Multi-rig racing

Originally posted by Paramedic A proposal to make the Laser fleet stick to a PY caused a bit of an upset at my club, to the extent that it never went through. The problem is that the guys with multi rigs don't realise that 1) No-one else can do what they can 2) they are having their cake and eating it. They see it as part of their buying into that class. Unusually the club SIs do not permit you to change class within a handicap series, but Lasers have been exempted. I think the Aero has to.

Sounds like the worst of both worlds.

Originally posted by Paramedic A proposal to make the Laser fleet stick to a PY caused a bit of an upset at my club, to the extent that it never went through. The problem is that the guys with multi rigs don't realise that 1) No-one else can do what they can 2) they are having their cake and eating it. They see it as part of their buying into that class. Unusually the club SIs do not permit you to change class within a handicap series, but Lasers have been exempted. I think the Aero has to.

Most non-smod classes permit you to use smaller than max sails in a class race, let alone a PY race.

I think if as most seem to be saying, you're struggling to attract new participants, anything that helps ease the process is a good thing. Multi rigs are the norm in my world but of course we don't have handicaps to worry about, but in the end it all favoured the bigger folk who could hold up the biggest sail across the widest range of conditions.

Originally posted by Woodbotherer I think if as most seem to be saying, you're struggling to attract new participants, anything that helps ease the process is a good thing. Multi rigs are the norm in my world but of course we don't have handicaps to worry about, but in the end it all favoured the bigger folk who could hold up the biggest sail across the widest range of conditions. This is club racing however, so if its going to encourage folk on the water that might otherwise bugger off golfing then it has to be a good thing, lets face it most are at the end of the life scale that won't baulk at a couple of rigs and at the other end of the scale they've got youf going for them and you can't buy that can you?  So buy a big rig and stuff them.

Yes, provided that the increased number who race thanks to multiple rigs aren't outnumbered by those who give up, feeling they can't compete with the rig-switchers.

That is why we decided allow switching only until they start winning unduly in the eyes of the rest of the membership. Till now though, after at least 12 years, no problem.

Originally posted by Paramedic A proposal to make the Laser fleet stick to a PY caused a bit of an upset at my club, to the extent that it never went through. The problem is that the guys with multi rigs don't realise that 1) No-one else can do what they can 2) they are having their cake and eating it. They see it as part of their buying into that class.

If that is the will of the majority of Laser sailors at the club then fine, do it. 

IMO, if that means some people (aka the minority) don't want to sail Lasers there anymore then they can move to another club, or they can buy any one of dozens of alternative single-handers with one rig and no differing PY debate. 

To me, it's no different to say a cycling club having a majority decision to ride only on Sundays (when you can only make Saturdays) or a Rugby club only offering 5 matches a year for a 3rd or 4th 15.  If you don't like it, IMO, leave and join somewhere else.  The country is full of sailing, cycling and rugby clubs, there will be a welcome not far away.