The State of Club Sailing

First of all, you are right.  The Byte doesn't seem to have a real identity here in the Uk.  I owned a Byte back in the early days and loved it.  Much better than a Topper and a Laser of its day.  It was however hampered from my perspective.  It used o sail off a PY similar to a Solo.  So as a sailor not interested in the, what was then emerging squad scene.  I often was deflated being thrashed by old boys in Solos.  Sure they sailed better than me, but the speed difference was striking.  We even loaned the boat to one of our Solo hotshots who laughed at the speed difference.  I sold the boat and moved into a Laser, massively overpowered, however it taught me so much more.  Nowadays i just don't know where the byte fits.  Its a lovely looking boat.  But i have no idea about the fleet demographic.  What weight range it offers or even what type of competition it offers.  If you look at other single handed classes, which i guess you would call 'successful' they all have some form of identity.  

Secondly other than your input on this forum, i hear nothing from the builder, the class or its sailors.  This is something that needs to be addressed.  It doesn't need to even cost any money.  The class needs to put itself into the spot light.  Why do no Bytes turn up to any of the winter handicaps?  Perhaps rally the troops now for a push.  Also Y&Y, facebook, twitter.  Start chucking out some interesting and fun content.  Get people seeing the byte.  Perhaps the class could run a competition for the best video footage.  Demo days??? Do they exist?  get people in the boat.  If i really is as good as you say it is the only way to sell something is to get people to try and buy in to it.

I must stress, the only real way to gain traction in this market place nowadays is hard work!  Thats from all parties involved.  You need a class association with volunteers who are willing to go the extra mile and i don't just mean fulfilling their role.  Going above and beyond.  The builder or dealer needs to support and push!  

Finally you need to think out side of the box.  Perhaps change the style of racing you offer.  I am working on various things with the Zero's to help develop our offering in to something people want to participate in,  be a part of.  Something that makes people want to travel.

Again, these are just my thoughts.  I know how difficult it is.  Especially when the class is small.  But hard graft, a bit of luck and out of the box thinking now.  Will hopefully pay dividends going forward.