From the Feedback - 9th November 2000

The Olympic classes and a British America's Cup challenge are getting our feedback writers pounding those keyboards

Anyone can join in with our From the Feedback features, all you have to do is click on the blue question link at the bottom of each article, or hit the My Feedback button at the top of every page. Tell us what you think, and don't feel you have to wait for us or someone else to get around to a topic. If something is steaming you up in your class, club or pub - let us know.
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 info@sail-s.com

In reply to your question, Should the Tornado Sport be the new Olympic cat? I think it is wise to have the Tornado in the Olympics again because it is a tried and tested design that has proven its place. I am a Hobie 16 racer and would never want the H16 in the Olympics due to the increase in costs that the boat would incur, but the Tornado is already expensive and so this is not an issue. With so much change in the world of sailing it is nice to see at least two multi-hull classes last through the years (Tornado and H16). I vote to keep the Tornado and add the spinnaker and extra trapeze.


From R Smith

You asked if the Tornado Sport should be the new Olympic catamaran? Yes, the Tornado Sport more accurately reflects the current trends in catamaran sailing around the world, and will be a more exciting, faster and challenging event. Being faster than ever, the new configuration will be even more exciting for the public to view.

But why do you all keep asking negative questions about the H16? Each article I read about the H16 had a question like, 'The Hobie - just a beach cat?' and other questions that seem directed at disproving the H16 as a racing class. I am sure you just want to know what people think, but most mono-hull sailors are going to say it is just another beach cat or just a toy.

But us H16 racers - of course - see it another way. Why don't you ask questions like, 'Why is the H16 so popular' or, 'Who do you think will win the next H16 Worlds?' I think if one keeps asking stupid questions, one will only get stupid replies. I say - let's leave the sailing to those who love to sail (no matter what type of boat) and leave the politics to those who care. I have found politics and sailing do not mix well. I do appreciate all the good work the ISAF does, promoting the H16 in the Youth Worlds and other events, and I know the H16 racers appreciate it!

Editor's Note: I guess that'll be a raw nerve we touched on then, we'll start thinking up some new questions!

From Mal Gray

The way I see it, unless the bodies that administer this sport of ours start to take into account the value of spectator appeal, sailing as a sport in the Olympics is doomed! The only way to ensure the survival of Olympic sailing is to lose the dinosaurs and bring in some modern classes that include colour and action. How can they even consider dropping the 49er? It represents the only interesting features of the sport of sailing to the general public, i.e. speed, colour and action. Sailing gets little enough media attention as it is. Olympic sailing should be used as a way to bring the best sailors of the world together on exciting boats, in order to showcase the sport to the world. World championships already exist if you want to be a purist!

From N Hurst

The America's Cup SHOULD be a sailboat race, but has for too long been a legal and political battlefield which does the sport of sailing as a whole no good at all. Whatever happened to the original national qualification rule? As I understood it, it meant that all team members - designers, sailmakers, crew, et al - had to be citizens of the challenging country. The event is turning into a 'who has the biggest wallet' competition.

Editor's Note: Some might say it always was ...

From kcope2

If we do not go for the America's Cup in 2003, but defer until the next defence, say in 2006 and hope that we then make a strong challenge - can we take forward today's enthusiasm for that length of time? Probably not. A low key, one-boat 2003 challenge with good, knowledgeable media coverage, would give the experience to build on. But without the correct TV coverage I don't think we have a chance. Being in New Zealand this year I must say how envious I was of the TV coverage, so that even when away from Auckland it was possible to feel 'part of it'. Sailing at this level can be a spectator sport, if correctly promoted to all sporting fans.

From M J Nicholson

You asked if we should be the next to chuck our hats in the America's Cup ring - Yes - and let's not muck about! The Olympics proved that we can sail, we must now show that we can build boats and put a campaign together. There are enough corporations in this country who can sponsor the campaign. Let Britannia once again rule the waves!!!

From B Nicolls

Should the RYA spread talent across all Olympic classes? The RYA should not dictate anything to anyone - the sailors have to 'want' to sail a particular class in order to succeed. Obviously the RYA will want to try to spread the talent, but there is a well known saying about 'leading horses to water'. Those individuals who believe they have the talent to win a Gold Medal in Athens will be able to work out for themselves which is the best class for them to compete in. I do not think you will get many 5ft 8in / 9 stone sailors entering the Finn Class.

From Anonymous

Your question - should the RYA spread talent across all Olympic classes? Definitely - Sydney showed that we can not only win medals but that we have the potential to do so in most classes. It does not appear that by spreading talent across all classes, we will be spreading ourselves too thinly. If you had looked at the classes two years ago, what chances would you have said we had in the Men's 470 and Star? And in the Laser, we now have others hot on Ben's heels, particularly Paul Goodison, who look ready for a good go at Gold next time around. It appears that we now have many young people progressing through, ready for a move into all of the Olympic classes, and potentially threatening those successful members of Team GB this time around who intend to carry on.

Editor's Note: Ok, ok, I know I said I wasn't going to publish stories from this anonymous person, but they have a good point - maybe we do have enough talent for the Olympics and the America's Cup - or is that the road to hubris and downfall? Over to you ...