running at full design capacity for some time. It will build on the work that Earl Boebert did with the current site and will continue to be a valuable asset to the model yachting community. Many of the comments and suggestions you have made are being incorporated into this new site. Some of the new features include: ● Bruce Richter and Jeff Beck are collaborating with Jim Flach on the website and the newsletter. These individuals have experience as a marketing specialist, editor, and website developer. We have email addresses for 56% of our members. We would like to encourage every member to provide us with an email address. If you do not have direct access to a computer, you may be able to arrange for a son or daughter, friend or neighbor to accept the email and print the full color newsletter for you. This would be a great help to the US VMYG. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Boats Supported The US VMYG currently supports free-sailed, international A, schooners, skipjacks, unrestricted, Vintage 36 (36-600), and Vintage Marblehead (50-800) class boats. There are class coordinators for each class except the free-sailed boats. We are looking for a volunteer for that class. Rules have been or will be prepared to support the regatta participation of these boats/skippers in our sponsored events. The group will consider other classes of vintage boats as they are brought to our attention. We want vintage boats out of the closet/attic and on the water sailed by an enthusiastic skipper. An old grouch is okay too! ● Online membership registration. Online boat registration and sail acquisition. Access to vast amounts of historical information. Access to construction, repair, and howto techniques. Access to back issues of the newsletter through a private side of the website. Information about the various boats the US VMYG supports. Information about upcoming events. Access to many vintage model yacht plans. Information about resources to our hobby. Class Coordinators These individuals are enthusiastic about the class boat they represent and are tasked with the following responsibilities, which are to: ● ● ● ● ● Website A new website is being developed and will be available soon. It is currently running in developmental mode and is pretty neat. The same team has been collaborating on the site development under the direction of Jim Flach, a Encourage individuals to join and become involved in the organization. Issue sail numbers (in the short term). Maintain a current rule for the class. Serve as a point of contact for questions regarding the class. Provide information for class related articles to the newsletter. If you have a question about the boat you have please contact one of these individuals, Mike Denest, John Henderson, Kerry O’Malley, Bruce Richter, or Alan Suydam. If you would like to serve as the free-sailed coordinator let me know. 4 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht The American Model Yachting Association is not supporting the US VMYG National Regattas in the way that it had by providing regatta reimbursement for all of the classes sailed at our national events. The group would like to provide this support to local clubs taking on the task of hosting a national event. Nick Mortgu will be coordinating regattas and developing regatta guidelines to provide assistance to the clubs willing to run regattas. The group will identify regattas as early as possible and post them on the website and report them in the newsletter. Regional Coordinators In an effort to increase the number of boats and skippers throughout the country and to have regional events, the US VMYG is identifying regional coordinators to nurture our work in their area of the country. The responsibility of these coordinators will be to: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Encourage individuals to join and become involved in the organization. Serve as a point of contact for questions regarding the US VMYG in their region. Provide information for articles to the newsletter editor. Develop and maintain contact with regional club commodores to encourage support of vintage pond sailing. Nurture regional vintage events to encourage enthusiasm on a regional basis. Establish where the vintage boats are in the region. Share the list with the various class secretaries. Encourage owners who are not members to join the US VMYG. Resources A number of members asked if the group could provide resource information on vintage boats: resources such as electronics, servos, books, vintage plans, boat building courses, vintage hulls, sail makers, construction techniques, converting a free sailed boat to remote control. As you read through this issue you will see that the group has begun to do that. As always, we ask your assistance. If you know of individuals or companies providing vintage resources let us know. You can contact the appropriate person on the leadership team. We are looking for someone to coordinate this effort. Regional coordinator Ernie Mortensen (we need volunteers here) will be glad to assist you in your region. If you would like to assist and fill one of these regional positions please contact me. Regattas The group supports one or two national regattas per year. Recently these events have been held in the mid-Atlantic and New England regions of the country. However, over the years these events have been held in Florida, Michigan, and other locales. The group would certainly encourage clubs sailing vintage boats to offer to host national and/or regional events. We would like to see clubs develop vintage fleets within their organization and encourage them to host regional swap meets with others in the area that enjoy sailing vintage boats. History Earl Boebert has amassed an extensive amount of material content on pond sailing. Much of that already appears on our website. That coupled with his expansive knowledge of the history of our hobby make him the perfect person to serve as historian. He is willing to answer questions regarding a boat and its history. All one needs to do is ask. This is a service provided to our membership. 5 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht Boat Registration Boat registration is critical to both you as an owner and the US VMYG. You want to get your boat registered and acquire a sail number. The group would like to know what vintage boats are out there and who owns them. You can currently register your boat through your class coordinator for $7.00. When the new website is up and running and this feature is activated you will be able to do this through the website. Your sail number will be issued automatically. able to contact the seller directly to discuss purchase arrangements. If you know of a boat for sale, let Jim know. He can follow up and get the information necessary for a posting. Awards The US VMYG supports two awards each year at the regattas, the Earl Boebert Craftsmanship Award and the Marshall Croft Sportsmanship Award. For over 150 years pond yacht sailors have been scratch-building exquisite pond yachts. The Earl Boebert Craftsmanship Award is intended to honor an individual each time a regatta is held in a given year. The award is then given to the builder/sailor of a boat selected by peers. The boat must exemplify the most well-crafted boat at the event. This award is given to an individual who has scratch built the boat being sailed. The individuals competing will judge the boats at the event and make the selection. This award may be given in different forms and in each class sailed. The US VMYG