From the feedback - 28/04/01

From Pedro Young
How many around the world yacht races can the sport support? I note in the feedback that Dennis wants to limit the length of the unlimited multis to 100' - contradiction there, my son, how can they then be unlimited? Keep them as they are, pushing boundaries and ideas forward. I do however agree with reducing the time penalties for stops.

From George Conk
How many around the world yacht races can the sport support? Three. One a year in a four year cycle with the America's Cup for the off year. The six to nine months it takes to run a round the world race, the limited audience could make a fairly regular series impose such limits. (Look at Quokka Sailing's demise - advertising $ not there, despite decent audience). The sequence: Volvo Ocean (crewed - legs); Around Alone (singlehanded - legs); America's Cup; Vendee Globe/Olympic Year.

From Matt Critchley to Mike Cooke
Are these guys talking rubbish? Tell us what you think? Cooke: As a National 12 Sailor you may well lead the way in terms of sail/hull development but please remind me how many entries you get at your nationals. If you as a class association can compete with the UK RS Class Association (choose any class other than the RS300) then I will take back my original comments but otherwise don't knock my feedback; over the last few years I have not noticed many RS sailors leaving our fleets to sail National 12s. Don't get me wrong you (along with the Merlin Rockets) have a lot to offer but don't otherwise get upset.

From Mike Cooke
Are these guys talking rubbish? Tell us what you think? I would just like to add to my last comment, that I am not bitter about the success of the RS Association, I actually own an RS600. But I am just bothered about people making claims about them being new and great - after all, their ideas have come from the work put in by the minority development classes like the 12s. The RS classes have a great structure for events and the association - but the reason they have such a great circuit is the result of many years of hard work by other classes, who try - then maybe get it wrong a few times, but ultimately succeed. This work then permeates the sport as a whole.

From John and Katy
Are these guys talking rubbish? Tell us what you think? RS200s go development. So some like it with a big rudder, others like it small. Imagine how fast it could go with a modern rig, or built down to a modern weight. Imagine not having to use the manufacturer's colour chart. So go development sailing, forget old technology, embrace new technology - take who you want, where what you want, as often as you like it. Development is the way to go - lead fashion, don't trail it.

From Matt Critchley to Ian
Are these guys talking rubbish? Tell us what you think? Ian: What is your problem? Do you really think that you are a better sailor/boat designer than the LDC Morrison team who designed the RS200? If the answer to that is yes then good luck; you shouldn't have any problem in making your fortune. If the answer is no; then may I suggest that you learn to sail the boat properly as many others have (including children) before knocking the design.

From Malcolm Morleys
Are these guys talking rubbish? Tell us what you think? Who wants an RS200 that you can steer just by pointing the rudder in the right direction? Less waggling the "which-way-stick", more steering with weight needed. That is exactly the sort of reason why the 200 DOES have such a good feel to it. Keep your large M&W brake for slowing down the Fireball.

From Mike Ahrenberg
Should Ellen be sailing with the GBR Challenge? I think it is definitely a good idea, as I think Ellen has got a certain strategic way of thinking. A little practice in sailing close to land and a bit more learning in the rules of a match-race, and there might just be a real challenge. All in all it is a good thing the Brits finally have a challenger for the America's cup. Ellen is a seasoned and very skilled sailor so her working together with some of the GBR Challenge boys will be beneficial for both parties. Would be nice to see her take part in the challenge as a crew member (if the crew is not already fixed, that is). Let's see what comes out of it. Wishing you all good luck.

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