Hi Tony and Nerys,

I just ordered the Wing Ray plan- couldn't resist the temptation to have a look. I don't suppose I'll ever build it but you never know. Not doing much at all at the moment due to a severe and very painful crick in the neck!! It will pass.

Ian

Thanks Tony and Ian,
This is all becoming more interesting. I had a look on Sarik's website and found it. Single sheet plan £13,50. I might order one, looks pretty simple.

Cheers, Nerys

Thanks Tony,

I had a feeling you could shed some more light on this. I think I'm right in saying that the drawing also includes a conventional rig. I tried ordering the plan this evening but couldn't get Sarik's website to cooperate.

Hope you are OK and will be in touch soon.

All the best,

Ian

The accompanying magazine article for Wing Ray wasn't featured in a model boat magazine. It was published in model aircraft magazine RCM&E, August 1980. The plan number as you know is MM1311, simple balsa and ply construction. Should be a good model if anyone decides to build.

Don't worry, Nerys. We do have a Tony on here who has done a lot of research into Vic Smeed's plans and, given my fondness for his designs, that may be where the confusion arose.

I'm afraid I have far more plans than I could ever hope to build in the time left to me but I like having them - a sort of comfort blanket!

I hope you are feeling up to a bit more soon.

All the best,

Ian

Sorry Ian, I inadvertantly called you Tony. Plans are always interesting to study and say 'one day' but the way I'm feeling at the moment, it may be a question of 'one day, some day, never'.

Cheers, Nerys

Yes, I enjoy studying plans myself and have a large collection, all bought with the intention of building! These days I admit to myself that I am only acquiring a plan out of interest!

All the best,

Ian😊

Thanks for that information Tony, I'll look it up myself and like you, send for the plan. If nothing else it will be interesting to study.

Cheers, Nerys

Hi Nerys,

Having had a brief look at Wing Ray, I think it would be just as easy to build as a conventional yacht, if not easier. The wing is built up just like an aircraft wing and covered with tissue or solarfilm. No sailmaking, rigging or sail winch to worry about.

If anybody is interested, the plan is still available from Sarik and believe it or not, I happened to see a twin winged yacht being sold on ebay.

If I didn't have a 'want to build' list as long as my arm I might be tempted! It would make a very interesting project. I might still send off for the plan just for the collection.😀

Stay safe all,

Ian

As I've said, I'm not interested in building a wingsail myself, I do not have the technical expertise, but I'm surprised that one of our more technically minded members hasn't had a go. I think it would be very interesting to compare the performance of, say, a Dragonforce65 rigged with a wingsail against one conventionally rigged.

Cheers, Nerys

I'm not planning on making a wingsail/foil, I was just interested to know if anyone had experimented with one. If Vic Smeed had a go, then that's good enough for me. Perhaps somebody else will take up where he left off one of these days.

Cheers, Nerys

Nerys,
if you're gonna have a go at a proper Wingsail yacht/cat, be prepared for some interesting and complex micro engineering! ALICE: BEWARE!!😮
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wingsail
Get the LST done first👍😉
Cheers, Doug 😎

Sorry, I ought to get out more! Here it is.

I've just referred to Tony's (one of our forum members) excellent research on Vic Smeed's designs and it was called Wing Ray. I wouldn't be at all surprised to find that Tony had an old article about it. We'll see!!

Ian

I'm not sure what you are referring to Nerys but Vic Smeed did design a yacht with a foil instead of sails years ago. I can't remember what it was called but I bet I know a man who does!

Hope you are feeling a bit better. It is a difficult time to keep spirits up especially if one isn't feeling great.

All the best,

Ian