is interested in having a vintage boats registry. This is the best way to build it. If your boat is already registered, its data will be merged with the new information received. Boat Plans There are over 200 plans available to the US VMYG. Ivor Walton, our plan coordinator, is working out a process to make them available electronically on the website. If everything works out, the plans will be sent out electronically to the buyer. He/she will be able to take the file to a printing location (such as Staples) and have a copy of the plan made. We are working on the costs associated with this. This will save the time and money associated with getting a copy out by mail. It should make the plan costs more reasonable. If you have a plan that is not on our list, let Ivor know about it. The Marshall Croft Sportsmanship Award annually recognizes an individual or individuals for exhibiting outstanding peer supportive qualities in the model yachting community. This encompasses the practice of good sportsmanship, judicious sailing, assistance to the recipient’s comrades, and/or exceptional contributions to the well being of the sport of vintage pond boats during the US Vintage Model Yacht Group National Regatta or over an extended period of time. These two awards are in addition to the place awards given to the winners at the regattas. Boat Yard Jim Linville, one of our leadership team members who sails throughout the country, will be keeping his eyes open for vintage boats for sale. When he finds one, its availability will be posted on our website. This posting will include a brief description of the boat, location, contact information, cost, and photographs. You will be Additionally, in 2018 the US VMYG is going to provide chevrons to the top three places in each class sailed. 6 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht Marketing The US VMYG must now reach out to other individuals in the model yachting community (“expanded target audience”) who are not currently members of our group. To do that: ● ● ● ● ● ● The Newsletter will take on a new format and distributed three/four times per year. Technology will be used to help with outreach. An electronic News Bulletin will be distributed in between newsletters. Made available to the general public on the site as a marketing tool. The national regattas will be supported by the group. A new Website is being developed. Other materials will be made available for outreach efforts, such as brochures, pamphlets, online promotions, possibly more use of social media, more press contacts, etc. I have, as we all do, a passion for vintage model yachts. We must work together, to share this interest, involve others, and grow the vintage group and activity with vintage boats. As we move forward together I welcome your comments, thoughts, and ideas. May the Wind Be in Your Sails…Make the Line! Bring on the Barnacles You know how those nasty little arthropods stick to hulls and slow things down? The same happens off the water. Stuff gets in the way, catches us off guard, brings us to a halt. Those are the barnacles we’ll be posting. Watch for more like these below and throughout the issue. And send us your Barnacles so we can share them. v Several people thought it would be a great idea if we could sail on the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington like back in the day. David Brawner looked into this while he was AMYA president. Evidentally the Capital Police have concerns over a bunch of guys running around with radio control transmitters a mile from the White House. Go figure. v David N. Goodchild, the person who was reprinting a lot of old books and many of those on pond sailing, passed away recently. He was publishing them on-demand as The Press at Toad Hall. We have not been able to determine, as of this printing, if anyone has taken over for David. If you know something let us know. v In 2003 William Partridge purchased A.J. Fisher Ship Model Kit Company from Robert Irwin. The goal is to update and re-issue over 20 A.J. Fisher classic solid hull ship model kits. At this time A.J. Fisher does not make or carry pond model fittings. Visit A.J. Fisher at http://www.ajfisher.com/. 7 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht From the President Emeritus By John Snow I am truly honored to be the President Emeritus of the US VMYG as I remain too young to be fully retired at 76. Thus, I do want contribute to the transitioning of our group under a new and expanded slate of officers that are poised to make a difference through the leadership of John Stoudt. One thing I will surely do is to reach out to other modelers to funnel their interest into our wonderful sport of model yachting. I first became involved at age 15 in our sport at historic Redd’s Pond in Marblehead, MA in 1956. As they say, the blood still flows thickly in my veins from this baptism. As an example, I am hoping this can materialize in 2018 by establishing a new model yacht club entity in Nashua, NH under the able leadership of Richard “Rick” Gates. Furthermore, I have told Rick I would be supportive of helping him stage a New England Vintage M regional regatta early in the sailing season (April–May) at Sandy Pond in Nashua for his first promotional event as a club. This would then be in alignment with his ongoing collaboration with Nashua City Park and Recreation Department for community outreach activities for youth and adults. I also know that John Stoudt would like the US VMYG to be able to regularly conduct regional events as well, for growth and visibility. Continue to Nurture, Promote and Think Vintage ________________________________________________________________________________________ It Is an Honor! By John Stoudt I would like to thank you for the trust you have placed in me to provide leadership to an organization that has been under such expert guidance for so many years. John, Earl, and all the others who have so expertly lead the US Vintage Model Yacht group deserve our appreciation for taking the charge provided by the organizers in 1994 and building the group into what we know today. The leadership team that is being assembled takes the mission and goals of the US VMYG seriously. I feel confident in their expertise and ability to complete the tasks at hand to grow our group through increased membership and a wider range of services. If at any time you have comments, questions, or suggestions please do not hesitate to reach out and ask any of us. May the Wind Be in Your Sails! JYS 8 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht US VMYG 2017 Budget Report By John Snow, President Emeritus US VMYG checking account summary of funds in National Grand Bank, Marblehead, MA through December 31, 2017. 