The State of Club Sailing

First of all, you are right.  The Byte doesn't seem to have a real identity here in the Uk.  I owned a Byte back in the early days and loved it.  Much better than a Topper and a Laser of its day.  It was however hampered from my perspective.  It used o sail off a PY similar to a Solo.  So as a sailor not interested in the, what was then emerging squad scene.  I often was deflated being thrashed by old boys in Solos.  Sure they sailed better than me, but the speed difference was striking.  We even loaned the boat to one of our Solo hotshots who laughed at the speed difference.  I sold the boat and moved into a Laser, massively overpowered, however it taught me so much more.  Nowadays i just don't know where the byte fits.  Its a lovely looking boat.  But i have no idea about the fleet demographic.  What weight range it offers or even what type of competition it offers.  If you look at other single handed classes, which i guess you would call 'successful' they all have some form of identity.  

Secondly other than your input on this forum, i hear nothing from the builder, the class or its sailors.  This is something that needs to be addressed.  It doesn't need to even cost any money.  The class needs to put itself into the spot light.  Why do no Bytes turn up to any of the winter handicaps?  Perhaps rally the troops now for a push.  Also Y&Y, facebook, twitter.  Start chucking out some interesting and fun content.  Get people seeing the byte.  Perhaps the class could run a competition for the best video footage.  Demo days??? Do they exist?  get people in the boat.  If i really is as good as you say it is the only way to sell something is to get people to try and buy in to it.

I must stress, the only real way to gain traction in this market place nowadays is hard work!  Thats from all parties involved.  You need a class association with volunteers who are willing to go the extra mile and i don't just mean fulfilling their role.  Going above and beyond.  The builder or dealer needs to support and push!  

Finally you need to think out side of the box.  Perhaps change the style of racing you offer.  I am working on various things with the Zero's to help develop our offering in to something people want to participate in,  be a part of.  Something that makes people want to travel.

Again, these are just my thoughts.  I know how difficult it is.  Especially when the class is small.  But hard graft, a bit of luck and out of the box thinking now.  Will hopefully pay dividends going forward.

Personally travel for a week long event isn't much of an issue. I don't mind a day in a car for a week of sailing. Travel does put me off for opens though as it often feels like you've spent more time driving than racing. 

I think things go in cycles though, and often after a bumper year you see a drop off. Maybe clashing with 29er nationals cost us a few younger sailors though. 

What is for sure is the 200 nationals in Abersoch looked immense, and I seriously feel like I've missed out. Not sure where they will be next year, but I know I'll be there. 

How does starting on the same line encourage more participation? Personally I think the more successful classes, not the super successful classes, have a clear social identity. Lightning do ok because they are like a travelling club, mates together. 

The problem with Byte is that the identity is vague. Youth boat? Ladies boat? Lightweight boat? No clear identity. Helm age at the Nationals, 14 boats by the way, winner first, 29, 28, 14, 55, 65, 38, then the girls, 43, 24, 26, 68, 60ish.

In my opinion the core of sailors should be in the 20-40 group....on slimline tonic.