Dart 15 Forums

Despite keeping my son on a sparrows diet for the first 13yrs of his life he now seems to be revolting (!) and with little regard for our sailing career has started his growth spurt.

Sadly I fear I will soon be even less competitive at the Nationals than previously.

This got me thinking about what the class does to encourage 2Up sailing - which, we have to be honest here, is not much. I did think about a more favourable handicap. I'm sure most people would accept that only adult and small child combo can compete against unarig, however we have really enjoyed being part of the big unarig Nationals.

What about an additonal 2Up event - I don't think it would detract from any existing events. It could be run as one event but have two entrance categories (combined crew weight above or below 20 stone for example), thereby encouraging adult teams etc. It might also encourage some junior teams, we would have a few at Shanklin who at the moment would not be confident to come to the unarig or sport nationals.

My wife and I might sail in one boat and my children in another.

As I said in the subject line - just trying to start a debate and see what comes out of it.

Simon

we would have a few at Shanklin who at the moment would not be confident to come to the unarig or sport nationals.

Give me a list of names and I will get the thumb screws out.

Liam wrote:

we would have a few at Shanklin who at the moment would not be confident to come to the unarig or sport nationals.

Give me a list of names and I will get the thumb screws out.

Lily, Daisy, Amy, Henry, Tom . . . all under 16 and could all helm.

I've taken an adult crew without even considering my position in the race.

Taking a crew is a good way to promote the class. For example, taking someone who has expressed an interest at the Alexandra Palace dinghy show. I've also taken crews at my club and discussed the merits of the Sprint whilst we are racing. A recent convert is Alan Leonard who must be well over 15 stones. He went on to buy #1707.