Numbers at nationals.

It is a lot about location. The RS200s are in Scotland this year and its also a Garda year so it will probably be the lowest turnout for years with many people picking Garda over Scotland, they return to Weymouth in 2011 so turnouts will return to the 120+ boat level again. I think by now most of the mature classes know their membership and will go where the members prefer.

Originally posted by tickler So, are you saying that Musto's are sailed by young hard men pre family, Solo's by fat old people post family and Supernova sailors are home looking after the kids?

No; I am saying we have a good spread; I'd guess the majority have children is thata is relevant.

We had 10 people under 21 & 11 people over 45 ... the rest in the middle.

A pretty healthy distribution.

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.

Originally posted by Wrighty Rupert got is right on the head with his comment, you can only sail a Musto when you are a hardened sailor with years of sailing behind you, except for the young, as they learn better than us or average age sailors. Next year their nations are down at Mounts Bay and also in school holidays so may break the 100.

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

Originally posted by turnturtle Originally posted by Rupert Having said that - good show by the Mustos - GRF's prediction of the class dying appears to be premature... ... and very naive... the emergence of more singlehanded asymmetric boats will only grow the category within the overall sailing community and without putting to finer point on it, the MPS is and will for a long time, remain the daddy of the category. Vareo sales are also up... yes Andy's direct competition at his end of the fleet may find they're tempted by the 100 or the D-One, but these boats have given the Vareo it's natural home- a relatively cheap entry point into a new and exciting arena of asymmetric single handers. Not for everyone, nor everywhere, agreed; but definitely as Luca himself said, putting the fun back into sailing for those of us disenfranchised by the repetitive unarig experience.

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!!