Littleton lights the way

The plan was then to hire the boats out for a club series; there are three series a year, and each series lasts four months. The hope was that the hire fees would cover running costs and depreciation. So how has this plan worked in practice?

Colin Dobner, the club's rear commodore, is very happy with the progress. "The club has always owned a fleet of boats; for many years we owned six Enterprises which were used for training, team racing and for club members to race in club competitions. During the late 90s though these boats were gathering cobwebs and were just not being used. The club was very strong in single-handed classes such as Solo, Laser and Comet with only the Enterprise as a two-man boat.

"So we wanted to help establish a new two-man boat. We also had very successful junior training but most of the kids were not keen to move on into our established classes," explains Dobner. "The club was also very aware that for many people who had just started sailing, buying a boat is a big step; we wanted to be able to give these people a chance to experience club racing in a friendly atmosphere first," he added.

So have these aims been met? All six boats have been used in every series so far, all being raced regularly and with heavy bookings for this year. The hire fees have covered all running costs. The club has drawn up full terms and conditions for the hire agreement, which has avoided any misunderstandings. The deposit taken at the beginning of the hire period has been returned as the boats have been looked after.

The club now has a fleet of 12 RS200s and the aim is to sell the club 200s to club members next year to build this fleet further. The Club has gained 14 new members from people hiring the boats. "We would like to attract more people to the club from outside, some of the people using the club 200s have been re-cycled from other classes within the club. At least they are still sailing at the club," says Dobner.

Colin also believes that the real acid test for the scheme will come next year. "If we can get sensible prices for the boat by selling them to club members then the club will have really gained by establishing a healthy, strong class. The RS200s have proved very popular and are an ideal boat for our water."

No doubt many clubs will also watch with interest developments at Littleton. Positive action such as this can only help attract more people into sailing, after all bums in boats equals a healthy sport. Littleton is a very popular club near Shepperton in SW London, which sails on a large gravel pit just off the M3. It has a very active racing scene and has a reputation for being a friendly family club.

Anyone who would like to like to contact Littleton SC can contact Colin Dobner on 01932 227856 or visit their website.