9 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht Events Schedule April 21, 2018: Central Park Model Yacht Club Vintage Invitational, Conservatory Waters, NYC May 20 and 21, 2018: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Community Day & Maritime Model Expo (http://cbmm.org/events/annual-festivals-and- special-events/) 2018 (TBD): Vintage 36 and Marblehead National Regatta – looking for a host club/venue 2018 (TBD): Traditional Watercraft National Regatta – looking for a host club/venue June 9, 2018: Full Bill Cup. Vintage Marblehead Event, Redd’s Pond, Marblehead, MA July 2–7, 2018: Build Your Own Vintage 36 Model Yacht, Hudson River Maritime Museum, Kingston, NY (see article in this newsletter) September 9–14, 2018: Build Your Own Plank Constructed Pond Yacht, WoodenBoat School, Brooklin, ME (see article in this newsletter) September 20, 2018: Bill Bithell Cup. Vintage Marblehead Event, Redd’s Pond, Marblehead, MA September 21, 2018: Chowder Cup. An All Boat Event, Redd’s Pond, Marblehead, MA 2019 Vintage Race Week (TBD): 25th Anniversary Event – all US VMYG supported classes. Marsh Creek State Park, Downingtown, PA. Hosted by Chester Springs Model Yacht Club NOTES: ● The US VMYG would like to identify and post the dates of events as soon as possible. If you are interested in hosting one of these events please contact Nick Mortgu at mortgu@comcast.net or (609) 820-0509. ● The US VMYG encourages regional vintage events as well. Give it a go, get like minded individuals together and let us know about it. We will publicize the event. ● Watch our website for additions and changes to this schedule: http://www.usvmyg.org/ ● If you are aware of other noteworthy events, lets us know so we can post them. 10 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht CBMM photo Maritime Model Expo at Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, May 19–20, 2018 By John Henderson The 12th Maritime Model Expo, hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Model Guild, will take place along the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s waterfront campus in St. Michaels, MD, Saturday and Sunday, May 19 & 20, 2018. The model activities will be on the museum grounds near and in the Steamboat Building. A large (40 ft ⨉ 70 ft) 1-ft deep temporary fresh-water pool will be created for R/C live-steam steamboat models, electric boats, and small sailboats. Larger R/C sailboats will operate in Fogg’s Cove on the waterfront. On Sunday, CBMM’s Model Sailing Club will race 5-ft R/C skipjacks. A “crash” boat will be available on both days. Sailing on Fogg’s Pond. CBMM Photo 11 In the Steamboat Building’s Van Lennep Auditorium, members of the Washington Ship Model Society and other highly acclaimed modelers from throughout the region will show and discuss their carefully researched and crafted vessels and demonstrate building techniques. Winter 2018 The Model Yacht Exhibitors can start setting up at 8:30 am. Vehicles may be unloaded near the exhibit area; once unloaded they must be moved to the parking lot. Gates will open to the public at 10:00 am and close at 4:00 pm. Although participation both days is encouraged, participation either day will be appreciated. There will be secure overnight storage in the Museum for those who will be exhibiting both days and wish to leave their equipment on site. The event is open to the public with general admission on Saturday. Admission is free for CBMM members and registered exhibitors. On Sunday the museum will celebrate Community Day when the entire 18-acre waterfront campus and 12 exhibit buildings will be open to all free of charge. Admission to the event is free to all registered exhibitors, an adult guest, and their children. R/C sailing models may be registered by contacting John Henderson (jgnhenderson@atlanticbb.net). More info about the event is available at www.cbmm.org. John Henderson photo 12 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht Mission Statement and Supporting Pillars The Mission of the US VMYG is to honor the early years of the sport of model yachting through the promotion of: ● Older free-sailed model yachts. ● The conversion of early free-sailed model yachts to radio control (R/C). ● The development of more recent R/C model yachts from vintage (pre-1970) designs. ● Embracing later vintage boat classes of interest. Goals ● ● ● ● ● ● ● The restoration of older sailing model yachts. The preservation of craftsmanship techniques to enable scratch-building of model yachts. The study of the history of the sport of model yachting for educational purposes. The development of outreach activities in support of the mission. The expansion of vintage regattas. The sailing and racing of vintage model yachts. The support of local clubs in the development of vintage fleets within their organization. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ The New Logo To elevate US VMYG to the next level, we’re looking at everything, top to bottom, and taking action. As part of that effort, we’re introducing an updated logo that uses bits of the old and new. Watch for it on the revised website, in emails, at events, on clothing: you name it. Thanks goes out to Jim Flach and his design resources for their help in this effort. It’s another sign that we’re moving forward full speed ahead. 13 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht The Weigh Ahead Survey Report By John Stoudt I will try and respond to the most salient points and report on items identified in the Weigh Ahead and subsequent Operation Layline documents. The survey that the US VMYG conducted recently garnered a lot of valuable information from our members. As one can imagine, the responses took many forms. Some were individual comments, some were mentioned by a few, and others were a reoccurring theme. The questions and summarized responses are here. Are you active in this vintage model yacht hobby/sport? A majority of those who responded are inactive. Most of the inactivity is do to age. Three members are deceased. Would you be willing to receive the newsletter electronically only? A majority of those who responded said they would accept the newsletter electronically. Some are willing to pay more to continue to receive a hard copy by mail. Would you consider paying postage for a printed version? A majority indicated a willingness to do so. Would you consider a yearly “dues” of $15.00 (life members)? Three quarters of our life members responding indicated they would be willing to pay this amount on a yearly basis. As a life member would you consider a one-time contribution? Some indicated a willingness to do so. Would you consider serving in some capacity on the Board? Five individuals have expressed an interest in being on the board. One has agreed and the others have been contacted. What expertise do you have? We have model builders, engineers, collectors, woodworkers, metalworkers, composite workers, machinists, naval architects, wooden boat builders, manufacturers and others in our group. Two individuals volunteered to serve though the survey. Both have been tapped for the leadership team. From the list in “Operation Layline” in what role do you see yourself? Most indicated no interest or passive interest. Those interested in helping have been contacted. Does the current newsletter Model Yacht serve your interests well? 77% of those responding indicated that MY did serve their interest. 