AYRS Newsletter December 2017

New Years Resolutions

AYRS relies on the members writing about their experiments and ideas so YOUR No.1 Resolution is to write and let us know what you are doing. Then we can publish it in Catalyst which helps you get your monies worth!

You can also do your bit by encouraging other members to use the forum which means members can get something in between issues of Catalyst.

I am a great believer in small boats for experiment as it reduces cost and the need for large teams of helpers; you can often manage on your own but at least one helper is useful if only to take photographs and videos of what’s happening, a picture is worth a thousand words!

My current experimental boat is a 2.4m (8ft) catamaran which has been powered with cordless power tools and a ram air kite; I’m still improving a launching and controlling system for the kites some of the trials can be made on dry land so I hope to make good progress over winter. In the workshop at the moment is a part built wing sail (2.3m x 1m)as another way to propel her.

Launching the kite before a trial sail                 Part built wing sail sorry about the shadows

Diary Dates

Not a date but something to do if you are in the West London area; Brooklands Museum in Weybridge has opened a new hanger replacing the old Wellington hanger with a display called “The Aircraft Factory and Flight Line” if you are interested in flight and how things were and are made worth visiting. www.brooklandsmuseum.com
Next door is Mercedes World where you can see lots of Mercedes cars and displays for free or spend money on driving experiences. Do a web search for Mercedes World UK, the actual address is so long I’m bound to make a mistake!
London Boat Show January 10-14th 2018 at ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL if Custom House DLR station is still closed use Prince Regent DLR station
www.londonboatshow.com for more details, there is a discount code of CM13 that gives two tickets for £15
London Model Engineering Exhibition 19th to 21st January at Alexandra Palace www.londonmodelengineering.co.uk (you can’t go on the 21st) Lots of models including boats.
AYRS All Day Meeting January 21st 2018 at Thorpe Village Hall TW20 8TE appox. 6 miles SW of Heathrow. Hall opens at 9.00am Members will talk about their projects and ideas, tea and coffee available but bring a packed lunch. Contact fball@ayrs.org
AT 4.00pm the AYRS AGM will take place, please come and have your say.
March 3rd and 4th RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace www.dinghyshow.org.uk
AYRS will be exhibiting so it is another chance for you to see us; as well as visit an exciting and interesting show, the demonstrations are well worth watching.
June 1st-3rd Beale Park Boat and Outdoor Show A few miles west of Reading where we will be exhibiting with a range of old and new publications will be on sale. If the wing sail works OK I might even be seen on the lake.
Non-members are welcome to all AYRS meetings
Fred Ball would like contributions for the newsletters; send to fball@ayrs.org
PS It is his opinions he is expressing so he takes any flak!

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