Well as one of the recent Pacer National champions I can say I am proud to have the trophy on my sideboard, and yes we normally only get around 8 boats, I paid £550 for my first National winning boat, and 895 for my second,

I doubt you can get a Pacer for £1000 if you tried, (they are all cheaper)

however in the right hands in the right conditions they are very competitive (I know you could say that about most classes)

The Pacers were 1st and 2nd in the slow handicap in Saturdays IOS race (30 boats didn't make it round)

As for banning Nationals for small classes what a sad day that will be, remember the Pacer was designed for the family (not the boy racers). I have seen many a smile on a young crews face, such as the 10 year old crew who completed the Sheppey race and walked home with a huge trophy with his proud dad...

PS The Pacer Nationals are this weekend at Bough Beech Sailing Club, there are a couple of competitive boats on the Web site, you too could be National champion by Sunday night (and by the way the boats are all under a £1000)