14 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht Other comments: ● Increase membership. Are there areas you would like to see improvements? ● Freeze lifetime membership. ● More content. ● Shocked by our low membership. ● How-to articles. ● Arrangements have to be made to use the reflecting pool again (Washington, DC). ● Get young people involved. ● We need to get youth involved. They can be the life blood of our group. ● Enable sailing on the reflecting pool in Washington. ● We need a boat for sale page – where can I find a vintage model? ● Provide information on sources for fittings, CNC parts, electronics, and books. ● We need information on building model yachts, repairing model yachts, construction (how ● Expand to include other model boat building. to) techniques, sources for fittings and servos, other models/model making; we need more ● Information on where to find vintage boats. plans available, racing strategies, tuning techniques, free sailing. ● Include information on free sailing. ● We need a way to distribute information in a timely fashion, such as an electronic forum ● No article reprints. (blog, email bulletin). ● More information on restorations, repairs, building. ● We need more frequent newsletters. ● In-depth history articles. ● Improve our relationship with AMYA. ● What happened to AJ Fisher’s stuff? ● Make notes about all the boats you have and share the notes. Would you find value in a weekly or monthly email/electronic bulletin? ● Broaden the scope of appeal of the newsletter. Yes = 17 ● Provide regional get-togethers and/or provide contact information so these can be arranged. No = 18 ● Encourage other model boat shows in conjunction with boating museums. Weekly = 0 ● Establish an article series, i.e. build hull, build rig, install electronics, and shake down sail. Monthly = 4 ● Arrange for member discounts with entities that sell plans. Quarterly = 2 ● Keep it going – good start! ● Include free sailing activity. Would you consider running for the office of president-elect? Three individuals indicated an interest. Because John Snow conducted the election, only one name was submitted. I hope that this captures the essence of everything that was conveyed in the survey. Boat ownership questionselsewhere – What do Please read the “Layline”, in you this currently own? There were Many many of responses tobrought this question. newsletter. the items out in Some fit into the classes we support and others did not. There is a variety of boats in thethere. handsItems of our members. Members own 10 raters, V36 class, A class the survey are being addressed boats,been Boucher boats, Comets,members D class boats, have referred to various of the Detroit school boats, friendship sloops, half hulls, ketches, Marbleheads, R class boats, Stars, schooners, sharpies, simple pond boats, yawls, leadership team. Therepeapods, are openings on the skipjacks, static vane-steered leadership team. models, If you would like to boats, and others. Wow, what a collection of vintage boats! volunteer please let me know. Barnacle You’re about to finish the best schooner ever. You’re mulling over color schemes. Or you’re trying to remember the specific shades on the great boat in Northeast Harbor, ME. Or you’re just plain stuck. Fear not: https://color.adobe.com/explore/?q=boat+color 15 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht Other comments: ● Increase membership. ● Freeze lifetime membership. ● Shocked by our low membership. ● Arrangements have to be made to use the reflecting pool again (Washington, DC). ● We need to get youth involved. They can be the life blood of our group. ● We need a “boat for sale” page – where can I find a vintage model? ● We need information on building model yachts, repairing model yachts, construction (how-to) techniques, sources for fittings and servos, other models/model-making; we need more plans available, racing strategies, tuning techniques, free sailing. ● We need a way to distribute information in a timely fashion, such as an electronic forum (blog, email bulletin). ● We need more frequent newsletters. ● Improve our relationship with AMYA. ● What happened to A.J. Fisher’s stuff? ● Make notes about all the boats you have and share the notes. ● Broaden the scope of appeal of the newsletter. ● Provide regional get-togethers and/or provide contact information so these can be arranged. ● Encourage other model boat shows in conjunction with boating museums. ● Establish an article series, i.e. build hull, build rig, install electronics, and shake down sail. ● Arrange for member discounts with entities that sell plans. ● Keep it going – good start! ● Include free-sailing activity. I hope that this captures the essence of everything that was conveyed in the survey. Please read The Layline, elsewhere in this newsletter. Many of the items brought out in the survey are being addressed there. Items have been referred to various members of the leadership team. There are openings on the leadership team. If you would like to volunteer please let me know. John Snow, Earl Boebert, and the rest of the people associated with the US VMYG have made an absolutely incredible contribution to those of us interested in the hobby, and we all owe them a great deal – I don’t know how they have been able to find the time to keep this going and growing. As they have said, the future of this hobby involves attracting and keeping the interest of a new generation of builders, collectors, sailors, and racers. Burt Bechtel Barnacle Yup! This is a volunteer army. We are putting a leadership team together to fill John’s and Earl’s shoes. Not an easy task. Remember we want to increase membership and services. There are still a few openings available on the team. If interested, contact John Stoudt. 16 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht 2017 US VMYG V36/VM National Regatta Judy Bonanno photo Fourteen skippers competed in the 23rd annual US VMYG National Regatta, July 13 –16, at historic Redd’s Pond, Marblehead, MA. It was co-hosted by the Marblehead and Nashua model yacht clubs given the late venue change because of an excessive number of weeds at Nashua, NH’s Sandy Pond. The event featured Vintage 36 (V36) and Vintage Marblehead 50800 (VM) R/C models. US VMYG’s V36 and VM Traditional designs cover the 1930 to 1945 Marblehead class developmental period; the High Flyer designs cover the 1946 to 1970 period. By John Snow Winds were light and steady from the northeast during the first two days accommodating a twicearound racing course. A southwest zephyr developed on the last day for a once-around course. Likewise, skies varied from overcast to sunny with temperatures ranging from the mid 60s to the mid80s. In total, there were 46 races: 23 races with seven V36 models (three throw-outs) and 23 races for the 14-boat VM fleet (four throw-outs given slight influx in weeds). Race awards for top three skippers were predicated on the respective model categories: V36 design and both of the VM Traditional and High Flyer designs (two sets). V36s rounding the leaward mark 17 Judy Bonanno photo Winter 2018 The Model Yacht Vintage Marblehead skippers and winners. Scorers were Rick Gates and Sue Martin who ably supported Race Director John Snow. Harry Mote again took top honors in the V36 and VM Traditional design groupings through his superb sailing consistency. Cliff Martin won in the VM HF category racing his 1960s Magic Dragon model for the first time. Also noteworthy were the five skippers who competed in both regattas covering 46 races: Dominick Bonanno, Herb Dreher, Judy Bonanno photo Rob Dutton, Thom McLaughlin, and Harry Mote. A non-racing award, the US VMYG Craftsmanship Trophy, was presented to Thom McLaughlin for his scratch-built Awanadjo coldmolded and varnished Marblehead. The trophy was handcrafted by Earl Boebert with an early Stanley model plane mounted on an art deco-style marble base. It is awarded based on voting by sailors at pond-side. Vintage 36 skippers and award winners. 