Hi Peter, it’s Roger. I wrote an article for the VMYG at the time of the NLES event organised there by your good self.
It seems their popularity continues to grow, I still have one original, a factory built version with the original box and two of the earlier kits supplied in WW2 shell cases plus my replica with the Bermuda rig as per Harvey Adam’s book
I sail the replica virtually every visit to our club water in Peterborough.
A fellow member has built three replica hulls by taking templates from one of the kits, the first is the one with white sails in the picture featured above, he’s also built an RC row boat using his second hull. The boat with red sails is another friend who has sailed it for a number of years, we’re both member of Wicksteed club and meet there periodically.
I built a second hull towards the end of lockdown using original formers and fresh planks, that build is coming on nicely and is being finished in the style of a Catboat so very different to the original.
I recently picked up another’s part finished boat which has been dismantled for rebuild, you could see where the planking had drifted out of line as the build progressed which I’m guessing was the reason for it being abandoned. Luckily it was assembled with Cascamite glue so came apart easily, it also has all the original kit parts which is a real bonus. I do wonder how many part builds are still lurking in sheds and lofts!!
There’s always a flurry of activity when a chat starts or restarts on Mayhem so I look forward to seeing more soon.
Roger