The State of Club Sailing

Originally posted by davidyacht Do you think so?

Without even the slightest shadow of doubt. I have a database of old PY data. There's something like 400 classes that used to have numbers published and aren't on the list any more. Find an old guide to classes book from the 60s or something and see how many basically similar two handed round about 14 feet boats there were, even if you ignore all the older local one designs.

No, what's changed is that people don't prioritise class racing any more. Seen it time and time again at different clubs. Someone works their ass off building a nucleus of a fleet, maybe they have a good number of boats racing together, but if that person loses enthusiasm within a season or three they'll all have drifted off and be sailing different boats or at different clubs. Back in the 60s in an area clubs would tend to specialise in classes, so you'd have a fleet of one class here, a fleet of a different class there, and very small handicap fleets. Just as many different classes if you went, say, the length of the tidal Thames, but in groups. Nowadays probably fewer classes, but no fleets.

Edited by JimC - 01 Jul 15 at 2:05pm

Originally posted by Woodburner What grinds you down and with the best will and enthusiasm in the world, it's the bloody moaners that dump on you,

The irony is strong in this one...

Originally posted by davidyacht I firmly believe that the main problem with two man boats is that there is too much choice, and a lot of the options are not good ones for the waters where most of us race.

But in the good old days there was much more choice, not much less, with dozens if not hundreds of small builders, each promoting their own one designs.


Edited by JimC - 01 Jul 15 at 12:37pm

Originally posted by JohnJack Maybe there is a link to the increase in single handers and a decrease in double handed boats.

Possibly.

I think you've highlighted another real issue. Scientific (apparently ) research shows that empathy is in severe decline with modern western youngsters.

Me thinks that's an essential ingredient of team work. Needed for running a club and sailing 2 handers.

Oldsters have more of it in general terms.

....also essential for a harmonious planet other things, moan, moan

Edited by transient - 01 Jul 15 at 12:32pm

"Over time you can exhaust all the people who are available to contribute, if you have 10 people serving in some capacity on a 3 year cycle, you will use up about 30 people over 10 years."

Originally posted by davidyacht Some thoughts about committees ... Over time you can exhaust all the people who are available to contribute, if you have 10 people serving in some capacity on a 3 year cycle, you will use up about 30 people over 10 years. The Thatcher me society has resulted in a generation that are willing to enjoy the efforts of others, but not contribute. The best committees from a Commodores perspective are where the committee are prepared to challenge his/her wisdom. Because of the turnover of committees, there is a danger that after five or six years that it does not learn from mistakes. Actually having professionals on the committee might not give you access to the best professionals ... Successful small businessmen (sorry Woodburner) might be better. I have said in the past that there is room for a forum for those who participate in Yacht/Sailing club management, so that we can learn from shared experiences.  Today's question is how do you set a permanent racing mark at sea, that can be laid without the use of a hiab, will survive storms and will not be removed by crab fishermen?

Edited by Woodburner - 01 Jul 15 at 11:32am