18 Judy Bonanno photo Winter 2018 The Model Yacht Next year’s US VMYG National Regatta is up-forgrabs with the new Nashua MYC still in contention if their weed problem can be averted by having an earlier or later sailing date at the Sandy Pond site. Thus, Rick Gates will take this under advisement in his coordination with the City Park and Rec Director who remains in favor of our sport as a wonderful recreational activity for both local youths and adults. For 2019, there is even preliminary talk to consider an East Coast US VMYG Race Week. This would then be in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of our group. Summary – 2017 US VMYG V36/VM National Regatta Entries: 7 V36s and 14 VMs Winds: Averaged Light; Temperature: 65-85℉ Races Completed: V36 Fleet, 23 (3 throw-outs); VM Fleet, 23 (4 throw-outs w/weeds) Scoring: Low Point Regatta Committee & Valuable Assistants: Race Director, John Snow; Scorekeepers, Rick Gates and Sue Martin; Food & Hydration: Rick Gates, Cheryl Emmons and Biff Martin Photography: Judy Bonanno 2017 US VMYG V36 / VM National Regatta Results Place Skipper Design Vintage 36-600 1 Harry Mote 2 Herb Dreher 3 Al Suydam 4 Rob Dutton 5 Thom McLaughlin 6 Domenick Bonanno 7 Bill Sysyn Own Star 36R Mod Own Own Peterson Chico II 25 50 75 53 317 79 333 24 47 53 85 88 110 WD VM High Flyer 1 Cliff Martin 2 Stan Goodwin 3 Herb Dreher 4 Thom McLaughlin 5 Rob Dutton 6 Andy Abrahamson 7 Jim Linville Magic Dragon 1040 Warrior II 2281 Sunwind 96 Awanadjo 5 Naskaeg 120 Naskaeg 91 RipTide II 1 70 81 86 178 221 WD WD VM Traditional 1 Harry Mote 2 Rick Laird 3 John Stoudt 4 John Storrow 5 Alan Suydam 6 Domenick Bonnano 7 Alan Jousse Own Madcap Tritonia Madcap Cheerio I Peterson Cheerio II 64 101 110 118 132 217 WD WD, Withdrew. 19 Sail # Points 25 32 97 206 35 IV 49 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht Look What I Found in the Dump! By Nicolas Nobili When I found it at the dump it was just a small wooden sailboat hull. At the time I didn’t really know anything about model yachts. That would change, quickly! I did know about wood, though. And building. And craftsmanship. And sailing (albeit in boats you could actually get into!). In college I was a Studio Arts major, with one course short of a double major in Art History. I concentrated in sculpture and woodworking. Later, I worked in a woodshop/sculpture studio, I rebuilt several houses, and got a job in an art museum. I was a fine art handler, object mount maker, and chief exhibit builder. I knew about beautiful, sculptural, artfully crafted objects. Immediately I knew that this dump find hull was a special object—I just didn’t know how special. So, I live on Cape Cod in Eastham, MA. Cape Cod looks like a flexed arm jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, and Eastham is at about the mid-forearm, above the elbow. We have a dump; it is a capped landfill, and the town elders would prefer I call it a “Transfer Station”. It is very well laid out with various stations, recycling chutes, bins, and hoppers. Cardboard, mixed paper, newspaper, tin cans, glass, 5-cent returnables, recyclable plastic, plastic bottles, garbage…then there are the industrial areas, old appliances, scrap metal, old furniture, construction debris, “heavy” plastics, yard waste. Well, on this day I made my rounds: light stuff, cardboard, plastic bottles, mixed paper, garbage. I was towing my trailer because I had to get rid of some light brush. From the garbage hoppers you have to loop down to scrap metal, past the appliances, construction debris, and heavy plastics to get to the yard waste area. The Find photo 20 Nicolas Nobili photo Winter 2018 The Model Yacht Driving to get rid of the brush I noticed the bow of a very small WOODEN boat sticking out of the jumble of heavy plastics (lawn furniture, barrels, kid car seats, buckets, kids toys), but I had things to do! While unloading the brush, however, I thought that maybe I should stop on my way out and at least throw the surely broken wooden boat into the construction debris, where it belonged. Both the heavy plastics and construction debris areas are elevated above an excavator that reaches up and grabs clawfulls of discard to stuff into separate 30-yard dumpsters to haul away. On my way out I did stop, got out, and started to walk over to the upside down wooden bow protruding from the plastic rubble. As I got closer I could see that it was strip planked. Closer still, before I could reach for it, I could see fasteners in the planks. I got my hand on it and gave it a tug and it didn’t seem to want to come out, at least not easily. Now that I was really close I noted that it had two very little brass screws that fastened each plank about every three inches. Also, the hull wasn’t as little as I first thought. The reason I couldn’t easily pull it out was that, as I could see now, a half lead full keel was hanging up on an overturned child’s car seat. After moving the seat out of the way I grabbed the hull with both hands and my fingertips could feel the deck I couldn’t see. I started to pull and more and more boat length came out of the pile. The wood had the look of clear pine or maybe cedar. Of course, I kept thinking that I would see broken planks or a whole side stove in, I was at THE DUMP, in a junk pile! At what seemed about three feet I saw a fully functional rudder blade, and all told, the stern at what was at least four feet in length…and none of the underside was broken! I flipped the hull over and quickly decided that I would put it in my truck instead of the construction debris pile! The deck was a single 21 piece of what I thought was mahogany, and there were various bits of brass hardware here and there. Headstay, backstay and shroud strong points, guides, traveler bars and cars, pulleys, and a quadrant-ey thingy-ma-bob on the rudder post. I noticed all this on the 10-step trip back to my truck, and that the whole thing was easily 10 pounds, maybe 15. The feel of the hull in my hands seemed very balanced; clearly, this thing was made to sail! It definitely wasn’t just a scale model boat to look at. But MAN!, what a piece of craftsmanship to look at! BUT, as I said, I had things to do! So I stuffed it into my extended cab footwell behind my seat and went about the rest of my Sunday chores…for the rest of the day. Then, it was the next day, and I asked one of my kids to be a bit careful climbing in the back for the ride to school: “Just put your feet around that boat model, and try not to put your backpack on top of it.” I got to work and worked until lunchtime. At lunch, I started telling a coworker about a small boat hull I had found at the dump the day before and how beautiful the craftsmanship was. She was a creative, artsy type, and I knew she would like to see it. I brought it in, and she was amazed! Amazed at the boat and amazed at the story. Then she started asking questions: Why would someone throw it out? Why would it end up in the plastic pile? How was it not broken? Why hadn’t someone else taken it? How long had it been there? How old was it? How frequently does the excavator reach up and grab stuff? Again, why would someone throw it out? It is beautiful, can I have it? Of course, I was asking these same questions as we were talking. Then she said, “Hey, there is something written inside here.” “What?” “There is something written in here, I don’t have my glasses and the light is bad.” “Where?” “Inside, over here, by the wing nut, past the acorns and mouse poop, GROSS!” “Let me see.” Winter 2018 The Model Yacht The view in the hatch – “W.G. Bithell” Nicolas Nobili Photo She said “You should try to look that up when you get home, I’ve got to get back to work.” So I moved the hull into better light and looked inside through the hatch hole in the deck. I honestly hadn’t looked inside before. I noticed two good sized brass wing nuts, clearly holding the lead portion of the keel up to the boat. I saw fine little bent ribs that the hull planks were screwed to. I also saw the acorns and mouse poop, but wasn’t as grossed out. Then, across a few planks I could see the