Multi-rig racing

This is surely another storm in a forum teacup.  Declining numbers are a more important issue regularly discussed here and elsewhere and then when something that should allow 'more of the people /more of the time' to enjoy their sailing comes along it is seen by some as somehow some sort of threat, or rather more for those terrible 'bandits' .. or 'wimps' etc  

Looking inward all the time for 'problems' rather than outward facing towards making racing small boats more attractive again is, to my mind at leasat ,  part of the real problem and not part of any solution.  

We must become more inclusive, less cynical and less critical surely.  We regularly see otherwise fairly competent owners not racing whenever the wind rises above what are really quite modest levels in reality.  Excuses .. sorry 'justifications' are many .... Why ?  Because many dinghies are relatively over-canvassed by traditonal standards today in that aguably elitist pursuit of even more 'performance' is one answer.    So on balance I really don't see what is wrong with 'multiple rigs'.  Better than looking on from the shore, better for the relatively light' or old(er) or female for much of the time ..or newcomers etc .... or at the other end of the spectrum for the larger guys ..  It might not include 'you' at all but then you are never ever sitting it out on the shore are you ? or as likely 'needing' to go to 'B&Q' on every unsuitable Sunday etc ....

Learing how to live with a multiple rig future for many classes is a 'today' opportunity that will help retention and  sailing 'inclusion' and simply is not the threat that some would have you believe.   Blimey - Lets not get perpetually stuck in that negative rut of how to cope with them on handicap !  That is simply not looking at the bigger picture. There are very many ways of managing that with a bit of imagination.  

Mike L.

There y'go again, straight to the negative.

Originally posted by jeffers With boats the are designed to be reefed that is fine....none of the boats being discussed allow reefing they are to all intents and purposes different classes.

Edited by deadrock - 09 Mar 15 at 1:43pm

Originally posted by deadrock Originally posted by jeffers With boats the are designed to be reefed that is fine....none of the boats being discussed allow reefing they are to all intents and purposes different classes. Not quite, Paul. After a competitor reefed a sail at the UK Laser Nationals about five years ago, the issue of reefing was raised with ILCA. As the rules didn't say reefing was allowed, it was technically illegal under the Class Rules. (In the '70s reefing had been accepted for high-wind races before the Radial arrived, but it had dropped out of fashion when the two smaller rigs arrived.) You'll be pleased to know that the sensible young Radial sailor was not penalised at the event, as a phone conversation with ILCA produced an interpretation that reefing was acceptable as a safety measure. To clarify the matter, there is now Rule 27: REEFING The sail may be reefed by rolling the sail around the mast 1 or 2 times. The reason the rule doesn't allow more than two rolls is to avoid a dangerous amount of lee helm.

Originally posted by blaze720 Get that alternative small/large rig if needed and simply get out there if you can whenever conditons dictate it right for you and enjoy being on the water for more of the time.   Leave the would be purists and the pedants banging on about 'other classes', PN stuff and 'bandits' if they want in their preferred natural habitat on shore and in the bar ...    Few arguments are won on forums and for certain far less enjoyment is to be had at sailing clubs when you are off the water !  Mike L.