The State of Club Sailing

Interesting to see the importance of a strong club fleet on Nationals Attendance

I don't know how significant such fluctuations are in demonstrating the health of a class though. The other thing to be aware of is that some classes make a policy of spreading their championships right round the country, even though they know some areas will have a lesser turnout, but others will stay where they get the highest turnout. Arguably a class that can get a reasonable turnout everywhere is healthier than a class that gets a slightly larger turnout, but only in its heartland...

The 200s are at Abersoch this year.  As a class which is much stronger in the South than the North it isn't that surprising that the numbers have dropped.

This is a problem with poorly supported classes. If we had the Byte Inland Champs at our club we could start by putting seven of our own boats on the water. However at Combs we are rather far north and do not wish to discourage South Coast sailors. We can travel at least four of our boats so a more central location would be preferable. Ideas anyone?

Honestly, I think the Byte should team up with the Europe, Steaker, Lightning, Comet and Solo (tho they may consider themselves too big to play) and anything else of that ilk and hold a joint championship. First over the line winner, with class prizes if you muster more than 5 boats. Make it a three day event somewhere like Lyme or Broadstairs.