writing, in pencil that she had mentioned. It took a few seconds to make it out… W … W.G. … W.G. Bithell … E. … W.G. Bithell … E. Boston… “W.G. Bithell E. Boston” “Yeah, me too.” Into the truck it went, and back to work we went. Then later in the afternoon, with the beauty of the internet, and smartphones, and a few minutes here and there, I started searching for: W.G. Bithell, E. Boston, W.G. Bithell, East Boston, W.G. Bithell, Boston, W.G. Bithell small boat, W.G. Bithell model boat, W.G. Bithell model sailboat…. As the search results were coming back pieces of information were starting to pile up. Quickly. And, almost frighteningly. I said “Cool, probably somebody that built it.” 22 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht innovation and design changes, and that… and,… and,… and,… and…. So, not too unreasonably, I concluded I was now in possession of a transitional Bill Bithell-built Marblehead class yacht…that I found in the dump. Remember, at this time I still really knew very little about model sailing yachts, or sailing model yachts, or pond yachts, or whatever. So, when I see words like “Hall of Fame” “A Class” “World Champion” “Olympics” “50-800” “plank-onframe” “Stradivarius” “auction results” – I don’t know what I should think. From the searches, I now understand that the sailors of these boats have yacht clubs, and Commodores, and organizations, and that this is serious stuff. I learned that “A” class boats are much bigger than the one that I have in the back of my cab. I go and measure its length…just a tiny bit shy of 50 inches. I learn that the “M 50-800” boats are 50 inches long, the “M” is for Marblehead, and 800 is the maximum sail area in square inches. Well, I have no rig or sails, but the hull is 50 inches long, Marblehead isn’t too far from E. Boston, and W.G. Bithell seems to have spent a bunch of time there sailing boats (that you can’t get into) in a crazy little pond, and that he worked for Fred Pigeon, and he had access to brass, and made fittings, and that brass quadrant-ey thingyma-bob is Braine gear, and that Bithell went to the Olympics, and that he scratch-built boats to try new ideas, and that speed and competition and winning were huge driving forces behind In the weeks following having found the hull, I was able to reach out to several people in the world of vintage model yachts. We talked about things like keel chord length, rudder profile and placement, stretched waterlines, narrow beam, bow entry angle, wide and flat underwater aft sections, and Braine gear. We mentioned many of the boats on the US VMYG web page, their designers/builders, and about the progression and development of different stages and design of the early history of the Marblehead Class boat. We tried to use the clues on this hull to fit it into that timeline, to date it, and possibly, see where this hull was maybe ahead of its time. I took it to a Woods Hole Model Boat Show to meet some more knowledgeable people and have them see it in person. Afterward, at their urging, I built a cardboard cradle and box to store and protect it. There seemed to be universal agreement that I made the correct decision in putting this Bill Bithell hull into my truck that day at the dump, and not the construction debris pile. Profile 23 Nicolas Nobili photo Winter 2018 The Model Yacht 2017 Bithell Cup VM Regatta Report By John Snow Ten Vintage Marblehead (VM) skippers competed in 13 heats on Saturday, October 21, 2017, in the 13th annual Bill Bithell Memorial Cup VM Regatta at historic Redd’s Pond in Marblehead, MA. Skippers were graced by a steady southwest breeze with sunny temps in the low 70s for a once-around, windward/leeward course. Rick Gates and Sue Martin were coscorekeepers. Four Traditional 1930–1945 VM designs and six High Flyer 1946–1970 VM designs were raced. We also “welcomed back” Craig Speck for his first racing of the Vintage Marblehead season. A sunny day on Redd’s Pond. Jack Woods photo Results Thom McLaughlin with his own 1930s era Pentagoet design won out over Alain Jousse and his 1938 Cheerio II design as Traditional VM winner. He also won the perpetual Bithell VM Cup as rotated annually for this mixed Traditional and High Flyer boats fleet. Windward leg Herb Dreher was dominating with his 1950s Sunwind model winning eight heats as the High Flyer VM winner. He beat Stan Goodwin and his 1960s Warrior II by 15 points for overall regatta first place and as High Flyer design champion. Cliff Martin was a close third – three points behind with a 1960s Magic Dragon model. Unique Cheerio I-etched acrylic plaques on wooden bases (developed by Tod Johnstone of Mystic, CT) were awarded to six VM skippers: the “top three” in the Traditional and High Flyer designs boats. Jack Woods, Marblehead MYC photo 24 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht The award ceremony 25 Rick Gates photo Winter 2018 The Model Yacht 2017 US VMYG Traditional Watercraft Regatta Report By Harry Mote The regatta was set up essentially as two one-day events—Skipjack 48s and unrestricted class boats sailing on Saturday and schooners of all classes sailing on Sunday. They were held in Spring Lake, NJ, June 17 & 18, 2017. with the regatta and did double duty after he kindly agreed to co-skipper Harry Mote’s Lady Katie. Bill Sysyn had technical issues and sailed only a few races. Alan Suydam of Solomons, MD, home of the Skipjack 48, dominated the competition with his superb sailing and had to give up a third as his throw-out of the day. Saturday’s weather was overcast with mist and light fog a good part of the day with generally light easterly wind. Judy Bonanno (https://tinyurl.com/yb7p2cex) and John Frankenfield’s mother Bobbie (https://tinyurl.com/ybhq2vgw) recorded the Skipjack event with their great photography. Eight Skipjacks started and most finished nine races with few mishaps—all were generally well behaved. Dave Brawner had volunteered to help Skipjacks on the line. Judy Bonanno photo 26 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht The unrestricted class, scheduled to sail after the Skipjacks, produced only one boat—John Stoudt’s beautiful yawl, complete with running lights and auxiliary power. John did some demonstration sailing as we were packing up Skipjacks and gave us all transmitter time with this beautiful vessel. Judy Bonanno photo On Sunday, the weatherman delivered on the prediction of clearer, warmer weather with much more southeasterly wind. The nice sailing breeze we had at 10:00 am built by 2:00 pm to the point where most boats were sailing on their ears upwind and taking on water. The conditions took their toll on a few boats, and not all finished all races. But the scale model schooners generally do not keep up with the fin and bulbers, especially in the conditions offered up on Sunday. Alan Suydam, with his fin and bulb model of the schooner Valmore and his consistently superb sailing, delivered an impressive performance of mostly firsts and seconds, throwing out a second and a third. Of the eight schooners registered, seven were 50 in and under with only one over 50 in. Of the 50in and under class, three of them were scale models; the other four were fin and bulb, three of them Sharpies. In the strong wind, the Sharpies were difficult to slow down, often planing off the wind. Dave Brawner, who was to sail Harry Mote’s 50-in Sharpie Iowa, finished first, accepting Harry as co-skipper after Harry’s schooner Mistral was disabled before the first race. One of the three scale schooners 50 in. and under did not show. Harry Mote’s L.F. Herreshoff