Is Wind Guru killing our sport?

For the last two years I’ve been doing the 100 circuit with my mate double stacking everywhere (most journeys 3+hrs one way). To be honest I don’t think we ever didn’t go to an event because of the weather forecast. Most of them were all down south so once we had said we were going we were committed (B&B’s etc. etc.) and went. Yes we did lose a few days but to honest we both rated going to an event as 50% sailing 50% the craic!
Probably the latest trend of most people moving to singlehanders *might* have a bigger impact on travelling. Had I not been double stacking everywhere (sharing the costs etc.) would I have gone to as many events… I’m thinking not.
Alex

Originally posted by yellowwelly Originally posted by alstorer I reckon if improved weather forecasting affects anything it is takings at the galley and the bar- less people turning up, looking at what's there and going "bugger this for a laugh". good point- and this possibly de-socialises the club sailing experience.  Not that that bothers me particularly.  If I want to go out for a beer I will go to one of my local pubs, not my sailing club for a driving shandy.

Originally posted by alstorer I reckon if improved weather forecasting affects anything it is takings at the galley and the bar- less people turning up, looking at what's there and going "bugger this for a laugh".

......blaming windguru for the decline in sailing seems a bit luddite to me. It only provides information upon which sailors make a decision. Who wants to go sailing when the weather aint right*....nobody, and that's been true for centuries. We could also blame windguru or the shipping forecast for a shortage of locally caught Cod because the fishermen have all said "bugger that for a lark, the forecast is shyte".

*right weather. What's not right about it?.....I suppose that depends on the sailor and his boat. We had an aspiring athlete take up sailing at our club, he showed promise but he soon gave it up because he knew he could always compete in a marathon regardless of the weather. He got fed up with standing around on a beach every other week, sailing is too big a commitment for an uncertain payoff......In modern times instant gratification is the order of the day.

As for the boat, some might argue that boats have become too specialised. The weather slot at which modern boats become enjoyable (instant gratification wise) seems quite narrow. Drifting around on a modern dinghy or cat with fully battened mains, traps, and planing hulls just doesn't seem to do it for folk these days. whereas light wind sailing (or even heavy wind sailing come to that) in an Ent or similar is more enjoyable and much more manageable....Not cool or fashionable though.

.....any way, we've just had a webcam installed. It shows our beach, shore break and all , not that we get one that often. Divided opinions at the club on this issue.........the webcam is providing information only but it will still get the blame from some folk for poor turnouts.

Edited by transient - 23 Jul 13 at 10:17am

Originally posted by Do Different (having one crew for you is a good experience..) I try to put myself in better company than I am whenever I can, alright it makes you feel somewhat of a muppet but it's the best way to drag yourself up a couple of notches.