Let's hear it for the old guys...

For the record Russ is our (Suntouched's) D-One 'jockey' and I am our Finn 'jockey' and neither of us has a cat in hells chance of winning anything (no offence Russ but we are both lucky to be better than mid-fleet).  We, Suntouched, took a different approach and have chosen to just have someone representing us at selected events, Russ solely on the basis of being a friend, with zero financial interest or benefit,who loves the D-One and me just because    Both Russ and I make our boats available for test sails and can help/advise anyone interested in joining the respective classes.  We are also hoping to recruit some mid fleet Devoti Icon and Devoti Optimist sailors for the same task.

Agreed!  There are lots of examples of oldies, pensioners even, getting great race results, even overall results in the dinghy world these days.  Just back from the French Finn Nationals and there were a couple of 60+ sailors in the top 10 with a few other close behind.  When it really blows however the results tend not to favour the poor souls challenged by arthritis and other aches and pains (me included).