From the feedback - 26/04/01

From Mike Cooke
Feedback form feedback. Well it appears that the RS class doesn't lead the way in much... Not only do they copy our designs, but they also copy our ideas!! Quote:- "What do you think of the `buddy` system? What a great idea - it gives an incentive to those who would otherwise not be in the running for prizes especially in large (100 + boat) fleets. Too bad that the RS Class Association (with sponsorship from GUL) did exactly the same thing at 1999 and 2000 Nationals. It's good to know that, yet again, the UK RS Class Association leads the way for others to follow." This is rubbish, as the National 12 Class put a buddy system in place for their championships at Weymouth in 1998. I don't know if anyone else was earlier than this... Maybe RS should leave the development to the development classes.

How many around the world yacht races can the sport support? I think that since it only takes an Open 60 100 days to make the trip around Antarctica and back to Europe, that a race a year would not be too much for the sport to support. Maybe a race with a few stops every couple of years, and a multihull race every other or every three years. I would like to see a limit of 100' for the (unlimited?) multis to keep the race tighter, and not such a big penalty to stop for repairs or to get medical attention.

From R Smit
How many around the world yacht races can the sport support? Around the world single-handed sailing is quite distinct from crewed races and generates much more interest - possibly because it is easier for the public to identify with a single personality on a single boat. The Vendee (non-stop) and the Around Alone (stopping) is obviously enough on the single-handed calendar. The next Around Alone is going to be very exciting because a whole new contingent of Open 40s will probably compete. The crewed races are the ones with public interest, and thus, sponsorship problems.

From Pete
What are his chances against Percy? Percy & Brittle will be pretty hard to beat when they get their act together. The battle for the games slot will probably come down to Walker and Covell or Percy and Brittle.