PY Numbers for 2017

Originally posted by Rupert I'm not trying to measure potential, so I don't need a method. I take the view that measuring actual results over years of differing conditions is going to give better average than picking 6 or 7 weekends of racing at largeish water venues and removing most of the data, or trying to plug things into a spreadsheet based on the very results people are deriding.

Only if you assume that the average club sailor sailing some near-dead class of bargain junk has the same talent as the average sailor of a circuit class with Endeavour winners in it.

Originally posted by RS400atC   Only if you assume that the average club sailor sailing some near-dead class of bargain junk has the same talent as the average sailor of a circuit class with Endeavour winners in it.

...isn't there's a class missing from the latest RYA list...the National 17ft Sour Grapes Class  Think most of us have been sailing one of those recently!

Originally posted by RS400atC Originally posted by Rupert I'm not trying to measure potential, so I don't need a method. I take the view that measuring actual results over years of differing conditions is going to give better average than picking 6 or 7 weekends of racing at largeish water venues and removing most of the data, or trying to plug things into a spreadsheet based on the very results people are deriding. Only if you assume that the average club sailor sailing some near-dead class of bargain junk has the same talent as the average sailor of a circuit class with Endeavour winners in it.

Does the average sailor of a non-noddy class care? Whenever I've done SJ events, most there seem to treat it as no more than social sailing during the cold season. A chance to catch up with old mates and throw the boats on the water ... sure- try hard, get some practice in, make some banterish benchmarking comments in the bar/changing room, but above all just to dust off cobwebs and catch up? Everyone knows which conditions favour what better - to ruffle that with a good result, well that's just extra kudos isn't it?

It does rather seem that those who take handicap racing far too seriously are completing missing the obvious answer to their woes... buy a boat with a local fleet, or up the diesel- those are the only sure fire ways to get the quality of racing that seems so craved by some posters here.

Originally posted by RS400atC Originally posted by turnturtle ... Does the average sailor of a non-noddy class care? Whenever I've done SJ events, most there seem to treat it as no more than social sailing during the cold season. A chance to catch up with old mates and throw the boats on the water ... sure- try hard, get some practice in, make some banterish benchmarking comments in the bar/changing room, but above all just to dust off cobwebs and catch up? Everyone knows which conditions favour what better - to ruffle that with a good result, well that's just extra kudos isn't it? It does rather seem that those who take handicap racing far too seriously are completing missing the obvious answer to their woes... buy a boat with a local fleet, or up the diesel- those are the only sure fire ways to get the quality of racing that seems so craved by some posters here. It's not just about the SJ events. Most people who race a Wednesday night PY series manage not to worry too much. Getting the same class as people you want to race against is IMHO the best way to enjoy club PY racing. Second best, something as close as possible, but maybe to suit your weight better. If you are worried about the results, my top tips for winning a series are: Start in more races Finish every race Don't capsize Make sure you beat the other boats of the same class. If I'd been able to follow my own four bits of advice, I'd have won two series in two different clubs last year. Fifth bit of advice, if you have to come ashore and look at the spreadsheet before you know if you've enjoyed the race  or not, time for a change!