Commodore's Challenge - Again

Commodore's Challenge - Again

I have heard from Chris Galloway and Bob Abell that they are both starting to build Ferret MTBs for the Commodore's Challenge. Who else has started or is going to ? - Keep us updated with progress.

Bob also tells me that there is a thread on the Model Boats magazine forum about the Challenge. Click on this link.

My build is progressing slowly - I am in the middle of skinning the upper part of the hull.

Electrics and radio gear installed and tested - It was better to do it whilst I still had easy access

Deck now attached and the hull is ready for skinning.

Corona Virus Update

Corona Virus Update

I doubt that this announcement will come as a great surprise to anyone, in view of the current government restrictions on social interaction and leisure activities, but the Committee have decided that we now have no option but to formally close our lake to all boating activity.

Whilst the Club can not directly police this 24/7, all members are urged to abide by this decision and refrain from sailing at any time, until further notice.

All is not doom and gloom, however. Now that most of us are in enforced semi-isolation, we should have plenty of time available for boat building in the hope of happier times which will, undoubtedly and eventually, come.

So dust down the workshop, sharpen the chisels and pencils and get building. Even if you do not think you are a boat builder, have a go at the Commodore's Challenge announced a few days ago. The Ferret MTB is a very simple and cheap boat to build, well within the capabilities of most of us, even if we only have the kitchen table as a workshop.

While you are engaged in all this building activity, keep us up to date with your efforts, or anything else you are doing to pass the days, and we will post your contributions on this site. Remember a picture is worth at least a thousand words, but a few words as well will not go amiss. Mail your copy and pictures to Geoff Garside at geoff@geoffgarside.com.

Commodore's Challenge - 2020

Commodore's Challenge - Update

Further to the initial post two days ago, we have got hold of a better set of plans and a copy of the original Model Boats article for the Ferret MTB, courtesy of Chris Galloway.

These can be downloaded, in .PDF format,  from here:

Ferret Plan [ A3 size]            ferret-mtb-plan-a3.pdf

Ferret Article                        ferret-mtb-article.pdf 



As I am confined to barracks because of the virus crisis, I have already made a start on my build - luckily everything I needed so far was in the bit box.

I've not got very far yet, but it is a start !

p.s. - Chris Galloway tells me that if you want to do a posh build, Ebay has suitable 25 mm brass Raboesch propellers on offer for less the £10. I have just ordered one.

Commodore's Challenge - 2020

Commodore's Challenge - Build a Ferret MTB

John Berry has issued his Challenge for 2020. It is to build and sail this boat.

It is the Ferret MTB, designed by Ray Wood, and published as a free plan in the July 2018 issue of Model Boats.

It is only 368 mm [14.5 inches] long . The original design was in balsa, but it can equally well be built in 1.5 mm ply. Propulsion is via a 280 motor and a single 25 mm prop.

You can download copies of the plans from here. There are two sheets both A4, in .PDF format - click on each filename, in turn to download:

            Sheet 1:    ferret-mtb-plan-1.pdf

            Sheet 2:    ferret-mtb-plan-2.pdf

We are trying to acquire a copy of the original article and better pictures, which will be published here as soon we get them.

Owing to the current virus crisis, we do not know when judging of the Challenge will take place. It will certainly not be before August, so we will all have plenty of time to get building, especially those of us who are confined to barracks at the moment.

If anybody wants to enter, but can not print the plans, send a large stamped self addressed envelope to Geoff Garside, who will send you a printed copy.

A Bit of Cheer

It is not all doom and gloom !

Bob Abell took this shot of the lake, on a calm overcast morning, a few days ago. Just two intrepid sailors, Dave Lee and Trevor Redford and the usual collection of ducks.

Fiesta Racing

A report from John Berry - but please note that future sailing dates may be affected by the current virus crisis. Keep an eye on the blog for updates !

Corona Virus Shutdown

Corona Virus Shutdown

Following Government advice within the last 24 hours, the Committee has decided that all Club meetings in the Club House will be suspended until further notice.

In the immediate future, this means that the forthcoming Hot Pot and Quiz, scheduled for 25 March, has had to be cancelled.

For the present, the lake and landing stage will remain open for sailing, but members intending to sail are advised that they do so at their own risk, and are requested to take suitable hygiene precautions and follow official advice with respect to social gatherings.

We have also been informed that the Ellesmere Model Boat Club show at Hooton Park, in May, at which the Club was intending to exhibit, has been cancelled. Ellesmere MBC hope to be able to re-arrange it for later in the year.

The Committee will be monitoring official announcements carefully, and will re-instate normal activities as soon as it is advised that it is safe to do so.

Will members reading this announcement, who are in contact with other members who may not have access to the internet please inform them of these announcements.