ISAF Worlds

We have always been (in terms of numbers participating) a major sailing nation. But for a major nation, and even when the whole sailing world were still 'amateurs' we actually didn't do that well - with a couple of  exceptions. But the best example is, as Rupert mentions, Rodney Pattison - and guess what - he was largely funded by the Government!!  - The Navy I believe.

I thought the 'we're all members of the RYA via affiliation argument' might be used - but really how much do you think that contributes? At Grafham it's £2.90 per member - you're surely not seriously suggesting that for that measly amount we should all expect free coaching, weed cutting etc etc.

Its clear from your final statements where you're coming from and that's fine - just don't expect those of who do care about the UKs performance to agree!

To be positive, although it's clearly easier with a 'critical mass' of members, I don't think there's any minimum number of members requirement for becoming a Volvo Champion club.  See info at link below   http://www.rya.org.uk/AboutRYA/programmesinitiatives/champio nclubs/

If you're short of club boats, have a look around your dinghy park - ask ex-members to remove or donate abandoned boats - a few will donate. Apply for Awards for All funding from the lottery. Very easy and often succesful. In 3 years, my 200 member club has aquired a fleet of 2 Toppers, a Laser, 2 Teras, a Feva, a Vision and an 18' Cat by a mix of these methods. Of course someone had to get on and do it but it's been well worth the effort. PM me if you want to know more.

1. We wouldn't do as well because the game has moved on. True, we've moved faster than some of the rest of the world.

2. The Volvo etc money is often given with restraints as to how it has to be used. I don't think they just give cash to the RYA and say, 'spend this how you like, try and get our name about.' It seems to be quite tightly controlled and event or program related.

you are somewhat twisting the debate.  I dont see why we would not do very well in qualifying with less funding.  We always did in the past and won a lot of medals, so why not?

Lottery funding can only go to elite sport.  Fine.  However other income that is received eg Volvo / Skandia branding is at the discretion of the RYA and more should be pushed further down the food chain.

Regardless of whether people are personal members of the RYA or not, they are members of an RYA affiliated club - The club pays a membership based levy and they should get the same rights to access.

Your view is that medals are everything.  I wish that more was spent getting more people into the sport in Community based sailing clubs.  Gyms have exercise equipment, why dont sailing clubs have more boats?  The vast majorty if not all our elite sailors must come from a tiny demographic (one that appeals to Volvo and Skandia to be fair) and we should be seeking to widen that demographic.

The head aint in the sand.  I just don't care who wins.  I don't care who wins Wimbledon or the Golf either.  That is my view.

Oh how totally British.  I wonder what any Aussie sportsman would make of the suggestion of cutting the funding to our elite squads?  A wry smile methinks....

BTW - Congrats to Nick Craig for proving that amataurs can occasionally beat the Pros...a stunning performance by an exceptional sailor that gives us all hope.

Chas W