As I am now really missing the sun on my face, sand between my toes and the murmur of little waves gently lapping the shore, Colin Bishops' build of Navarino Models' Chaniotiki Gaita (this month's front cover star) had me at hello! If you're looking for your next project and find it holds the same emotional appeal, Colin has provided a detailed review of this 1:24 scale static wooden kit (see pages 22-26), which beautiful lends itself to just about every interpretation under the sun in terms of finish. Equally, it would be really fabulous to see someone scale up Navarino's plan/design and create a larger R/C version, thereby bringing the spirit of the Aegean to a pond or lake much closer to home. Navarino Models has, incidentally, just added a another Greek fishing vessel, in the form of a 1:20 scale kit for a Trechantiri, to its range, which looks every bit as terrific (see image at the bottom of this column).
As 'staycations' are, however, probably going to be the reality for most of us this year, and with the long school summer holidays now in the very near offing, this month's MB Seaworthy Small Ships Q&A flags up some great little projects to keep kids of all ages entertained while at the same time introducing them to the delights of this hobby. Build and decorate in the morning, sail in the afternoon - what's not to love? The company does, as you will discover, also offer more complex kits and plans for adults, but in terms of finding a solution to how we engage and encourage the next generation of model boat builders I think this junior hands-on approach ticks all the right boxes. In fact, if you decide to give this a go with your children or grandchildren, let's cheer them on by getting some photos of their creations included in the Your Models section! Of course, none of us ever stop learning and the pages ahead are simply packed with 'how to' type features, hints and tips, and ideas to be gleaned from others' work. Enjoy your read!

Lindsey