Just a few photos of the Three Musketeers sailing on Sunday 19th July. We seem to be the only three that turn up on a regular basis. Just so happened there was a young lady photographer (Inga Zaiat) taking pictures around the lake. She asked if she could take some of us and the boats. From left to right Myself, Arthur & Ian. Arthur picked up the Victoria for a song at Model Boat Mayhem and after a bit of tinkering we had it up and sailing. Considering the sails are in poor condition it sails very well. Ian's boat is a second hand DF65 and mine (Red one) is built from plans out of the Model Boats magazine but does have a purchased DF65 rig. All good fun. PS. I uploaded the photos in low res as they take up less space and load faster.

IMAI CHEBEC (Xebec) – 1/80 Scale Plastic Sailing Ship Model
Rare Vintage Japanese Kit – Long Out of Production

This model was built from the highly regarded IMAI No. B-296 CHEBEC kit in 1/80 scale. Produced in Japan many years ago and now long out of production, this kit is considered one of IMAI's finest offerings and has become a rare collector's item.

IMAI was famous for the exceptional quality of its molds and engineering. Although this is a plastic kit, the parts were molded with such precision and detail that they convincingly reproduce the appearance of a finely crafted wooden ship model.

The Chebec (or Xebec) was a fast and elegant Mediterranean vessel used extensively by Barbary corsairs during the 17th and 18th centuries. Its sleek hull, pronounced overhangs, and distinctive lateen rig make it one of the most beautiful and exotic sailing ships ever designed.

This model is fully rigged and armed with:
• 20 deck-mounted cannons
• 20 swivel guns
• Detailed anchors, yards, spars, and standing and running rigging

One of the most striking features of the kit is the elaborate decorative carving along the port and starboard bulwarks and across the stern. To highlight these intricate ornaments, I carefully hand-painted every detail using my finest brushes.

The flags were custom made from the lead foil wrappers found around wine bottle corks. After flattening the material, I hand-painted the Algerian corsair designs and shaped them to appear as if they were fluttering in the wind, adding a dramatic and highly realistic touch to the finished model.

Additional features include:
• Ship's boat mounted amidships
• Ornamental stern gallery with gilded relief work
• Open deck grating and finely detailed deck furniture
• Hand-painted decorative motifs throughout

Even after many years, this remains one of my favorite builds. The combination of IMAI's superb engineering and the unique character of the historic Chebec resulted in a model that captures the grace, power, and mystery of the legendary Mediterranean corsair vessels.

Actually it was a "no meet" meet. December 7 is "Pearl Harbor" remberence day in the US. So I was up to 3 AM Saturday night preparing my PT61 to bring it to the park. Weather was 40% chance of rain.

Up at 9, I packed everything and went to the park. Only a few droplets of rain followed by the sun coming out and no rain. I was the only one there.

Ironically, people must have been watching weather radar on their cell phones and decided not to go. Contrast that when, on December 7, 1941, radar was manned and the impending attack was misinterpreted somewhere along the line and the US defenses decided "not to go".

It would have been a good meet. No fun sailing alone. I wanted the '61 to get in the water where it hasn't been in quite a while. So, I am posting photos of the PT61 (1/20 scale, 47+ inches long) in my SUV. More next time.

Lew

Another meet with great weather. Perfect temperature with no wind at the start but a mild breeze came in for anyone sailing.
We had the docks (first time in many, many years). Going to work on a better and faster solution to fasten them together and use them more often.
Lew

Our club will be sailing at Spencer's in the evening with our model boats lit up. I have upgraded my Jimwilder Tug with an LED light from our Dollar Store ( $ 4.50 ) now. Did a few modifications to get it in the tug.Looks pretty good & should be visible.

General Sailings on the Pond 13 August 2025 at Southport - Part 2

General Sailings on the Pond 13 August 2025 at Southport - Part 1

General Sailings on the Pond 10 August 2025 at Southport - Part 1

General Sailings on the Pond 10 August 2025 at Southport - Part 2

General Sailings on the Pond 06 August 2025 at Southport - Part 2

General Sailings on the Pond 06 August 2025 at Southport - Part 1

Not Model Related and a fictional film but some spectacular sailing views