Mistral headed for the starting line to start the first race and had its overlapping jib sheet foul, which caused the winch to break things inside the boat, and Mistral did not even start the first race. That left Domenick Bonanno’s Alden Grenadier, which started and finished all 12 races. Domenick has solved overlapping jib sheeting problem and managed to keep the boat dry enough to sail in the heavy weather on Sunday. He sailed Grenadier very well, posting a second, third, and eight fourths. Schooner Results Place No Design 1 27 T25 Sharpie Skipper Points Brawner/Mote 12 2 21 Valmore Alan Suydam 17 3 240 Sharpie Ivor Walton 29 4 507 Grenadier Domenick Bonanno 37 5 204 Sharpie Melinda Bugg 64 6 25 Mistral Harry Mote 80 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht John Stoudt, sailing his big schooner Valmore, the only over 50-in schooner, had electrical issues apparently due to water after two races (failed rudder servo), but won the first-place prize in his class. I got the impression that the regatta was generally a hoot for all who participated. There is a quirkiness about sailing some of these boats that make them great fun. Plus, there is enjoyment of the beauty of some of these boats on the water. We all give our heartfelt thanks to Race Director Skip Hall, Scorer Andrew Herschman, Domenick and Judy Bonanno, Bill and Michelle Sysyn, and Dave Brawner for making it all possible and enjoyable. Again, Judy Bonanno recorded the action with great photography (https://tinyurl.com/y8jqxxtl). Schooners on an upwind leg. 28 Judy Bonanno photo Winter 2018 The Model Yacht The Vintage Model Yacht Group Is … People!! By Ken Young I am brand new to the Vintage Model Yacht Group. I recently bought a Madcap for the sole purpose of sailing with the group. I found out what the group is like when I was looking for a vintage boat. When I found the Madcap, John Stoudt and Cliff Martin gave me all kinds of advice. Cliff even gave me all of the measurements he uses for his rig. I just had another experience that showed me the kind of people I’ll be sailing with. I’ve been sailing big boats for over 40 years and have been involved with R/C sailing for 10 years. As the result of an “attic find” a few years ago, I’m the proud owner of a Bingo Marblehead. I’ve fallen in love with older Marbleheads and have become involved with the American Marblehead class. A friend called and said he had a boat hull that was 50 in long that had been sitting in his attic since the seventies, and his wife wanted it out of the way. (Can we relate?) He didn’t know much about it except that it was called a “Littlejohn 50”. He didn’t know where or who it came from. He didn’t have any pictures of it at the time. So, like most of us, when somebody offers you a free hull, you don’t ask questions, you just take it! I guess we don’t like orphan boat hulls. Because it was going to be a few days before I could pick it up, I thought I’d see if I could find out anything about it and possibly get some drawings or plans. And then the fun started. I wandered all over the internet, but all I could find was a comment from Rod Carr in a chat thread that said, “Littlejohn 50s were good boats until the taller, skinnier ones came along.” Not much success. Next, I figured I’d contact John 29 Stoudt. I had recently met John at the Santa Barbara NCR in Maryland, and we had talked about his involvement with the US VMYG. John didn’t know anything about the boat, so he forwarded my email to John Snow. He wasn’t familiar with it either, so John also forwarded the email to Earl Boebert (AMYA Hall of Fame and vintage historian), Biff Martin (American Marblehead class secretary), Standley Goodwin (Marblehead class secretary), Bruce Richter (boat registrar for US VMYG), and Graham Reeves in the UK because Earl thought the Littlejohns were British, and Graham is a friend of his. That’s a lot of firepower to help one guy find out something about one boat. Graham got back to me right away and told me that Bert (aka Old Bert (dad)) and Bertie (son) Littlejohn had, in fact, designed six different Marbleheads in the UK. Now it was getting interesting. Graham also emailed me two pages out of a book he had written about vintage boats that gave the history of the Littlejohns and the boats they built. Unfortunately, the plans and drawings have all been lost. Graham wanted more information and pictures that I didn’t have at that point. Now I was getting pretty excited that I might have something pretty cool, so I called my buddy and told him I was coming to get the boat. When I saw it, I got the feeling that people on Antiques Roadshow must get when they find out granny’s spoon collection isn’t as rare as they thought. The fiberglass hull has never been in the water, so it’s beautiful, as is the wood deck. There’s a sticker inside that says “LJ Boatworks L J 50”. Winter 2018 The Model Yacht It looks a lot like a Soling 50 with a larger, deeper keel. But it’s a gorgeous boat, it’s a Marblehead, and it’s free! I took some pictures and sent them off to everybody. It was a little disappointing, but again, it’s a Marblehead. But wait! This gets even better. As I was writing this article, I checked the email thread to be sure I had all of this straight. What do I see but another email from Earl. He had contacted Rod Carr about the boat! Add another Samaritan to the list. Rod’s response was priceless. “Yup. I had one. Shaped like a doughdish that mated with a ‘punkin’ seed. Very wide beam. Not too different from the VOLVO 70’s of today.” Rod sailed his in 1972. Andy (dad) and Sandy (son) Littlejohn are from California. Sandy won the 1973 Marblehead ACCR in San Diego with one. Score!!! It’s a fast boat (at least in Sandy’s hands). So that’s the kind of group I’ve joined. Eight guys, who don’t know me from Adam’s cat, were willing to dive in and help me find out about this boat. While the results weren’t as exotic as I had hoped, just the willingness to give me a hand and the knowledge about and interest in Marbleheads is pretty impressive. I’m humbled and happy. Thank you all! Ken Young photo Barnacle A few members asked for more content and no article reprints in the newsletter. Guess what guys, in order to accomplish this we need your assistance. Write an article like Ken did. Or send us an idea, a photo, suggest someone who’s doing something interesting. We’ll follow up. 30 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht Build Your Own Plank-Constructed Pond Yacht By Rich Hilsinger Students will make decisions based on blueprints and develop an eye for form. During the week, the boat will be planked and faired, and the fin and rudder will be fabricated. Thom will also discuss the steps that follow to complete the boat—decking, rigging, electronic installation, and painting. The WoodenBoat School, Brooklin, ME, is offering a class this summer for those interested in building their own pond yacht. The course will be offered September 9–14, 2018. Build a Vintage Marblehead class pond yacht designed for radio control. In this course, each student will build his/her own pond yacht. Students who have started This type of small boat construction of their originated in 1932 using model in previous years at minimal design WoodenBoat requirements of 50 in School are also welcome LOA and 800 in2 of sail. to participate in this The class is still actively course to finish their boat. sailed today under the guidance of the US Pentagoet Thom McLaughlin This week will be an Vintage Model Yacht excellent opportunity for further guidance. This Group. When fully rigged, the boat is over 7 ft will also allow those just beginning their boat to tall, which makes it quite impressive from shore. view firsthand the final steps in construction. The boat can be dismantled easily for transport. Tuition: $850.00. Materials: Pond Yacht I – $310.00, includes CNC cut molds, strongback, keelson, planking, fin, and rudder. Pond Yacht II – $160.00, includes material to finish the boat other than sails, fittings, and electronics. Find out more: https://www.thewoodenboatschool.com/boatbuildi ng/pond-yacht.php The course boat Norumbega was designed by Thom McLaughlin; its name is derived from the Downeast area of Maine where WoodenBoat School is located. Construction of this pond yacht will pleasantly challenge and inform students in planking practices similar to those used in building full-sized boats. 