Open Meetings

Add into that the fuel price increases and the general squeeze on inflation is the concept that was so popular in the 80s and 90s no past?

Do we need to now focus on building class racing at clubs? 

Personally I'd say the dust hasn'tsettled from covid yet, people were not able to reliably plan their year until quite recently. Also I don't think the wind has been kind?

 I would like to do a few open events, but I don't currently own the boat I'd want to do them in, and I have a backlog of catchng up with family etc, the year is flying by. I don't think fuel price is all that, maybe people are more conscious of it, but a weekend away is not a big cost for someone who's spent £5k or whatever on a boat. I'm not focused enough to want to do that many events and I don't want to spend ages in the car getting to some 'orrible pond with no wind when I've got sea sailing on tap. You need to think about what you are trying to sell and who you expect to buy it. Being a middling club sailor some of the best events I've done have been fairly local, not too big, but with a spread of talent so club sailors will learn something. Some 'inter-club' events have been good too, a few neighbouring clubs joining up sometimes to boost fleets and ring the changes a little.

I have a Laser, but I'd struggle to be sure it's class compliant and I don't want to go and be outclassed by a bunch of near-olympians with a boat that's older than some of the sailors. In my other class, the boats which travel all seem to be somewhat newer than mine.

I can also say I've been put off a few clubs (and class associations....) by money grabbing and indifferent quality events especially when they run multi-class opens.

I think circuit sailing will continue gravitate towards a few select classes, with some other classes having strong regional events. It prbably looks differet if you live in the middle of the country with an event in day-trip distance most weekends?

The exception is bigger regional and national championship events, but in time I get more selective, and increasingly prioritise the off water experience ... I really don't need a week holiday in Hayling or Pwllheli anymore.

Classes like the Solo and the Merlin have pursued a route to have less, but bigger class supported events, no doubt identifying this need.

Maybe the ageing demographic will impact Open Meeting attendance, as might fuel prices.

My sailing kit was basic but functional, We didn't have fashion in sailing clothing in those days. I often had just enough to live the rest of the week after entry fees, fuel and beer. Accommodation was in the Costa del Cortina, food was from the club. Some of the best fun I had in my life, at that time. If you ever went to Hornet open in those days, you'll know what I mean

Life was simpler the fun was more appreciated.

It seems now so much is paid for boats, equipment and useless paraphernalia, that there is little left in the budget to get to the club, sail and socialise.

Many have been hooked on the marketing of the latest one design giving the best value whilst eliminating cheque book (oops credit card) competitive sailing

But Rs's, Lasers, etc cost 1000's new and just look at the cost of a Moth! That used to be the cheapest performance boat, but they lost their identity in the belief foils are some how better and is actually still sailing. Leave it to the speed record seekers.

 that's 9 Clubs + North Norfolk week a group of another 7 clubs).

 There are many other open regattas /event throughout the summer season and some in the winter I see no shortage of clubs holding open events, My own Club Horning has 8 in a summer season..