Moving to a modern boat

[Alistair Edwards]

My involvement with the class started with a Tigress (N3143 Catatonic). Having decided that I don't like spending my time looking after wooden boats I then picked up a Paper Dart (N2903 Maxim). Even with baggy old sails the Paper Dart has proved to be very competitive on the river.

However, deep down I have always wanted a more modern boat. So I am acquiring N3517 (Carbon Paw Print). Looking forward to having a much lighter boat to haul up the slipway.
I will need to be careful using a foiling rudder on the Thames, but after many years sailing on our reach I hopefully know where most of the shallow spots are!

[3513SL]

That is great news, congratulations! Will you travel further with your newly acquired competitive boat?


One of the great things about the N12 is the ability to start with a cheap, older boat and then progress through the designs! After a bit of sailing in a Design 8, I bought my foolish and now, who knows what 2019 will bring............

[Alistair Edwards]

I already love sailing the older design, so I am very excited at the prospect of a much racier boat. I moved to 12s from an Enterprise having seen how the 12s could keep moving in very light breeze. I am sure Carbon Paw Print will be brilliant in light conditions on the river.

I would like to travel to a few events, but I have a slight problem as my hybrid car is not approved for towing so my insurance would be invalid. Maybe I can find a lightweight crew who has a car with a towbar!