The World's best race boat

[QUOTE=JimC]The 14 is a very good boat these days. They bit the bullet and ditched all the stupid rules that made the 80s I14 something of a joke amongst those who knew something about the international state of the art.

QUOTE]

Do you have the figures to show whether the boat is more popular now or in the 1980's? Were the old "stupid" rules more or less popular then the new (clever?) rules? The boats were certainly slower, but could more people manage them? I know I used to crew them occasionally on the Thames in the very early 80's (sailing early 70's designs, usually) and I could jump in and cope. I doubt that it is possible any more without rather more practice and experience (I was in my mid teens).

I have never seen a current rules international 14 in a race in britain, mostly because I have never been to the Itchen but that doesnt' mean I don't belive that there is good racing. In fact I belive that they are fantastic race boats, but I also know for a fact that the FD, furball and 505 have superb racing.

Jamie's right - just cos you didn't see it, doesn't mean it didn't happen. In FD world, the same something good goes on year after year. We get to sail a fast, thoroughbred, forgiving boat that also happens to be stunning to look at, in the company of like-minded souls who can see through the SMOD hype. All over Europe there are people who've NEVER seen an RS of any description! Imagine that! Obviously that means that the entire RS fleet is a figment of our collective imagination.

The best/worst debate is at best pointless and at worst puerile and insulting. It is worth thinking about why some classes seem to inspire lifelong loyalty and affection, while others are regarded by all who sail them as "this year's thing" and are dropped as soon as "next year's thing" comes along. Discuss....