Is inflation impacting Nationals Attendance?

If you buy into a class, you take on board the ethos and the way it's run. Unfortuantely that can narrow the choice of boats which are worth sailing 'seriously'. IMHO, if you're going to run a Nationals, then that needs to be the prime event of the year. Running a McNationals and then offering alternative premium events in locations many people might find cheaper and preferable seems like a risky strategy. If the 400s only get 20-odd entries to their champs in Scotland, that may mean that the 'bronze fleet' are not getting a great 'Nationals' experience. It's a lot of money if the racing is not brilliant for you as a paying punter.Classes which want new people to join in their big events basically can only poach them from other classes, or attract 'club' sailors to have a go at raising their game by attending opens and Nationals.

Only goes to show doesn’t it.  I did a 200 nationals at North Berwick - it was a huge drive, the weather was sh*te and the first three/four days sailing was lost to fog.  Visiting Edinburgh was good, but I have no intention of repeating the experience. Cornwall for me!

The 200's have done the opposite, hardly anyone going to the RS games (2 day regatta) and 120+ for the nationals in Hayling island. 

Realistically the location of the nationals plays a big part and Scotland probably puts a lot of people off compared to the south coast.

I would agree some of the event organising this year has not been great. Multiple events cancelled days before the event and even loss of accommodation costs because of it.