From the Feedback - 3/02/01

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 Matt Critchley,
Has the RYA`s approach to youth training struck the right balance? In my youth I was a promising rugby player who played for the England Under 16 Possibles against the Probables, and the approach that the Rugby Football Union (RFU) had at that time was, I believe, the correct one. Namely that the system of youth squads allowed everyone to progress at the right pace for them, whilst allowing the early and late developers to fulfil their potential in the time scales required for young rugby players. As a result, it is easy for players to drop in and drop out of the top class performance programmes dependent upon their ability.

The RFU are now reaping the reward of that system with four successive wins over Southern Hemisphere sides! The RYA would do well to consider the approach taken by the RFU in that respect, in terms of the development of youth squads; namely the non-alienation of those who do not make the grade at the first hurdle! That said, the RFU still have much to learn about the handling of fully professional sportsmen. I guess that no-one can get it right all of the time. I sincerely hope that Mark's fears are unfounded or sailing will certainly become an elitist sport with entry to the highest levels of dinghy sailing barred to those over 18!

From Nick Houchin
Has the RYA`s approach to youth training struck the right balance? Mark Littlejohn is right in his opinion. However, I do believe that the RYA are on the right track and with a bit more development over the next few years the new youth system will become the best in the world.

From Steve D,
The Race? I think Grant could slow down some. The pace is needlessly hard on gear and people. I still think Tony Bullimore should stop cruising and helm his boat better -- he doesn't seem to exceed the wind speed very often. Is he a 'dyed in the wool' mono-hull sailor? His casual attitude is going to force the safety boat to wait nearly a month at risk just for him to cruise past.

From Popsaj ,
Too easy for Dalts? No. I don't think it's too easy. This is the result of another meticulously prepared around the world campaign orchestrated by guys with so much around the world experience it was bound to happen. Combine the experience of Dalton and Quilter with the multi-hull guys and it was uphill all the way even for Cam Lewis and his team. When the going got tough, it was when all that experience came to the fore, knowing when to ease off and when to go for it, while the others had to push all the way just to keep within distance of them. It is still not over yet. A classic example would be Chris Dickson's Tokio campaign coming undone in the South Atlantic in the 1993-94 Whitbread.

From Mansingh Bisal,
Will Lewis really go slower this time? Logically yes. One of the main duties of the captain is the safety of the crew and boat. Two "defections" do not suggest a vote of confidence in the skipper. Cam has to be aware of this. In addition the injuries were unfortunate but not surprising at these speeds.

An aside: Shackleton's account of his voyage to Antarctica is fascinating, this guy took care of his crew morale and physical well being in the Southern Ocean. Of course those guys didn't have the option to get off in Cape Town. Good luck and safe sailing to Team Adventure.

From J Falsone,
Is Lewis right to try and race Team Adventure with ten people? Considering that Cam sailed around the world with five people aboard Bruno Peyron's Commodore Explorer in 1993 for the Jules Verne Trophy, one can argue that he should be OK with ten people on Team Adventure. At this point, the real issue for Cam and his team is finishing The Race without further major disasters. If he can do this, and perhaps finish in 70-75 days, his campaign will be hailed as a success considering his lack of preparation time. The gravy for him will be to set a 24 hour speed record, or make significant gains on the leaders, which would be quite a feat with 40% less manpower. Above all, Cam should realize that he must not prove that his detractors were right - that he's a "vainglorious dilettante" hell bent on winning at all costs. The Race is but one event, one milestone for a boat and a campaign with so much more potential.

More on page two ...