Can't believe there's nowhere to comment and discuss the latest thoughts from this excellent column on the Forum - so here's a starter.

Last week (18 Nov) the idea of offering opportunities for similar classes, (asymmetric were cited) to compete against each other was raised to get faltering classes out again (the e.g. was L5Ks, Bosses I think) and also to get similar classes competing in handicap fleets eg using the eg of 49ers, 800's, 14's etc, following the Symmetric Grand Prix example.

GREAT IDEA, in fact so good we used to run it at Grafham SC over a w/end in the spring, but had to cancel it this year as numbers fell below those needed to make it worthwhile for the club

Even worse the Asymmetric Slalom held over the next 3 weekends on dedicated windward-leeward courses (you've already missed the first which was last w'end) seems to be showing a steady decline to the extend that it could be its last season too   

Its difficult to believe that there is a market for this in Scotland but not England (all the asymmetrics can't be on the S coast surely). If we want to have good handicap racing events which match similar asymmetric classes, then we need events such as ours to be supported to survive. Especially if you want to build a circuit as RT suggests, which can cater for those classes which have a relatively small / weaker class circuit.

On the other hand we obviously need to do something different to rebuild the Slalom series to attract back the punters. Apart from avoiding the big class event dates which clash (eg RS asymmetrics end of season pursuit), obviously.

So any suggestions comments on re-energise the Slalom event @ Grafham welcome - Oh and how about coming to Grafham for a blast with other asymmetrics if you are free over the next few weekends

Part of the problem could actually be the abundance of sailors in a particular class/group of classes in the south. Why travel to sail against a bunch of the same boats when you have a load at home?

Maybe in the North and Scotland we are more used to travelling to find a decent race because there isn't the numbers locally?

We have scottish skiffs up here a movement that trys to run such events. The reason  your not getting such big turn outs is because all the good events seem to be so far south, i mean with the rising fuel costs, no one other than at the top end will drive all the way to the south coast from here for a weekend for instance. That would be like me asking you to drive all the way from there to Largs just for the weekend! Its a shame this is happening really. If these events were held more central in the UK AS A WHOLE then it would be ok taking into account fairly equal drive times for all interested. Keilder is a good example. I think is we are going to have a forum race then this MUST BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION as id greatly like to attend but cant see my getting to Grafam or Draycote for such an event its just too far away for a weekend.

Point taken on the travel time/cost/distance constraints - which seems to suggest that generally people are only willing to travel long distances for majors (e.g. Ovi memorial) or nationals (Unless they are REALLY keen) ?

But I can't believe that this applies to the Midlands where we must have a reasonable pool of asymmetric classes who we should be able to attract as an alternative to the long haul south ? So where are you all and what will tempt you to leave the comfort of your own pond 

Regards the location of sailing events, the simply reason why the majority of the sailing events are held on the south coast, is because the majority of the sailors live on the south coast (although for example I will travel to Largs for the Nationals for example).

When I lived in the Midlands I enjoyed doing the traveller circuit...

I think if there is to be a forum challenge it should be incorperated into another big event - perhaps the Lord Birkett at Ullswater.

Rick

Nice idea of an event moving around the country each year, but unless the existing events survive you may have trouble finding a host with big water - you'll not be able to come to Grafham (unless you book 2-3 years ahead and guarentee 50 boats min). We need to keep the more local events going as well as the big one-offs (for those that don't mind travelling a couple of hours to sail) and accepting that the south coasters are too happy where they are to visit the distant Midlands  .

So what is it that attracts the scottish skiffs that we can learn from - social/training/good venue/prizes/publicity/

i think last week the wether was against it light winds and cold

time for a lyein and a big breckfast no pont geting cold and wet for no wind