Dinghy fleets in Plymouth

So the B14s are looking good down here! What would you guys think of other fast boats joining you? The thread was started looking for a fleet in the area so this maybe the answer, sounds like the biggest around.

But again, the problems are being pointed out, so if we know what they all are then this is a good base to work from as we know exactly what we would be trying to achieve!

As much as you are trying to develop your own fleet would you still be interested racing other similars in Plymouth? And with your organisation looking good perhapse helping? 

However much I enjoy faster boats it is clear that we would need a broad spread of classes for different skill levels to develop a decent sailing club as well as developing fleets within- giving people the choice. And then we can get those kids in Picos enthused about sailing when they see the fancy boats out at the same time, great all round!

The yachts are all based out of different marinas yet have a great turn out each wednesday night and then many crews are willing to drive round to RWYC for the club atmosphere etc, would this be an idea?  If mayflower were to provide the racing we could easily find a more convenient base?

(Sorry..Didn't mean that sailing a fast assymetric at Starcross wasn't possible, just giving the general gripe of not being able to use a big kite on many inland sailing courses in any real breeze, we can only go one way with the kite up and thats where it wants to go...not beam reaching round a headland in an F5!  but makes you a much better sailor! And we too were fine with the kite on Sunday..getting to the start..it was when we got it down that the problems started!  )

Plymouth Sound is one of the most fantastic places to sail.  I was always amazed that dingy racing only really got popular with the yacht racers have their Laser series during the winter when the yachts are laid up. 

I don't believe that the turnout is a function of the clubs being spread geographically, as the yacht racers seem to get good numbers all year round with many travelling for a post race drink at RWYC after mooring their boat up the river. 

Could it be that yacht racing is well organised and very accessible?  There are endless series to take part in and great fleets.  Crews can take part for no cost making sailing a very easy access sport.  When I was a student down there, I never considered getting my own dingy - couldn't afford it and got all my sailing through yachts.

Its a shame to travel away from the Sound, but I hear Roadford is a good venue and very welcoming.

It seems to me that the B14's have got it right with the SW Regional series it eases the problem of which club to base at and can only bring more followers in the long run. With fuel costs as they are, this has to be a winner to get competitve fleet racing as local as possible.

Why not open it up to other similar fast classes and push it further ?

I would be happy to come along as I am sure other Roadford members would.

It would obviously need some coordination, and the dificult part of which classes would be eligible/accepted.

MarkE and Al are right.

We don't want to appear that this is our race series and you can't join in.

The Southwest series is based on highlighted regattas hosted at suitable venues across the Southwest that we are pushing to get a decent B14 turnout, so to get a class start. There is no reason why other boats cannot turn up to race in their own fast fleet handicap start. You can all then watch us as we have a great time, on and off the water. Anyone for Sumo spacehopper challenge - you had to be there.

If you all want to avoid the petrol tax it's time to get your organising thinking caps on and get planning within your own fleets.

RodB