Last updated 12 February, 2001

Contents
Introduction
New articles
No flies here
Regatta reminders
No FD, No Comment
Whitstable 23/25 May
New Hon Treasurer
FD Clothing
Updates
Dates for Diary
New FDs in UK
1999 Worlds in UK
FDs are great value for money
Sailboat 98
Previous News
More information?
Contributions welcome

Introduction
This is the second FD UK Newsletter designed for the WWW. Many thanks to Julian and Cathy Bridges and Hugh Myers for contributing articles, pictures and information for the FD UK website which underwent a major re-structuring in April. Contents

No flies here
Is this the fastest decision to buy an FD? Matt & Catherine tried an FD at the Oxford Try an FD day at Easter in 1997. Within, four hours they had bought an FD and finished 4th overall at the Oxford Easter regatta in 1998. Read their story, click here. (The renowned Oxford flies were blown away in 1998 Contents)

Whitstable 23/25 May
Excellent weather, great class meal, warm reception at original home of the FD Class. Very close racing but JB managed to find the right string at the critical times see report to win the superb model of an FD which is kept on display in Whitstable. Contents

New Hon Treasurer
Debby Myers, who is an experienced bookkeeper and daughter of one of the founders of the FD class in the UK, was co-opted to take over as Hon Treasurer as Roger Wilson has been unable to find time to carry out this role. Contents

Regatta reminders
John Best has prepared information packs for each of the UK FD events with maps, accommodation and notice of race including start times. If you are planning to attend any FD UK regatta or the FD Worlds in Holland then ask John for an information pack.

Do not stay at home just because your normal helm/crew can not attend - chances are you will get a sail and even a race - it is not unknown to turn up and find a ride in the winning boat. However, it is better to call Peter Doran who matches spare FDs, helms and crews prior to each event. Contents

FD Clothing
A new FD badge is being developed for the 1999 World Championships. A wide range of clothing can be purchased from Shoreside Clothing with the new badge which will be available on T shirts at the Southern Area Championship and 1998 World Championships. Details will be published when finalised. Meanwhile, contact Debbie Jarvis on 01536 791302 (phone or fax) if you want to place an order now. Contents

New FDs in UK
The naming ceremony of Stephen Parry's new Mader which is painted bright yellow and called "Tweety's Revenge" took place on 3 May at Lee-on-the-Solent. Champagne flowed but the high winds prevented the launching. Stephen reports good upwind speed.

John Best's new Mader crewed by James Cole set the pace at the Lee-on-the-Solent club races on Saturday 25 April followed by Peter Doran and Richard Phillips. For story of journey to collect "Biggles gets a life" click here.

Tony Lyall's new Mader was at Whitstable complete with purple!! deck. The rumour that it is to be called the Purple People Eater was denied by Tony. Contents

No FD, No Comment
Sue Pelling from Yachts & Yachting visited Lee-on-the Solent on 21 April 1998 to sail an FD. Her report is in the Mid May 1998 edition and includes the following...

"...the FD lives well up to her sparkling reputation, she's responsive, forgiving, rewarding and unquestionably gives those who race her an an enourmous amount of pleasure.

But what about the price tag? I was quite surprised to find that the brand-new boat I was sailing cost a very reasonable £10,200 ready to sail including top and under covers." Contents

1999 Worlds in UK
If you know of any organisation that would like to sponsor a race, a social event or even the whole championship please contact John Best (Lee-on-the-Solent FD WC Organiser) or the FD Webmaster. Contents

FDs are great value for money
The low prices of FDs continue to amaze even the most aware dinghy sailors.

Competitive FDs start at under 2000 pounds sterling and brand new state of the art FDs on the water ready to win major events out of the box are around 11,000 pounds sterling. Contents.

Sailboat 98
Bruce Banks Sails contributed to the cost of the FD stand at Sailboat. See Hugh Myers Fly his FD. Contents

Previous News
April 1998