Hi Gramps ,
I have a lifetime love of boats in general , which includes putting back together my Familys BB Chev Raceboat which was a Sanger imported from California . at the age of 22 ( 38 now ) . Recently I sent a model I built to England for twelve months which is a replica of Bob Spaldings 1980 World Championship Winning F1 Raceboat . Which can be viewed on
http://www.fastonwater.co.uk on their homepage you will see a caption stating " JPS to return to Oulton Broad ?? " read story and check pictures out ( if you have time ) . Currently this model is takng part in an exhibition at Bristol's MShed ( Mshed.org ) that is in relation to how the Natural Environment allows for Sport to be carried out in the fair city of Bristol , which includes the F1 Racing that took place off the Bristol Docks .The exhibition is coinciding with the visit in Bristol of the Olympic Torch that is also being ran throughout England . While in England this model I built is being looked after by Roy Cooper , who runs the website and Organisation Fastonwater in Pakefield - Lowestoft , So I thank him here also for his kind communication .
Having stated this I really Love Classic Boat Design and History , the Type 1 has beautiful lines that appeal to my sense of taste . Though I have been checking out such sites as
http://www.boatsales.com.au and drool ( lol ) over Top Hats such as " Pele " can't believe somebody hasn't snapped that up yet ?? , what a buy !! . Ideally I will be looking for a long shafted auxillery powered Top Hat ( preferably type 1 ) for a few reasons including being more practicle with servicing etc ( correct me. If I am wrong ) . Back in 1992 I stayed at the Youth Hostel in Pittwater , while attending The Scotland Island Sailing School ( Ross Barnett - True Gentleman ) , where there was a timber hershcoff of about 32-6 foot long ( I think they're called Double Ender ?? ) moored in the Bay , now that was quite a sight !! . Looking forward to Top Hat ownership , which includes cruising to the Upper Hawkesbury reaches , with young family in tow ...
It's nice to know that there is Top Hats out there that are the same vintage as me ( 1973ish ) , that have been loved by owners that appreciate there capability and design . looking forward to ownership once we move back to Sydney in a few years , though until then I will keep learning and posting on this most informative site which includes asking peculiar questions such as trailing a fishing line , make friends , and learn from those that I admire , while also giving of myself . Don't you just the love capabilities Top Hat Ownership ....
As for names I do actually have a name in mind , which is " LADY NANCY " ( Australian Female Pioneer Aviator ) . Bit of a long emotional story . Though it is the name of the Royal Flying Doctor Service Chieftan Airplane that brought our Premature son Jordan back to us in Broken Hill in June 2008 , after spending a week at the Women and Children's Hospital Neo - Natal Ward ( Adelaide ) . ( Today , Jords is well , alive and Kicking !! )
Please support :
Royal Flying Doctor Service / South - East Division.
http://Www.miraclebabies.org.au - who Aid Families of Premature and Sick Babies in their hour of need.BG
Brad Geyer
DESIREMK1
Benny Hill : " Why Buy A Book , When Their Is A Perfectly Good Lending Library In The Town " .