Dinghy development: Trophies named for sailors- daggy or ok?

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Trophies named for sailors- daggy or ok?

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2413
Printed Date: 17 Aug 25 at 7:55pm
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Topic: Trophies named for sailors- daggy or ok?

Posted By: CT249
Subject: Trophies named for sailors- daggy or ok?
Date Posted: 10 Nov 06 at 6:56am

Okay, here's the scene.

We've got a new junior (under 16) class happening here in Oz; it's actually in windsurfers rather than boats, but most of us behind and sailing in the senior version of the class are boat sailors as well as windsurfers and we want to keep it that way. This is a longboard class, which mainly sails from sailing (boat) clubs. It's pretty much like the Laser 4.7; ie an existing class fitted with a small rig for kids.

The first "nationals" will have only maybe 6-10 kids from three or four cities, so it's not going to be a massive affair but this is the official windsurfing association junior class and we hope to build it up. God knows someone has to revive a sport that was almost killed by high-wind trendoid technowhackers.

So, can I ask the young sailors here - would it be really daggy to do what the Americans do, and name the trophy for first girl and first boy at the nationals after a famous sailor (windsurfer)? Would it be cool to get a trophy with an Olympic medallist or world pro champ's name (and perhaps engraved signature or some other momento) on it? Would it make you feel that while windsurfing is tiny here these days, it was (and hopefully will be again) a big sport and therefore the national trophy is something to value?

I'm sure the people I'm thinking of will kick in with some small momento to feature; just a pic of the Olympic medal or something.

Interested in any feedback.

Replies:

Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 10 Nov 06 at 9:21am

We have trophies named after departed members who put alot into the sport and club, but I'm just trying to picture winning the "Ben Ainslie" Laser trophy. If it came with a 1/2 day coaching session from the person so named, it would work, thats for sure. Otherwise, it seems a little odd. But then my junior days are so far behind me I may be out of touch...Eric Twiname was my hero back in the 70's, and I'd have loved a trophy named after him. Infact, school kids get that chance still today, but I think he had died by the time the event was started in his name.

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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

Posted By: English Dave
Date Posted: 10 Nov 06 at 11:02am

We have the same system as Rupert and it gives a good sense of "belonging" to the club. The inspiration, as I have alluded in another thread, is looking at the past winners engraved on the cup and seeing how they have developed in other classes.

Not sure if this will translate to Oz but here in UK we can go down to Argos (catalogue shop) and buy a "Jimmy White" (past his best snooker player) miniature snooker table. I don't think that gives anyone a particular sense of identifying with Jimmy White.

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English Dave
http://www.ballyholme.com - Ballyholme Yacht Club

(You'd think I'd be better at it by now)

Hurricane 5.9 SX
RS700

Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 10 Nov 06 at 11:20am

"David Beckham" football boots...

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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

Posted By: CT249
Date Posted: 10 Nov 06 at 12:24pm

Hmmm, interesting. Actually, one of the people who the trophy could be named after will almost certainly be coaching the winner. I should also have mentioned that these sailors sailed in this class (the full-rig version, although they started young) earlier.....I don't know if that makes a difference.

It's just a thought, any further info will be welcomed and thanks.

Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 10 Nov 06 at 2:01pm

I'd say it is the involvement of the sailors which would make a "named" trophy worth it. In the Beckham football boots case, if the prize also involved being taught how to curl the ball into the corner of the net by the player himself, then the boots become an excellent prize! If you happen to enjoy that sort of thing...

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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

Posted By: Quagers
Date Posted: 10 Nov 06 at 7:43pm

I think you can name a trophey after a famous person but they have to be an absolute legend in the sport, the sort of people who get OBE's for services to such and such. We also have tropheys named after club members who have done something extrodinary.