Arrogant Helms

Anyone else read Roll Tacks in the latest Y&Y?  DJ Edwards and Rick Peacock are going to get some none sailors crewing for them and see who can win their club series.  To spice things up they are doing this in 49ers.  Whilst I'm all for getting new blood into the  sport, does anyone else think that this is irresponsible and arrogant.  For starters, what does it say about their opinions of crews?  What if, as is highly likely, they capsize and need rescuing - tieing up a rescue boat.  What if they rip a kite - should the insurance pay?  I don'tthink so, if a novice crews a 49er, you've gotta expect damage.  Why should my premiums bale them out for willful neglect?

I think the Roll Tacks column is great, and I have a lot of respect for what both these sailors have achieved - but they seem to think that Chris Draper's role is child's play. 

Have I missed the point? What do you guys think? 

If I remember Jeremy Clarkson was rather unimpressed by the 49er, but it was only about 5-8 knots.

I think if someone is good enough to feel confident in a boat with a coplete novice it can only be good. Friends of mine that I've taken sailing in albs, ents,  ...etc have been a bit bored and thought hiking painful (don't we all!), and haven't been to fussed to have another go.

However, those that I've taken out in a trapeze boat like the ISO, BOSS, 29er have all really enjoyed it. Most prefering the boats like the topper boats with lots of spray and the bow high in the air ride, which gives them the sensation going fast (think someone else mentioned this 'spray' factor in another thread)

May be someone should offer Jeremy another go in a 49er in about 15knts, or in a boat thats not so efficient and creates more fuss and see if that changes his opinion...