Dinghies in 2035

I think we've hit the bottom of the decline. I do expect some consolidation over the next 10 years of clubs, but not really classes. 

and btw- I think your other points are spot on- especially the racing format.

Maybe it's' this  :

http://www.courseaularge.com/decathlon-lance-deriveur-gonflable-tribord-5s.html

Then again, by the time you add in the cost and setting up the mast & foils it probably looks far too overcomplicated compared to a SUP and unlikely to have a fraction of the longevity of a conventionally built boat. 

Edited by DiscoBall - 03 Oct 19 at 1:11am

The Catapult looked as if it might sail ok (ish) but the Tinkers must be pedestrian at best and I can't see the Decathlon jobbie being any better.

Edited by Sam.Spoons - 03 Oct 19 at 9:23pm

Originally posted by turnturtle I don't think it's at the bottom yet.... sorry but there just aren't enough active lifelong sailors at parental age standing up to the inevitable push back from their kids who decide it's just not for them. I don't suggest today's kids are 'soft', they just want broader life experiences and have more engaging virtual distractions than we did- even by 8 years old. That's why so many folks have a break during key parenting years - dinghy sailing just doesn't fit with family life unless you've got the buy-in from the family. Most of us got into sailing through our parents - something we are now no longer repeating the cycle. (I'd guess less than 25% of my 'sailing mates' have converted their own kids... a good chunk of us don't even sail ourselves right now either.)  Unless there's a seismic change in focus from the RYA from performance spiralling to grass roots participation, the piecemeal amateur marketing by volunteer club publicity officers is just pissing in the wind.

There are a few newbies coming into the sport, some as adults through the 1&2 courses. A few of them have kids that then get hooked.....but....

....they don't have the experience that's necessary for practicing club related skills. Power boating, course laying, Race officering, committee work and the like. Generally speaking the younger generations are less likely to volunteer with the same commitment. Outlooks have changed along with life styles. Altruism, the desire to help out by volunteering is in serious decline for one reason or another. Whatever your political leanings, the world outside of sailing is taking it's toll. Although hobbies are a great way to forget the stress of life, the stress of life also reduces folks desire to play. 

The commitment and skills (administrative and practical) needed to run clubs are disappearing faster than the number of participants.

Edited by Sussex Lad - 04 Oct 19 at 2:50pm