SMODwatch from Racing Classes Review

10 new UK 49ers this year that I know of

Originally posted by Doug.H Originally posted by Wodman Didn't the RYA publish figures a couple of years ago stating that 80% of the countries dinghy sailors never raced,     I'd have to see that to believe it. If it said 80% of sailors then that would be believable what with all the cruising yachties. Or if 80% of dinghy Owners didn't race then that would explain all the unused dinghys in dinghy parks across the country. But 80% of active dinghy sailors not racing seems a bit hard to believe.

I'm surprised 20% race.

Originally posted by Wodman Didn't the RYA publish figures a couple of years ago stating that 80% of the countries dinghy sailors never raced,

I'd have to see that to believe it. If it said 80% of sailors then that would be
believable what with all the cruising yachties.
Or if 80% of dinghy Owners didn't race then that would explain all the
unused dinghys in dinghy parks across the country.
But 80% of active dinghy sailors not racing seems a bit hard to believe.

Originally posted by Mikey 14778 Why restrict yourself to SMODs though ?

I started writing it because of the perceived wisdom that SMODs were taking over the world. But as for including every class: too much work unless I'm being paid!

Looking at the numbers it seems to me that sales of adult racing classes are in decline. These are the top selling classes last year for there's reasonable data (I presume 350 Wayfarers sold last year is an error!) and figures for the same classes in 5 year intervals back to 1994. There are some interpolations and estimates in some of the older numbers BTW.

...

Now I'm sure this was a bad year, but on the whole I think the trend is there... But there are suprises too... The Solo appears to be the top selling adult racing class. Maybe Solo sailors aren't all over 60 - in fact I know they aren't by seeing who turns up at our club opens...

Oh yes, Lasers/Radials/4.7s are off the list because the recent figures are pan European and all very confused...

Our racing at Island Barn tomorrow is open to Solos: come and blow the weeds out guys. I'll do my best to set an interesting course.

Oh the other thing that is very clear is that the serious money - or at least sales - are in budget rotomoulds and "family" cruising boats.

Edited by JimC

Um, Rick, that other guy that sales the Musto with you- he's not real. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
read the first line of what Jim wrote again...

As for the ISO- I thought they were growing, but only in (oddly) Italy...

Edited by alstorer