Numbers at nationals.

I think you will find also a factor is where is the nationals held or an event with our fleet the vareos our nationals attendance has been a bit up and down,

2006 looe 16 entries,2007 netley 48 entries,2008 lee on solent 35 entires,2009 netley 38 entries.

If you look we had the most entries while we were in the solent area however this year we decicided to go back to the open sea in  torbay this year so it will be very interesting to see how many we get plus another factor is we have lost quite a few sailors over to the 100 also a lot of vareos are sailed inlands meaning they are used to flat water and no waves.

I don't think so, just look at last years figures. I have always been surprised that Lasers are not producing 300+ per fleet at their major events.

Well said Jimbo, I don't think the Vareo has anything to worry about in the short term.  They represent bloody cheap fun, my Bro has just bought a clean one for next to no money!  He can't fault it.  Its easier then a 300, as competitive as a new one.  He seems happy.

The MPS numbers are up because it has its niche!  The 700 never really stood a chance against (as i understand it) a far superior boat.  The only other real option in the AC, but again there is room for both.  I can understand why someone would want to race a Musto as well.  The website is great, the events are well publicised and seem to have some top sponsors! There seems like no bullsh*t involved just a quality boat with quality competition!

National attendances will also vary depending on location, the 300's this year are in Scotland, so i suspect attendances will be down.  But the class has to have a nationals up there because the Scottish boys always travel to the southern nationals!  Not only that but i have heard the sailing is awesome and the beer is cheap!

I have tend to like nationals to be in cheap locations, the problem with south coast nationals is it can be a costly affair!! 

10 of the fleet were youth (under 21) quite a few were teenagers straight from Toppers ...

I think its true that many things affect nationals turnout.

For some people, it's their summer holiday, they want a nice place and mornings free to spend with family etc.

Other people do several events in different classes and want the racing packed into fewer days.

If last year's event wasn't too good for some people, e.g. too windy, they will take a year off. If it was a great week all round, they will bring their club mates.

Some fleets borrow competitors from others eg 400's and 200's, so if they clash it's a problem.

The events in the months before can wind up people's enthusiasm and standards, encouraging a trip to the nationals, so a good circuit is important.

Some fleets have a lot of teachers/people committed to school hols., so timing is important.

Good info on the web help people book up early, helping sort accommodation is a good idea too. Some classes need cheap camping to be viable.

I'm a bit put off by Phwelli/Pwhelli/poowelly 'only 2 miles to the campsite'.

Then theres the natural ups and downs of a class, where a class fluorishes for a few years, then a section of that class wanders off after a few years, followed by a new influx a few years later. A lot of people do the nationals 3 or so times then think about moving on, or helm/crew partnerships expire. So sometimes it's just random timing, and nothing the CA does will help, other than getting more people at the grass roots to do the odd open and build up to a nationals.