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Numbers at nationals.

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tickler View Drop Down
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    Posted: 14 Jul 10 at 4:23pm
It is interesting that the Lightning 368 class association in its new improved form is making a real effort to market their boat. Constant references on the news section of this website to update the public and full race reports even for small traveler events. One wonders if all this effort will be reflected in numbers at the Nationals next month. I do hope so, effort deserves reward and they are super little boats well worth promotion.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote maxibuddah Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Jul 10 at 8:41pm
One cause of demise may be that some fleets concentrate on the elite and forget the rest of the fleet. Maybe only 5% really have a chance of winning something, the rest are there for the enjoyment, whether that be the racing or the social.

Classes should remember that and cater for the masses. Publicise that you are doing that and you may get more coming along. Pick a good average sailor friendly place to sail and that will help too. Also don't make the races too long, it only puts people off. The top guys will win whether the race is 45 minutes or 2 hours, why prolong the misery for the tailenders?

The phantoms already have 70 entered and there is still over a week to go. We concentrate on making sure that the bulk (excuse the pun) of the fleet are catered (again bad pun) for and that they enjoy themselves. We have spot prizes throughout the fleet which usually consist of the top stuff as the top guys always normally win it, not the lower ranked guys. The event is only spread over 3 days sailing where the races rarely exceed 45 mins - 1 hour. Guess what? The top guys win and everyone else gets a good sail without getting too knackered. Whats more we have a damn good social to boot. I think these points go someway to ensuring that we have a good event.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote bert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Jul 10 at 10:17pm

I have traveled about going a lot of big opens,handicap events,odd national & like most people who sail at these events,they tend to be clubs sailors & sail using the 4 basic rules 1) stbd 2) windward boat 3) 3 boats lengths at the mark & 4) the big one -- don`t wreak my boat.

Like maxi say`s only the top 10% really have any chance of taking the cups home & they will be away & past the first bouy busy shouting at each other before you are anywhere near them.heck I`ve been lapped loads of times but still got a reasonable result & had a great time.

So going to a nationals is no bigger deal then a very completive club race & unless you are top of the league & need to know every single rule to gain every single advantage .

All you have to do to sail well at mid fleet level but have a good time & good racing is just sail to the big 4 & be aware of where you are & what you are doing & have manners towards others & the racing can be completive but good fun. Pick someone who has the same age & quality boat & compare yourself to them & if you beat them pick someone higher up & try for them.Oh Yeah the last but not least if the weather kicks up & you are not confidant about how you will handle it don`t be scared to bale & sail another day.

That’s the way to enjoy the event & hopefully come away a better sailor.

The social side can be fun too!

 



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Post Options Post Options   Quote Rockhopper Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Jul 10 at 6:47am
Well said bert its not all about the winning its taking part and enjoying whatever boat you sail and if you can learn something from the top sailors even better.I always find having a few beers in club after racing aswell is  nice way to meet fellow sailors of your chosen class and chat about the boat and the day you have had sailing it
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Post Options Post Options   Quote bert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Jul 10 at 7:09am

Originally posted by Rockhopper

Well said bert its not all about the winning its taking part and enjoying whatever boat you sail 

Thanks Andy

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Post Options Post Options   Quote LarFinn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Jul 10 at 7:11am
I would love to go to a Nationals and the Fireball Nats are just down the road from me this year...but there is no way I can afford to go! I am sure they are (relatively) good value for money etc,  but the entry fee and costs etc are as much as I payed for the boat!
I don't mind that I would have come last in every race or that my sails were last competitive over a decade ago, but I would have enjoyed just taking part and meeting and watching the best sailors.
I will go down and watch some of the racing but it won't be the same as actually taking part.

Andi

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Post Options Post Options   Quote bert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Jul 10 at 7:36am

OK I`ll bite

How much are the fireball nat`s then?



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tickler View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote tickler Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Jul 10 at 7:37am
How much would it cost to enter the Fireballs then!! Most costs come from accommodation, traveling etc. Entry fees always seem quite reasonable.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote Guest Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Jul 10 at 8:57am

Originally posted by maxibuddah

Whats more we have a damn good social to boot.

What socials do you run for 70 blokes?

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Post Options Post Options   Quote Rupert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Jul 10 at 9:07am
Originally posted by Guest#260

Originally posted by maxibuddah

Whats more we have a damn good social to boot.

What socials do you run for 70 blokes?

I'm guessing beer is involved...

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