express sailing dinghy on the menai
Messages 1 to 4 of 4.
I did'nt think i would be able to find any info on my little boat until i discovered some old postings on this website, hence my en try here. My boat is very early as its sail number is K156 and is called 'Mary'. She has a blue hull and as far as i know the rig and mast from a Hornet? I have the original set of sails, blue jib, white main, they are a little old now but a little TLC will bring them back. There is no spinnaker but i understand that GP14 sheets are the same, the boat has fittings for the rig. I must admit i agree with earlier entries talk about how twitchy she is, my girlfriend is new to sailing and is in constant fear on a windy day on the Menai straights. If anyone is out there who still owns one or has had one in in the north wales area then get in touch, i'm a member of thr Port Dinorwic Sailing Club. Happy sailing to you all. Zak
good to know there are still people interested in, and sailing the Express. Like you I found the discussion from 5 - 6 years ago very interesting. I originally bought my Express (K127) in 1998 (I think) from a bloke in Woodbridge, Suffolk. I sailed it a lot at Alton Water (Suffolk), Brightlingsea (Essex) and Sandown (IoW). I sadly had to sell it to my cousin when I went to work overseas. However - I'm coming back home to the UK in October and he has offered to give it back to me...but with a long list of repair jobs. I am really keen to find out more information, partciularly anyone who has the original building plans. If you do track down a spinnaker, I would be able to help with rigging tips, as I set up a nice system on mine which worked really well...you may have to wait a couple of months until I'm back with the boat though, as its been a few years and I cant remeber all the details. I will admit there is a bit of a knack to Express sailing, but in the end I didnt find them too unstable. The worst is on a dead run where they do tend to roll alarmingly from side to side, especially in a following sea. I often found I'd sail down wind on a series of broad reaches (rather like the boats with asymetrics have to do!) which was more manageable and comfortable. It would be great to hear how you're doing, and if you have any info or photos I'd like to see them. I was even thinking of setting up a blog of my restoration work, and also drawing togther any info people have. I was given the original advertising brochure and some old black and white photos of Express racing in the 70's by someone at Anglo Marine (who built these boats). I am really hoping I still have them in a storage unit somewhere. Enjoy your sailing
one final thought - my girlfriend was also new to sailing and learnt in the Express. The best way to overcome fear is to do a couple of controlled capsize drills, once she realises its no big deal to be the wrong way up she will not be worried when out sailing in a blow. (My girlfriend later became my wife, so it can't have gone too wrong!!) Cheers Col
we sail an express! in very good condition i might add too ! this summer we met up wit the person who desgined the express ! he's still alive and kicking and sails local to where we live ! our express is a anglo marine example with every thing done to it that the designer wanted to do ! We sail from burnham overy or blakney on the north norfolk coast, these dinghys are wonderful to sail in in force 3 winds, you can get quiet some speed up in them. So if any one wants pics or help just e-mail me here and i'll see what i can do long live the express !! Phil
Messages 1 to 4 of 4.
Important NoteAll messages are submitted by visitors to this web site, and represent their own personal opinion. They do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Preloved. You use this information at your own risk. Preloved can not be held responsible for any damages or loss resulting from the use of this site. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more details. |
||||||||||||||
Not a member yet?Why not join the fun for free! Members can sell their stuff completely free of charge, have searches prioritised for their local area, and lots more. Join for free | Member Log In
Are you a fan of Preloved?
If so, why not help us spread the Joy of Second Hand by joining us on Facebook. [more...] |
||||||||||||||
|
