Big handicap events

moving them to the summer would have far too many events in the summer. The majority of the class open meetings are held in the fair weather period, and almost always the europeans, worlds and nationals are all in the summer too. A lot of people therefore would probably not even be able to afford to do all the events and the handicap events would loose out on attendance

Originally posted by G.R.F. But the question posed was getting new blood, and you don't do that in the winter, they (potential sailors) aint even looking. I'm not saying don't have winter events for the tin bath in front of coal fire brigade, but y'all are an ageing generation and modern youf are pussies until you hook em, then they may grow a pair. If you want more take up that is.

And the only evidence against this is of course the big number of teenagers training all through the winter as part of the zone squads.  Apart from that I'm sure you're spot on as ever.

Well, 7th-8th August is the swanage bay regatta. All dinghies and cats are
welcome.
There's a summer handicap event for you all. I genuinely would be well
chuffed if a load of you turn up. I'm sure I could stump up some Y&Y forum
members prizes for the event. First forum member, furthest travelled,
something like that.

Blimey Russ, first you say you're going to have to virtually give up sailing due to the impending birth of your baby, now you're doing more than ever. Impressive stuff.

Originally posted by G.R.F. Well new blood in my view is proper grown ups with disposable income that want to sail. Not kids from schools, kids in squads, kids just being kept off the streets. they nearly always bugger off and do something else having been entirely brainwashed by the RYA or so traumatised to the point they never want to go near a boat again. Enthusiasts, and they inevitably inspire others, but free thinkers that take stuff up like this, rarely respond well to the sort of authority that is still prevalent within sailing.

You've hit the nail on the head as you so often do!

Clearly a new topic is needed here. such as 'Has the RYA helped kill Club
Class Racing'

I agree that it is the grown ups who should have disposable income who
should be targeted. Unfortunately today their disposable income has
been mortgaged on buying squad boats the the apparently necessary
appendages such as four wheel drive gas guzzling tanks to tow the
double trailer for dinghy and parental RIB. At the end of this period of
often parental bullying they give up sailing for life.

Unfortunately if it had not been for the travelling RYA scout/coach, trying
to protect and justify his job, suggesting to the innocent parents that
their average Katie/Johnny could become a Shirley/Ben, then all the well
intended money would not have been wasted. Thus instead of destroying
thier children's love of friendly Club sailing, the whole family could be
enjoying the sport at the Club leaving more disposable income for the
parents to spent enjoying the sport after the kids had left.

Just part of a much bigger subject!