31 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht T h e M o d e l Y a c h t Ivor Walton photo Build Your Own Vintage 36 Model Yacht By Sarah Wassberg-Johnson competitive boat, and would sail in the US VMYG V36 (36-600) class. The Hudson River Maritime Museum’s Riverport Wooden Boat School (RWBS), Kingston, NY, is offering a class this summer for those interested in building their own pond yacht. The course will be offered July 2 – 7, 2018. All materials will be provided by the instructor and RWBS, including hull, ballast, fittings, sails, spars, and electronics. The instructor will prepare certain materials ahead of time to ensure the student has everything needed and the time necessary during the week to complete his/her boat. On Saturday, the students will have the opportunity to get their boats wet and to sail in a regatta. Students will build a Vintage 36-in R/C sailboat, completing it on Friday and sailing it on Saturday morning. This boat is a Chico II designed by A.J. Fisher, a well-known sailor and a supplier of pond yachts, supplies, parts, and plans in the Detroit area. He founded The A.J. Fisher Ship Model Kit Company in 1925 and ran it through 1957. This company is well known for providing for the needs of the model yachting community for many years. Beginners are welcome, and the course will include training in the use of radio-controlled sailboats. Tuition (including $500.00 worth of materials) is $1,100.00 for Hudson River Maritime Museum members at the Household level and above and $1,250.00 for non-members. To register, visit http://www.hrmm.org/classes–workshops.html. Registration deadline is May 2, 2018. The Chico II has a LOA 36 in, LWL 30.7 in, beam 8 in, draft 7.5 in, disp. 9.75 lb, lead 6 lb, and a sail area of 570 in2. It performs well, is a 32 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the maritime history of the Hudson River, its tributaries, and related industries. HRMM opened the Riverport Wooden Boat School in 2016 and the Riverport Sailing School in 2017. Chico II Ivor Walton photo Located along the historic Rondout Creek in downtown Kingston, NY, the Hudson River Maritime Museum is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit Instructor John Stoudt retired as a public school educator with 45 years experience as an industrial arts teacher and school administrator. In retirement his interests turned to building, collecting, and sailing model pond yachts. He has built and or restored over 50 model yachts, many of which he sails competitively throughout the mid-Atlantic and New England states. His favorite boat is a 1934 Marblehead class boat which he acquired in Marblehead and completely restored and rigged for RC sailing. With this boat, he has sailed in numerous national and other regattas, finishing in the top three on multiple occasions. For more information contact: Sarah Wassbert-Johnson, Director of Education swassberg@hrmm.org 845-338-0071 ext. 16 http://www.riverportwoodenboatschool.org/ or www.hrmm.org/classes–workshops.html The Hudson River Maritime Museum, Kingston, NY 33 Winter 2018 The Model Yacht Resources Plans: ● ● ● ● ● ● A.J. Fisher (http://www.ajfisher.com/) Pinterest (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/506866133039763052/) Solomons Island Model Boat Club (https://sites.google.com/site/simbclub/home) Sublime Boatworks (http://www.sublimeboatworks.com) The Vintage Model Yacht Group, UK (http://www.vmyg.org.uk) US Vintage Model Yacht Group (http://www.usvmyg.org) Hulls: Biff Martin, Marblehead, MA – Biff Martin (978-828-9765) ● Blue Crab Model Yacht, Cambridge, MD – Scott Todd (410-310-2453) ● The Vintage Model Yacht Group, UK (http://www.vmyg.org.uk) Parts and Tools: • Horizon Hobbies: https://www.horizonhobby.com/ ● Long Beach RC, Hickory Corners, MI (http://www.longbeachrc.com) ● Micro-Fasteners: http://www.microfasteners.com/ ● Micro-Mark: https://www.micromark.com/ ● MidWest Model Yachts, Plainfield, IN (http://www.midwestmodelyachting.com/) ● Model Yacht Fittings, The Villages, FL (http://www.modelyachtfittings.com) ● SAILSetc (http://www.sailsetc2.com/store/index.php/products-by-category/fittings/vintagestyle.html: ● ServoCity: https://www.servocity.com/ ● Small Parts: https://www.smallpartsinc.com/ ● Tower Hobbies: https://www.towerhobbies.com/ ● West Systems: https://www.towerhobbies.com/ ● Worth Marine, Marblehead, MA http://www.worthmarine.com/store2/) ● 34 US Vintage Model Yacht Group Boat Registration Form (effective July 2016) Name: ____________________________________ AMYA #: ___________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________ Email Address: _________________________________________________________________ Phone Number (home): ___________________________ (cell) __________________________ I would like to register/obtain a sail number for the following boat/s: • Free Sailed Boats – Request sail number ________ or the next available number Boat Design: _______________ Circa: ___________________ Position Currently Open – for more information contact the president Email: phone: • Vintage International A Boat – Request sail number ________ or the next available number Boat Design: _______________ Circa: ___________________ Mike Denest, 2 Whitehaven Court, Newark, DE 19711 Email: mjd12k@yahoo.com phone: 1-610-316-3570 • Schooner – Request a sail number ________ or the next available number Boat Design: _______________ Circa: ___________________ Kerry O’Malley, 348 Kirks Mill Road, Nottingham, PA 19362-9012 Email: komalley1@comcast.net phone: 1-717-548-4632 • Skipjack – Request a sail number ________ or the next available number Boat Design: _______________ Circa: ___________________ John Henderson, 465 Gull Court, Chestertown, MD 21620 Email: jgnhenderson@atlanticbb.net phone: 1-443-282-0277 • Unrestricted Class – Request a sail number ________ or the next available number Boat Design: _______________ Circa: ___________________ John Stoudt, 309 Sundance Drive, Chester Springs, PA 19425 Email: jstoudt309@gmail.com phone: 1-610-316-8695 • Vintage 36/600 – Request a sail number ________ or the next available number Boat Design: _______________ Circa: ___________________ Alan Suydam, 11665 Asbury Court, #560, Solomons, MD 20688 Email: alansuydam@comcast.net phone: 1-410-394-3150 • Vintage Marblehead (50/800) – Request a sail number ________ or the next available number Boat Design: _______________ Circa: ___________________ Select one – Traditional:________ High Flyer________ Bruce Richter, 345 West 13th Street, Apt. 3G New York, NY 10014 Email: richterbruce@gmail.com phone: (917) 575-2221 Please mail this form with a check for ($7.00 x number of boats) to the class coordinator. Checks should be made payable to the US VMYG. 35