Classes fading in popularity

Originally posted by Matt Jackson The problem here is that (IMHO) the MPS is a much better boat than the 700 but was released after it, Of course thats whats happening all the time which is why there are so many classes. But if we had some sort of non-proliferation rule the MPS would never have been - and Rick would have to work for LDC

Matt,

The MPS was launched some time before the 700 and won the ISAF single hander trials in Carnac by a country mile. LDC presented the RS600 and a modified RS600 with a kite. It was after the MPS had shown it's class that LDC developed the RS700.

LDC of course had the advantage of a RS600 customer base to canabalise for quick early sales.

All this happened long before I had any involvement in the class.

Rick

If you mean sharing events I'd be cautious as when most people see a well sailed Contender (not many of them at Scaling Dam) they tend to want one!

Originally posted by Guest#260 Originally posted by Matt Jackson The problem here is that (IMHO) the MPS is a much better boat than the 700 but was released after it, Of course thats whats happening all the time which is why there are so many classes. But if we had some sort of non-proliferation rule the MPS would never have been - and Rick would have to work for LDC Matt, The MPS was launched some time before the 700 and won the ISAF single hander trials in Carnac by a country mile. LDC presented the RS600 and a modified RS600 with a kite. It was after the MPS had shown it's class that LDC developed the RS700. LDC of course had the advantage of a RS600 customer base to canabalise for quick early sales. All this happened long before I had any involvement in the class. Rick

Do you think, though, that the RS700 has made the single handed trapeze assymetric much more acceptable as a concept to the sailing world in general - hence providing the motivation for many to move into the MPS as it appears to be a better boat?

I certainly remember seeing the MPS when it first appeared and thinking that it was possibly pushing the envelope too far...

The Contender is certainly not dead, in fact it's going from styrength to strength.  In fact all of the single handed trapeze classes are doing well at the moment.  The 700 continues to sell well and is seeing growing numbers on the circuit, the 600 has a very active association attracting a lot of students who can now afford these relative bargains and the MPS class seems to be realising it's International aspirations.

I personally bought the RS700 because it looked to be more manageable without much if any compromise in speed.  As an ex Laser sailor I didn't even consider the MPS as it appears to be a much more extreme class. I'm pleased I had the choice!

The 700 wasn't easy to get to grips with but it is an achievable challenge.  It has certainly got me very excited about sailing at a time when I was really fed up with trying to keep up with the youngsters in the Laser.

 

As my crew grows up and becomes less available I am seriously thinking about a Contender (especially if I could pick one up cheapish)as a second boat. several people have suggested a laser, but I used to have one and the're b***** hard work to sail well and I fancy the challenge of a trapeze. If I weighed less it would be a Moth. As for modern boats the Vareo appeals but I don't really fancy either the 600 or 700 and anyway I can't run to the expense a secondhand one would cost as a second boat.