Veteran status at nationals

   One thing I've observed is that at AGMs the fleet will agree that they want lots of races, and to be out on the water all day and not waste racing time with lunch breaks and so on.

Then next year, at the first sight of a chance, the fleet will head to the beach and a refreshment/comfort break...

Another alternative might be having a greater number of discards for the veteran prize.

Edited by JimC - 18 Sep 18 at 6:00pm

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JimC Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 17 May 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 6662	Post Options Post Reply Quote JimC Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Veteran status at nationals Posted: 18 Sep 18 at 5:56pm
	One thing I've observed is that at AGMs the fleet will agree that they want lots of races, and to be out on the water all day and not waste racing time with lunch breaks and so on. Then next year, at the first sight of a chance, the fleet will head to the beach and a refreshment/comfort break... Another alternative might be having a greater number of discards for the veteran prize. Edited by JimC - 18 Sep 18 at 6:00pm

Guests Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Guest Group	Post Options Post Reply Quote Guests Quote Reply Posted: 18 Sep 18 at 5:52pm
	To be honest I don’t think it is just over 65s who would rather not squeeze 9 races into three days. There seems to be a belief that ‘proper’ racers will want lots of races to make up for the effort of travelling, but I believe it is only a small hardcore who actually enjoy such a full on schedule - which is probably one reason why so many don’t travel.

Guests Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Guest Group	Post Options Post Reply Quote Guests Quote Reply Posted: 18 Sep 18 at 2:18pm
	So age group trophies with more discards within the same event? Or agree the last race of each day won't count to any age related trophies? It's a bit of a faff extracting results... but if you're willing to put in the effort it could work. Age group sailors could stay out and sail the additional races for the championships if they wish and the weather is kind. Edited by mozzy - 18 Sep 18 at 2:59pm

lionel rigby Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Newbie Joined: 30 Nov 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 36	Post Options Post Reply Quote lionel rigby Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 18 Sep 18 at 1:34pm
	82 and still sailing dinghies is to be respected but Salcombe Merlin week is one race a day and even I could drag myself along for that. I don't think Alan entered the Merlin Nationals this year, don't see his name in the results, but stand to be corrected. Yes I agree it is a decision for each class to make and I will be interested to see if the Tasar fleet would be interested in creating a new slot for veterans.
	Golden Oldie

davidyacht Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 29 Mar 05 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1345	Post Options Post Reply Quote davidyacht Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 18 Sep 18 at 12:55pm
	This will be an increasing issue with the age 50/60 bubble working through the fleets. I understand that the Laser Masters have moved toward Standard Rigs for Grand Masters, because they did not want to sail Radials. But probably one to take up with your class association, since views will probably vary in different classes, for instance Alan Warren was scoring single figure results at Salcombe Merlin Week this year at 82.
	Happily living in the past

lionel rigby Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Newbie Joined: 30 Nov 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 36	Post Options Post Reply Quote lionel rigby Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 18 Sep 18 at 12:25pm
	I am now in my 70s and decided a while ago not to enter any more 3 day Nationals, as the schedule can be too demanding on my ageing body. My chosen class is a Tasar and usually the racing programmes plan some 9 races over 3 days and I find that is just too much. If the weather is poor then it might even entail 4 races on a day to try and keep up with the programme, which then compounds my problem. The Tasar is not the only class of boat to host 3 day championships and I am sure that the other classes’ entries may be affected for similar reasons. Usually the 9 race formats allows 1 discard, so one still needs to sail at least 8 races to qualify. Now wouldn’t it be nice if those Classes recognised this and offered “veteran” status for genuine OAPs and had a separate entry for them which only specified 2 races a day for the vets, with an appropriate discard. They could have their own Championship within the main Championship, either all race together or if there are enough vets then have a separate start. No doubt if taken on board then my suggestion could be tweaked to suit the occasion. My conversation with some of the people who sailed the Tasar Nationals a couple of weeks ago tell me that it was a very physical experience and agreed with my reasoning for not attending. I suppose I would look a right plonker if I was the only one to turn up as a veteran, but the age profile of dinghy sailors is rising and this problem will become more common. What do you good people think?
	Golden Oldie