Roll Tacks comment

I agree with your comment Callum, it basically sum up what I'm trying to say, just didn't see it before I put up my post

Edited by 49erGBR735HSC

Part of the reason for the success of the Scottish skiff series was that there wasn't a consistant series for skiffs to participate in Scotland. More recently, clubs have been accomidating assymetric boats by setting courses for them but there were events where skiffs were classified as fast handicap boats and had to race with conventional boats. Another problem is that skiffs are spread out across Scotland for instance you'll find a few 49ers at one club but not a fleet. What organising a series allowed for was fleet racing which was not available previously within Scotland. The skiff series was organised by enfusiastic sailors who felt a real need for this type of fleet racing in the North. The Scottish skiff events make a point of not clashing with any other major events, ie 49er events being held down south to allow sailors to attend them if they wish. The training events are also well organised. The Scottish skiff series is more like a very successful class association for skiff sailors rather than a racing series.

Nice idea of an event moving around the country each year, but unless the existing events survive you may have trouble finding a host with big water - you'll not be able to come to Grafham (unless you book 2-3 years ahead and guarentee 50 boats min). We need to keep the more local events going as well as the big one-offs (for those that don't mind travelling a couple of hours to sail) and accepting that the south coasters are too happy where they are to visit the distant Midlands  .

So what is it that attracts the scottish skiffs that we can learn from - social/training/good venue/prizes/publicity/

I think if there is to be a forum challenge it should be incorperated into another big event - perhaps the Lord Birkett at Ullswater.

Rick

Regards the location of sailing events, the simply reason why the majority of the sailing events are held on the south coast, is because the majority of the sailors live on the south coast (although for example I will travel to Largs for the Nationals for example).

When I lived in the Midlands I enjoyed doing the traveller circuit...