Laser vs RS Aero for 2024

Originally posted by Cirrus My view is that the Aero got a glowing endorsement ... without RS having to get embroiled.  Now I'm sure they would have wanted to be selected.  But if you don't ultimately get selected (just now) and get that close .. well what the heck.  It really cannot of harmed the class and being overall 'runner up' and of course the key equipment committees 1st choice and one of only two craft from those assessed as 'being suitable' for Olympic competition (alongside the 'Laser') is very far from shabby..... Who knows .. there might yet be another chance for the Aero in the future.

By participating in this process the international profile of the Aero has gone up IMO, getting “critical mass” internationally is what, ultimately, will make the Aero (or any other) the ‘successor’ to the L*ser.  IMO that won’t lead to Olympic sailing because it won’t be around in 10 years time, but that will lead to a big bunch of sales and dollars which hopefully RS will use some of to develop more new boats and keep others alive and kicking.  Now a debate can be had about what critical mass looks like but typically I would argue strong 50+ Nationals fleets in major European sailing nations, US and Australia at 100+ and at least some distributed fleets through SA, Middle East, Africa and Asia would be enough to shift ISAFs focus permanently from a class with all the issues the current one has - until then it’s a numbers game.