Dinghy Show -- Observations

Originally posted by JohnW Originally posted by Chew my RS Conspicuous by their absence (as far as I could tell): 470, 59er, Snipe, Bosun, Lark, Laser 4000, Flying Dutchman, NS14, Hornet, Laser 2, Lightning 368, MRX, Norfolk Punt, Pacer, Squib, Wineglass, 12ft skiff, 18ft skiff, Javelin, Boss, Laser 5000, A Class, Shearwater, Cadet(?), Hornet, Squib & Lightning were definitely there and I think I saw a Cadet on a stand somewhere too. Exhibitor list

Damn it!  I must have walked round with my eyes closed (or in a drunken stupour)...

I know full well its expensive - that's why I didn't take the NS there.  Nearly all those boats listed have been at the show at one time or another, so its a sign of changing times (whether that be class health or show cost).

The main reason that there wasn't a 12ft Skiff there this year, is that other than Andy's boat (which is currently undergoing a respray and re-fit), the others only arrived back from New Zealand on Sunday, and are still in customs.

But also, on the cost thing, people don't seem to appreciate what it does cost. As a non-RYA class (we can't be until we have at least 30 boat in the UK apparently, which I can't see happening for a few years yet, if ever), we have to pay the commercial rate, which last your was the think end of £2,000 just for the floor space. When you then add the carpet, electrics, insurance, etc. it gets quite a lot for a small class.

We are planning to be at Datchet with 2 or 3 boats to take people for rides in.

It is horrendously expensive... in my days involved in Cherubs it was always a struggle to get the dosh together. The year the secretary forgot to book it was very low stress on the class finances! I remain very grateful to SP Systems who came up with a deal to enable us to have two boats on the stand for our 50th anniversary year.

There's a contrast with the Dog show game my partner is in, where they have an analgous event, "Discover Dogs" where each breed gets a stand. The Kennel club supplies all the stand furniture, banners, basic publicity, hands out tickets and food vouchers to the folk on the stands, and doesn't charge the breed clubs anything. I guess they get a lot more people through the door, I don't know.

The new John Claridge Lightning was definitley there with very sensible mods and an updated look, looked a hit to me. The people on the Contender stand must have been good..........as my son bought one in Birmingham on the way home!

We had a fairly buisy day on the Tasar stand and chatted to some jolly people but usualy preaching to the converted. My high spot was an informal meeting with Sarah Ayton who was intelligent, slight and modest. If I was 40 years younger.......................

I'm suprised by the Lark and 4k But the rest !!! Not exactly dinghy for the masses!!