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Why so few classes at the RYA Conference
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Simon Lovesey View Drop Down
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    Posted: 10 Dec 06 at 10:31am
I have just returned from the RYA Racing Conference representing the Mirror Class and was surprised to see so few classes present.

The RYA Conference is for clubs and classes, the RYA reviewing the year and presenting plans for 2007. An ideal opportunity for classes and clubs to comment and influence policy.

By some measures sailing is in a very healthy shape with great successes at Olympic and Elite levels, championship and junior numbers up. But there are future dark clouds looming on the horizon, with concerns over the sport's grassroots, many clubs seeing a fall in particapation, struggling to get boats out of the dinghy park and out sailing. Already noted a massive fallout in sailors post youth level.

The RYA Racing Conference is a great forum to share ideas and good practices, with an ideal opportunity for all those involved in running our sport to co-operate in its best interests, so why were so few classes and for that matter clubs present ?

The following had formal representation ;

Cherub
FD
GP14
Merlin
Mirror
Scorpion

All had some excellent initiatives in their respective classes that are raising numbers.
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Medway Maniac View Drop Down
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Posts: 2788 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Medway Maniac Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Dec 06 at 12:30pm

Not sure we 3000's got an invitation.

Locating it at the heart of the Peoples' Republic of London wouldn't have helped either. Somewhere near the M25 would have been better - I'd have gone as Wilsonian SC's rep. had it been at QMSC, for example.

 
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Posts: 305 		Post Options Post Options   Quote fizzicist Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Dec 06 at 6:51pm

I think the above says it all.

The RYA seem intent on doing everything in London, which is great if you live anywhere nearby.

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Posts: 0 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Guest Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Dec 06 at 9:33am

The location will never suit everyone ... the capital seems a fiar choice.

I think they should have made more effort to get classes represented.

All the Musto Committee were here ...

http://www.mustoskiff.com/reports-and-news/2006/burnham-icic le.htm

Perhaps they should hold this at the dinghy show ...

Rick



Edited by Guest#260
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jeffers View Drop Down
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Posts: 3048 		Post Options Post Options   Quote jeffers Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Dec 06 at 10:02am
Perhaps it is increasing disillusionment with the RYA and what they represent. A lot of people see the RYA as a necessary evil who are elitist as opposed to an organisation that is there for club level sailors and cruisers.

Just my 2p but a common view in the club I am a member of.

I do appreciate the RYA does some good for sailing before I get shot down in flames but they don't do much for grass roots sailors and as with everything these days it is the 'value added' that people look for when spending their hard earned cash.

(reminds me I must rejoin the class assoc)

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Pabs View Drop Down
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Posts: 177 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Pabs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Dec 06 at 10:22am
Originally posted by Guest#260

The location will never suit everyone ... the capital seems a fiar choice.

But I didn't even know this was on ... I think they should have made more effort to get classes represented.

Rick

 

Yeah right How about Birmingham that would more likely suit people.
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WildWood View Drop Down
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Posts: 136 		Post Options Post Options   Quote WildWood Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Dec 06 at 10:36am

Originally posted by Simon Lovesey

All had some excellent initiatives in their respective classes that are raising numbers.

What kind of things are they doing?  Can you provide some examples?

Do you think it is because there are too many different classes and people no longer feel a loyalty to a particular type of boat?
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Simon Lovesey View Drop Down
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Posts: 349 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Simon Lovesey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Dec 06 at 10:58am
Originally posted by WildWood

Originally posted by Simon Lovesey

All had some excellent initiatives in their respective classes that are raising numbers.

What kind of things are they doing?  Can you provide some examples?

Do you think it is because there are too many different classes and people no longer feel a loyalty to a particular type of boat?

Yes think the key is creating loyalty and focus within a class,  there are far too many classes which is causing confusion and dilution.  This I believe is one of the main reasons that club racing has collapsed at many clubs,  you no longer have that strong common interest that exists when a group of members are sailing the same class.

I believe the RYA will be sharing some of the outcomes of the conference,  here are some of the notes I made :

Cherub -  Blasts,  non racing gatherings, chance to compare ideas and sail against over Cherubs in a non racing environment.

GP14s -  Graded championships fleets to suit different levels.  Cruising fleets at the Nationals.

Merlins - Focused traveller series (Silver Tiller),  concentrating sailors on key events

Mirrors - double trailers to encourage reluctant travellers,  coaching support at many opens,  family orientated socials

Scorpions -  pro-am,  buddy system to support newcomers.  Prizes for best club
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jeffers View Drop Down
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Posts: 3048 		Post Options Post Options   Quote jeffers Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Dec 06 at 11:36am
Simon,

This kind of initiative is not limited to just the classes mentioned. The Fireballs have been running a very sucessful buddy system for years as well as having graded fleets and spot prizes so everyone stands a chance of getting in the prizes at the nationals and inlands. The Blaze have a very active association and always support new members as much as they can, they hold lots of training sessions and in general are all very enthusiaic about their boats and always willing to share ideas and hints and tips.

This has not come from the RYA but from the people within the classes.

Oh have you ever seen a fireball triple stacker or a Javelin double stacker (or FD) I have they look real scary!

Paul
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Medway Maniac View Drop Down
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Posts: 2788 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Medway Maniac Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Dec 06 at 12:01pm
Originally posted by Pabs

Yeah right How about Birmingham that would more likely suit people.

I read somewhere that Birmingham is indeed the demographic (population) centre of Britain, but I suspect the centre of the sailing population is further south still.

We're going to end up in Milton Keynes, aren't we . But at least it's more accessible for almost everyone (including us Kentish Men) than the P.R. London, and probably cheaper by the time you've factored in parking and car crime.

And Paul (posting above this one), surely a good thing about the RYA conference is bringing the classes together to share such hints and tips? Credit where it's due.

 



Edited by Medway Maniac
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