A 'Cyclical' decline in double handed boats?

Originally posted by blaze720 Why should the top of the sport (National Championships) dumb down to the needs of a beginner ... etc etcLets look at it another way.  Do you want good numbers in the sport and at Championships ?  Simple one this ...Yes or No ?  If you do want participation today you have to not only encourage it but have a strategy and attitude that is welcoming.  Do not patronise or even insult newcomers and the club 'middle of the fleet' guys and gals would be a reasonable start.   2/3rds of many nationals fleet will not even get close to winning a single race let alone a whole series in most classes.  The 'middle of the fleet' and back are generally much more capable than you give them credit for anyway and all should want them there.  Most are also realisitic about their real chances.   They do it for other reasons, the occasional 'win' over friends and their regular rivals, the simple enjoyment of sailing close to (their or the) limits and of course the social side of it.  Without them, the backbone of most clubs note, the next generation have nothing to race against and maybe if they decide that racing is not for them we all miss the elite of the future ... thats right their kids, their friends and the next generation they encourage. The trouble with any elite is not the fact that a small group can become very skilled indeed.  It is the attitude of a few that can ultimately damage the sport out of all proportion to their numbers.  I just hope not too many 'newbies' get to read some of the stuff on this forum ....  not really going to get them enthused and into racing is it ?Mike L.

Totally agree Mike, indeed as a helm one of my proudest moments was when we both rounded a mark at Stone in the top few boats, I was so surprised I managed to sail up your transom, however, I have far more, and many more succesful memories and results as a crew...

Jon