Most Competitive Nationals / Euros?

Having just got back from the topper nationals id have to say the junior nationals. Mainly because each year most of the top ten move on, leaving a gap for the rest of the fleet to comptete for.

I think you'll find that Cumbley/Davis/Hunt (et al) are 'on' at least half a dozen Solo nats (in Jim Hunts case probably dozen+) so time in the boat is critical - even the best sailors couldn't jump between classes and hope to be instantly successful at the top of very big, competitive fleets.... how many GP14 Nat's did the late great Mr Estaugh compete in before he won it?  How many Fireball Nat's did it take for Ian Pinnell to win one?  The gap between the boats in the top 20 of the 'big' classes is comparitively small, but definitely a telling factor* so any time put in previously will surely tell in terms of handling and raw boatspeed, even if the 'tactical brains' are as sharp as any other.....

*keelboats & yachts may be more 'forgiving' given the longer duration of races, less marked gaps in boatspeed and greater influence of tactics in a 'plays out slower' type of way during racing, making it possible for the very best to swap between different classes and fleets and remain in the top 5/10 

Originally posted by Rupert And yet, could those Star sailors jump into Solos and take the top 10 positions?

Yes. There's no overlap whatsoever between the top 10 of the Star worlds and the top 10 of the Solo nationals. Not even close. It's like comparing Tiger Woods with your local golf club pro.

 

Edited by Roy Race

Originally posted by Peaky But the standard at the top of the Star fleet is quite exceptional.

I know that's what the Star people say, but I don't know there's any particular evidence that its higher than any other Olympic class. Yes it has a bunch of older guys in who are a bit too mature to be competetive in the lead free classes, but if you think about it that's something of a negative.

I have observed over the years that all championship fleets behave much the same. 5% will have a chance of doing well and /or winning. 10% have an outside chance of a top 3 and the rest are, well......the rest. Unless of course some hot shot turns up. He /she can be a cheeky talented kid or an experienced master they can both ruin the regulars day.

Also all sailing requires certain talents, understanding rules, tacking on shifts starting ect. If you have mastered all these (which I never have) you must be halfway there at least, regardless of class. I watched a couple of races recently with one of the reputably most competitive classes and three boats at the back were, well, crap, as bad or worse than me so a good sailor could be mid fleet at least.