y and y boat tests

That very rarely happens in any yachting magazine whether it be a boat or gear, mainly due to the advertising income that might be lost if a bad review was given. The only bad review I can remember was Yachting World slating the Walker Wingsail Trimaran, which ended up in a libel action that YW lost.

Back to the original topic...

It would be good if the weaknesses of the boats are pointed out, although I think it is good where possible to give positive reviews...

Examples;

Laser, a  great class (racing for everyone at every level). However in terms of the boat the Rudder is too small and at the wrong angle making creating a large amount of weather helm up wind...

49er, fanatasic boat. However highly unsuitable for the majority of club sailors...

etc.

I would describe myself as an euthusiast of both the Laser and the 49er (for very different reasons). I feel if you are not honest about the class it hurts you in the long run. For example it is not good PR to see notice sailors trash a 49er just trying to bear away off the beach!!! It would be better for all concerned if they were in a different boat...

Most of the tests are done by the same author (rather than a specialist from the class) so the reports should be pretty consistent. Although in terms of any test it must be quite hard to write a report for a pico and an international moth being consistent in approach!!!