oppies

After having read all the post here I think you should reconsider your
views on Oppies....

72 children all sailing there own boat last weekend. Not a promo day or
Oppie Open, just an average summer club day. And not an horrid oppie
parent in sight or a... 'my boats better than yours conversation'. Just kids
and parents enjoying sailing. If that isn't bring new blood into sailing then
nothing is.

This weekend was a similar number even with the strong wind we had.

It's like this almost every weekend that oppie club runs at our club.

The benefit is that everyone is learning to helm, unlike having to sit in the
front of a cadet ( or other 2 man boat ) and not quite understand what's
happening. It builds self esteem and self reliance and basic sail skill.

Nothing else comes close for allowing kids to learn and be self reliant in a
safe format.

When you guys and girls eventually grow up.... and maybe have kids you
may regret slating off a great little boat. You may also gain a little more
perspective on life than the ones you carry at the moment.

Originally posted by Cheeky After having read all the post here I think you should reconsider your views on Oppies.... 72 children all sailing there own boat last weekend. Not a promo day or Oppie Open, just an average summer club day. And not an horrid oppie parent in sight or a... 'my boats better than yours conversation'. Just kids and parents enjoying sailing. If that isn't bring new blood into sailing then nothing is. This weekend was a similar number even with the strong wind we had. It's like this almost every weekend that oppie club runs at our club. The benefit is that everyone is learning to helm, unlike having to sit in the front of a cadet ( or other 2 man boat ) and not quite understand what's happening. It builds self esteem and self reliance and basic sail skill. Nothing else comes close for allowing kids to learn and be self reliant in a safe format. When you guys and girls eventually grow up.... and maybe have kids you may regret slating off a great little boat. You may also gain a little more perspective on life than the ones you carry at the moment.

You need to read this thread again and perhaps be just a little less patronising.

On the whole there has been little 'slating off' (I'm assuming thats like sl*gging off) of the boat itself except for some playful ribbing which all classes get here. The major critisism has been for 'The Oppy parents' which is a stereotype (much like the pony club parent) which has come about out of a collective experience. I'm glad you're club isn't like that (my current one isn't either) but I'm 37, have a child about to start sailing and personally don't wish to become like some (but not all) the Oppy parents I've encountered in the last 30 odd years and certainly don't want my little monkey to become a little darling. Perhaps the truth hurts?

In short. Chill out

Edited by Matt Jackson

Did you actually choose your nickname, Mr-don't-touch-my-oppie, or was it a cruel joke your kids played on you?

Just take Matt's advice, chill out - we're only having a bit of a joke...

Maybe we should start yet another thread "slating off" the Lasers?? Yeeeeehaa!!

Originally posted by Black no sugar Maybe we should start yet another thread "slating off" the Lasers?? Yeeeeehaa!!

Originally posted by Cheeky You lot really are defensive aren't you. It seems that if you have an opinion other than the little clique on here you get told to Chill out! Or you are patronising! As far as I see it it's fine you to suggest that everything you have written was a Joke when you have the backing of cliquy regular posters that have signed up to the same poor views. I would suggest that you chill out, and read peoples posts with more maturity! As well as making fewer cheap shots at a simple miss type. We can all drop down to the lowest common denominator very easily. Is that patronising enough! Mark Jardine... I would suggest you ask these regular posters to have a sanity check, as it doesn't leave a good taste in the mouth with regards to your magazine. This forum is becoming a cliquish, boring playground for verbal bullies. With no space left for sensible conversation. I thought Y&Y would be above that.

Cheeky,

I'm truly sorry this thread has offended you. I thought from your username you would be able to take things a little light-heartedly. Please accept my apologies for sounding like an immature verbal bully in need of a sanity check. At least, I've never insulted anyone. You are obviously on a higher moral ground than us cliquey regular posters and I agree it wasn't a tactful suggestion to advise you to chill out. You obviously don't need it.

I have read your post with all the maturity I can muster and I can't really fathom what has incensed you so much in the rest of the thread. Yes, some of the posts make fun of this wonderful floating device called an Optimist. But, since you've read all 8 pages with avid interest, you cannot have failed to notice that members acknowledge the invaluable role of the Oppie in learning to sail (Rupert, Garry). Then, they started mentioning assymetric spinnakers which isn't relevant for Oppies, I believe. Same as double-declutching... 
All this only to say sorry. We're definitely the lowest common denominator and, should you accept this thankless task, it could be up to you to show us the light! (it's a joke...)

All the best,

Isabelle