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How to stimulate the UK dinghy scene? If dinghy classes want to keep the numbers up at their national championships maybe they should consider reducing the length of their events to 4 days, running from Thursday to Sunday? This would mean only 2 or 3 days leave from work and reduce costs for most competitors. This would also give a more intense event and with the current trend for lots of shorter races, a championship schedule could easily be fitted into 4 days. No surprise to see the Junior classes leading the way with the excellent support currently available from RYA,Volvo,Clubs & Parents Also children get lots of time

From Jan Lasko
How to stimulate the UK dinghy scene? It was interesting to note that the Optimist class overall numbers at this years Nationals were up even though it happened at the same time as the European Championships which deprived us of 10 National sailors and many European helms and their brothers and sisters. The Junior Class (age under 13 had 97 entries) and simultaneously the Regatta fleet had over 40 entries. The increase in junior / regatta fleet numbers is partly due to the additional training available through the RYA Zone talent squads.

From David Greening
How to stimulate the UK dinghy scene? Although I am pleased that my chosen class (National 12) has moved up the championship table, I am not sure that championship turnouts are a good barometer for the health of dinghy sailing. A week of slogging around big sea courses may no longer be everyone's choice of effective use of limited leisure time. Consider also family sailing weeks such as Salcombe Yacht Club regatta, with turnouts of around 260 boats. We also regularly sail in the Chichester Snowflake, with turnouts in excess of 70 boats on the water every other weekend. The key to both these events is that they retain the Fun Factor, sail on interesting bits of water, with plenty of boat-on-boat situations. We also sail for fun, winning is nice, but not the be-all and end-all, I am not sure this is the ethos of many "squad" coaching systems.

From David Lapes
The Finn still the ultimate singlehander? I think not - there are many alternatives that offer a range of experiences for a wider range of weights. Laser - The default choice due to its exceptional popularity and worldwide acceptance. It's showing its age and feels crude and clunky compared to non-builder classes. Europe - A wonderful boat to sail, but doesn't carry weight too well. RS600, Contender - Great fun and a good challenge RS700, Musto Skiff - Yet another dimension to be tackled; very few showing mastery just yet. RS300 - Wide range of weights carried well, strict one-design, favours finesse over force, great in restricted water or on the sea, light but well built. Stunning performance right across the wind range, with just a few foibles to master. My vote on balance is for the 300, maybe that's why I own one.

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