Top dog

The issue of professionalism in our sport is one that has been debated for many many years as JimC says, and one to which attitudes has changed over the years too.

There are many types of "professionals" in dinghy sailing, and the boundaries are very grey at times.

1. There are those who work for a company and sail the company boat, expenses are met and the sailor is effectively working at the weekend or over the course of an event, the cost to the individual is nil apart from their time, and they may get time off in lieu.

2. There are those who work for a company but have their own boat, paid for out of their earnings, but have equipment given to them to use (sails for instance, but could be anything)

3. Those who own their own boat, don’t work for the company (have a "proper" job), but are given equipment to help promote it, reduces their costs but they see no material benefit other than the initial donation (or reduced cost) of the said equipment.

4. Those who own the company rather than work as employees, they could be sailing a boat owned by the company or themselves, and I am sure there are likely to be tax reasons as to why its done a particular way.

5. There are those "hired" to go sail a boat, maybe for monetary reward or sometimes just for the free ride. Designed obviously to get certain sails, boat or equipment to the front of the fleet, and I don’t just mean the dinghy helm, it could well be just the crew, and they may come from either within the industry or outside. They may bring “free” equipment with them if they have a product to promote.

6. Some also look to borrow/hire/charter boats so they can do a one off in a class, sometimes this could be an initial venture into a new boat or sometimes just to make sure their product gets good results.

7. Of course we shouldn’t forget some have their own business out of the marine industry, and use their leisure time to promote that company, event sponsorship, sail logos or boat names are the obvious route, and I’m certain there are significant tax benefits.

Individual attitudes seem to vary to the different categories, but generally my view is that I have accepted this for many years, sometimes look on with a little envy, but then decide I don’t want the pressure of having to perform and always wish to maintain my individuality and freedom (I’m not good enough anyway!!!  although I was once offered discounted sails to get the manufacturer into a fleet).

I also feel our sport would be a worse place without this involvement, in reality you pays your money and takes your pick. Try sailing a class which has no current sailmaker or builder and see where that goes, the choice is ours and therein lies the key, we have a choice and long may that remain.