Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Yachts and Sail => Topic started by: Maximuss Actual on February 16, 2025, 06:19:24 am

Title: Vic Smeed Starlet
Post by: Maximuss Actual on February 16, 2025, 06:19:24 am

Hi all just wondering if there is still a core of Vic Smeed Starlet enthusiasts in the UK, I've mainly designed, built and sailed and raced IOM's, Soling One Meters, 750mm and DF's etc over the years but thought it would be nice to have a go at a classic/vintage project. I have the plan for the Starlet but I'm looking a copy of Vic Smeed's Model Yachting book that had details on the Starlet build in it and any advice and images regarding rigging options etc.

Title: Re: Vic Smeed Starlet
Post by: roycv on February 16, 2025, 12:22:40 pm

Hi, there are a few, the plans according to Sarik are featured in The Model Boats Magazine" Dec 1966/ Sept 1967.
There is also a smaller version called Starbaby.
Roy

Title: Re: Vic Smeed Starlet
Post by: mrzippy on February 17, 2025, 09:21:16 am

The book is 'Simple Model Yachts' by Vic Smeed dating back to the 1970's  ISBN 0853440301 and guessing now very rare.
Having built both Starlet and Starbaby I can vouch for their great sailing ablilites, super simple hard chine construction, both available in kit form, Norwich and Droitwich clubs have followings.

The original 34" Starlet described in the book, was an early 1960's venture into r/c yachting by the great man -
designed to be large enough to carry old school radio gear and a winch made up from 'Mini-Richard' Meccano style gear reduction motor and micro switches etc, nowadays best confined to history !
I've only seen models rigged as detailed on the plans with the exception of a gaff conversion mentioned in the posts in the link below here on Mayhem.
Paul.

https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,58433.0.html

Link to a great build article
https://modelshipworld.com/topic/22260-starlet-by-peter-cane-a-34-loa-sailing-yacht-designed-by-the-late-vic-smeed/

Title: Re: Vic Smeed Starlet
Post by: roycv on February 17, 2025, 06:24:32 pm

Hi I thought you might like to see a photo of Vic Smeed I took when he came to judge the marine models at our annual exhibition.  I had the pleasure of escorting him around for the afternoon and introduced him to some rather astounded model boaters!
He very much approved of the exhibition and we also invited him to our Christmas club evening with his wife Margaret and he clearly enjoyed himself.
Regards
Roy

Title: Re: Vic Smeed Starlet
Post by: roycv on February 17, 2025, 06:29:00 pm

I give up, tried twice just nothingRoy

Title: Re: Vic Smeed Starlet
Post by: Colin Bishop on February 17, 2025, 09:02:48 pm

Is this the photo you are referring to Roy? I think you sent it to me when I was putting together the Model Boats Special issue dedicated to Vic in 2015. A wonderful gentleman.

Colin

Title: Re: Vic Smeed Starlet
Post by: roycv on February 17, 2025, 11:04:23 pm

Thanks Colin the very one!  Thank you for helping too.
Roy