Summer is now here and that means in the Valley of the Sun, HOT weather. A good number of skippers have left for cooler parts of the country. Even if that is the case it is wise for all model boaters to follow some simple preventive measures to beat the heat. First, wear light colored clothing which lowers temperature on the body. Next, wear a wide brim hat, it keeps the sun off the head and helps lower temperature on the head. For all exposed skin wear a high UV protection sun block. It lowers the chance of sun burn and skin cancer. Last, drink water - a lot of water. This means don't start drinking water when you get to the pond and you start to sweat. Start drinking water 1/2 hour before you get to the pond. This way you have started getting fluids into your system before it is needed. Following these simple items will keep you out of the trouble and some fun in the sun.

Summer also brings on vacations. As we all know vacations are a time when people go somewhere or take off time to do something fun. It is no different for MYR News. We are taking some time off to take a short break, so this issue will be shorter than usual.

Word has come in that Victorias seem to be catching on in the United Kingdom (UK). The UK distributors have been out of stock of Victorias for six months but kits have just came in. As soon as the supplies hit the shelves, they cleared through very quickly. This is very interesting. It means the Victoria is getting a broader base not only here in the U.S. but also in England! Could this mean the Victoria is becoming a model yacht that is finding an appeal that fits what people want? The answer could be low cost, easy to upgrade, and "easily" obtainable. This is something to watch.

June is an important month in history. On June 6^th, 1944 the Allied Forces launched the offence operation against the Nazis on the Normandy coast of France. D Day operation involved the British Army and Navy, the Canadian Army, the Australian Army, and the American Army, Navy, and Army Air Corps, to name a few. This single Allied operation was the

beginning of the end of Nazi military and government. Many Allied men were killed and wounded in this action for freedom. This June will be 60 years since this historic day in 1944. So take some time during the first week in June and remember the selfless sacrifice of Allied Forces to bring freedom to both friend and foe. _/)

Club politics can provide a basket load of interesting and amusing antics. If a club's politics is working, then belonging to a club is enjoyable. If a club's politics is not working, then all members can do is sit back and weather the show. It has always been enjoyable to watch the games that are played inside a club when politics is the subject.

When a club's politics go bad, it is because of personal wants that overshadows the good of a club. Whatever the personal reasons, it starts a slow rot tearing down a club or at least cause a useless waste of time. Instead of bringing concerns to the table during a club meeting, backroom politics do the opposite. This involves gaining support to find fault and to undermine something or someone. The end goal is to gain power to do what they want.

One interesting effect from negative club politics is when someone in the club wants to follow club's rules, the person is labeled as a trouble maker. The reason is, to follow a club's rules or by-laws means those in control are under scrutiny, making it hard to make up their own rules. So, as to any club politics, if followed to the letter at all times, the system works, if not then all one can do is watch the circus. _/)

Hal‘s Boat night comes just once a month! Yes, we all share our guys’ enthusiasm for model boat building. We listen patiently to all the explanations and frustrations of laying up a carbon fiber hull, molding a fin, we listen to how he plans to arrange the radio board and sheeting, and that he really needs some new deck hardware. We experience the ever-demanding quest to find just the right adhesive, and that he just discovered and ordered some new sails from Canada. Had enough? Luckily, it is the third Tuesday of the month!

In case a few of you don’t know quite how to handle the time (ha ha) while the guys meet on Boat Night, here are a few suggestions (with benefits) to help fill those few precious hours.

• Watch a Lifetime movie or Home/Garden TV (without comments and/or clicker in constant use) or even more exciting rent a "chick flick".

• Have a real dinner – A great big salad, without hearing … "what no potatoes?"

• Go shopping with a friend for fun and recreation, not … "well, what are you looking for" … or "do you really need that?"

• Read a whole chapter in a book or newspaper article straight through without being interrupted by … "hey honey, where is my" (whatever it is that he can never find).

• Get caught up with an old friend by telephone with no one standing looking first at you and then his watch with a concerned look.

• Play on the web; research recipes, order something from a specialty store, plan a vacation!!!!

• Invite the girls over without getting that " when do you think they will leave" look.

And just when you have frittered away all that carefree time … you hear the garage door open, you smile to yourself knowingly, and hear those welcoming words – honey, I’m home from Hal’s Boat Night. _/)

Timber Plank on Shadows
Part 5

Picture 1 shows the supplies you will need. There is Laminating Resin, Marine Resin, and one ounce Fiberglass Cloth to fit your boat, hardener, paintbrushes, and a mixing container. If you cannot find one ounce cloth use automotive fiberglass cloth, it is heavier but it works.

For a one-meter boat you need to mix about 2-½ ounce of Laminating Resin. Brush on and let it set up. In Picture 2, take glass cloth and put on boat and try to get all wrinkles out of the cloth. You may not get all of them out, but do the best you can. In Picture 3, trim cloth on side to ½ inch. Fold cloth on the bow and stern so you have nice looking folds.

Mix about three ounces of Marine Resin and brush on. Try not to get any ripples in the cloth. Do not over work the resin. Put it on and let it go off, see Picture 4. In Picture 5, after it has set up and cured for four hours or over night you can sand smooth. In Picture 6, cut out the bow and stern from mounting board. Remove all bracing from the Boat as in Picture 7.

For Picture 8, remove all glue from inside of boat. When that is done, to reinforce the corners, cut the glass cloth into one inch strips for the bow and stern. At the bow and sides you need to resin glass in place. Resin the inside of the boat.

You do not have to use Laminating Resin. You can lay the glass cloth on the boat and resin it in place. If you decide to do it this way you do not trim the cloth.

Before painting the hull use the glazing putty and fill in any irregularities.

I hope this article has been of some assistance. _/)

Local Calendar June 2004 05 WVRCM, Fun Scale & Sail, 10 a.m. 14 Flag Day 20 Father's Day July 2004 04 Independence Day 04 WVRCM, After Fireworks – Fun Scale & Sail Lighted Night Run August 2004 07 WVRCM, Fun Scale & Sail, 10 a.m.

Club Abbreviation and Regatta Location
MMYC - Mesa MYC at Dobson Pond, Mesa AZ
CMYC - Copperstate MYC at Chaparral Pond, Scottsdale, AZ
WVRCM - West Valley R/C Mariners at Litchfield AZ
TMYC - Tillerman MYC at Leisure World, Mesa AZ
TTLMYC - Tempe Town Lake MYC at Tempe Town Lake, Tempe, AZ

For Sale

• A nice Victoria model yacht with Carr Sails, new mast and boom, and lots of go fast stuff. $150.

• An old but fun "Arrow" with Carr Sails, $150.

If interested contact Stephen C. Kopp at 480-895-4954, email address: QRSK@aol.com.

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© 2004 David Acree. All rights reserved.