From the feedback - 6/3/01

We'll be publishing the choicest moments from the stuff you send us - but each contribution may or may not be subjected to a rigorous process of editing for language, taste and imparted wisdom. And of course, as they so famously say at the start of anything like this, the opinions expressed in From the Feedback do not necessarily reflect those of the management, staff or investors of madforsport.com. Instead, and much more importantly, they reflect your views.

From David Green,
The K-6 keelboat
I am responding to Charles Apthorp's comments on the impact of "new" classes on National 12s and Merlin Rockets. After an initial blip, both these classes are showing renewed growth, why?

1. Because the new one designs can only capture the state of the art for a moment, whilst the restricted/ development classes move on.
2. Because the new classes are limited by commercial constraints, i.e. use cheaper, heavier materials and have less sophisticated rigs (alloy masts).

Don't get me wrong, there is a place for the new classes, but there is also a place for classes where owners can get involved in the technical aspects of our sport, and have unique and bespoke boats. On the subject of fragmentation of one-design racing, the fault lies 100 per cent with the clubs. A couple of decades ago, clubs generally only ran racing for selected classes, and the effect was that if you wanted to club race on your local water, you bought into the approved fleet, as this served to sustain class racing in classes suitable for the venue.

The general introduction of handicap racing has a allowed the introduction of the "new classes", some of which are excellent products, however the majority of which are poor substitutes for the real thing. Also, linked to this discussion, is the move away from more intimate venues/restricted waters to the big ponds, the clubs have to have more boats to support their overhead, letting any boat in, but ten one-designs on a restricted water offer far closer racing than 20 mixed boats on open water.

I can't help but think that our success in Sydney had a lot to do with the adaptability of our sailors, nurtured on sailing in a wide range of conditions and waters.


From Matt Critchley,
The K-6 keelboat
It was fairly predictable that various Flying Fifteen sailors knocked the K6. LDC have produced an exciting keelboat which offers genuine performance, and the sentiments echoed in this feedback column are wide of the mark.

I am genuinely disappointed that in particular Charles Apthorp and Ben Nicholls criticised a boat just because they perceive it to be a threat to their class. Apthorp tries to compare the B14 with the 4000/5000/RS800. Whilst they are all skiff type boats, the B14 appeals to a different sort of sailor as it is a hiking boat.

He goes on to state that the RS200/RS400 will destroy the National 12/Merlin Rocket. This is plainly a daft statement. The latter classes have experienced a resurgence in recent years as they offer owners the opportunity to experiment and introduce innovations which ultimately benefit all dinghy sailors. For that reason, they will never be threatened by the RS marque. Apthorp and Nicolls slate the design of the boat without any reasoned or logical arguments and the whole thrust of their point is incoherent.

LDC and existing RS sailors do not feel the need to pick holes in other peoples boats - as an individual who would gladly buy a K-6 in the next couple of years, I would prefer to let the RS brand name to speak for the quality of the range.


From Andy Tyler,
The K-6 keelboat
It is interesting to note the comments regarding the K-6 and the Flying Fifteen. Here in Falmouth both classes are due to hold their Nationals in August and September. I know the organisers will host excellent well run events but trying to dry sail some 100 Fifteens will take a fair amount of time and effort. Obviously there won't be the same number of K-6s but i suspect launch and recovery will be a whole lot easier.

One further aspect to consider is speed. All youngsters today are learning to sail on skiff or asymmetric boats which, let's face it, are more sexy than say a Cadet or Mirror and this is reflected in the adoption of the 29er for the Youth Championships as opposed to the 420. The K-6 has the edge on speed and I believe will attract today's young sailors as they drift towards middle age.

The price difference between a K-6 and 15 is marginal and as I think speed/excitment will tip the balance. As Charles is a Fifteen champion I fully accept his comments regarding depowering a K-6 and the limitations to jib. I suspect RS will look and learn. Anyway I am looking forward to both classes visiting the Carrick Roads this summer and I hope they enjoy good Cornish hospitality.


From Martin Wadhams - LDC Racing Sailboats,
The K-6 Keelboat. I understand there has been some comment about K6 jib sheeting. This may be due to a lack of familiarity with the systems on the boat. The lateral sheeting angle can be adjusted by a line which limits the travel of the traveller on the self tacking track and is operated from the central control line plinth in the cockpit. The vertical sheeting angle is adjusted by a choice of holes on the clew board on the jib. This system is used on a number of boats including the 49er and RS800, so is well proven. I'm sure the benefits of a self tacking jib need no more explanation.