YouthSailing, the RYA and Catamarans

We have various bits of comment going in the magazine we are just clearing
(October 5), with a follow-up feature planned for next issue (October 19).

Keep the comments coming...

Gael

Originally posted by Gael We have various bits of comment going in the magazine we are just clearing (October 5), with a follow-up feature planned for next issue (October 19). Keep the comments coming... Gael

 

Gael,

I think 500+ on the petition in 1 day says something about the feeling this has generated.  I was talking to some mates on a motoring forum and they also think this is disgusting, not just the alledged dumping of cats but the manner in which it was done. 

The RYA have (IMO) made a massive mistake in doing this.  It makes the time that myself and others spend on supporting the sport appear a little futile when our own sailing association kicks us in the teeth.

I would many questions answered, but firstly.  Why do it in this way ?

 

It has been said further back in this debate that the RYA are only interested in supporting classes that produce medals....if that were true it is a bit counterintuitive for them to leave the Finn, Star and Yngling  fighting it out for two spots, as three of these four classes have recently produced medals.

 It seems to me that there are not enough slots [10] for all types of sailing, both sexes and light and heavy weights to be an Olmpic class. Though I support the cat being one of them, it looks like the eventual decision which I think will be in November 2008 will be a "least worst" solution ie the ISAF/RYA are bound to upset one sector or another

..... therefore don't you think the wording of the petition on the Olympic issue is somewhat confusing? plus how many people voted for the original [ innacurate] wording before it was corrected?

Petitions are all very well but for them to be taken seriously they need to be very accurately worded...I'll be interested to see the reaction to the next RYA statement, no doubt it will get rubbished whatever it says.

 

Jon, excellent job.

*the dinghysailor has this on its front page
*Paul Butler and I have made postings to the us 'catsailor.com' forum, and there are already US names on the petition
*I have also emailed 'sailing anarchy' and livesaildie

Politicians sometimes 'float' an idea informally so that if it proves unpopular they can walk away from it.  Lets make sure that this is exactly what happens!

KEEP MAKING A NOISE about this.

John Ready
Tornado GBR432