Hardly Sluggish heads inland...

Thunderbird 4 has a new owner! Iain Christie bought the fourth Slug from Tris Kemp last night and the boat is now safe and sound in Rugby, despite nearly getting side swiped off the trailer on the A34 on the way back! The boat was started quite a few years ago by Smilie Marine - Johnathan Garfitt, Ben Brown and Daryl Wilkinson, who early on in the build decided to change tactic and build the N12/12' skiff inspired Loco Perro instead. Tris Kemp and Rich Bower took on the project, assisted by Will Lee and Robin Russell, however foreign jobs and windsurfing got in the way! Iain (ably assisted by Slug designer Simon Roberts) plans for the boat to resemble a modern I14, so it will have carbon racks instead of wings, a foredeck to assist with structural stiffness and increase jib efficiency, and of course the all important T-foil rudder. It will also feature an unsupported stump with no lowers, a Superspars carbon mast (currently lurking behind Iain's shed), with longer term plans including a No2 12' skiff rig to allow the boat to compete in both classes, Simon having proven that the Slug can easily carry the extra rag!

So at some point the old warhorse Suicide Blonde will be for sale to fund the expensive bits, including what will probably be an NZ imported Fyfe suit of sails. Watch this space!