Picture of the month

This slide taken at Marquette Park (Chicago?) in 1957, clearly illustrates the differing method used to run boats in the States and the very different hull forms that developed as a result. All the hulls on the table are very narrow, with integral sponsons, a style used by Charles Watkins, seen on the left in the water. To stop the boats taking off, the pole head was set very high, either spilling air on the inside, or with the popular third bridle, on the outside of the circle. Note the two people in the water supporting the pole with the cable passing clear over their heads. The design of boat can best be seen in Bob Palmer's 15cc record holder that was featured in Pitbox in Oct 08

This is one of a superb selection of American slides, kindly loaned by Peter Hill.

Members of the Victoria Club camping on the way to Southampton Common in 1952

Left to right:- Mrs Dinelli, Mrs Phillips (sitting) John Skingley, Bob Dinelli, (possibly holding Steven Poyser?)
At front possibly Bob Dinelli's daughter with child but not sure. They cannot remember the name of lady
right at front.

(Back to the Back row):- Mr Phillips, Jose Skingley, Ron Skingley, ( in front of her) John Benson,
Joan Benson, Stan Poyser, Lita Lines, Beryl Poyser, Olive Skingley (later Cockman), and George Lines

Mum and Dad think they went twice to Southampton on trips like this, in convoy, sounds great fun.
Apparently Dad and George Lines were members of Victoria at this time so they could go to pond for
practice but did not ever run with Victoria numbers. Dad was MPBA secretary and writing up the regatta
reports for the ME as "Meridian" . A short bit on the regatta was in Vol 107 no. 2678, Sep18 1952.

Our thanks to Joan and John Benson for the identification and to Rick Benson for passing it all on.