Date: 1/7/2010
Name: John VanderSchalie
email: jvs@vetmed.wsu.edu
subject:
The one design post


Roy makes a case for not changing the boat at all to keep it a one design class, with the argument that any changes detract from the number who race. The opposing point of view is, how many would continue to sail an outdated boat that did not even have an adjustable backstay, one of the very clear safety valves for the boat. As to cost, the modifications like the back stay are of very minimal cost. New sails are expensive, but should we all be sailing with original Clark sails or ones made to their measurements? The balance is to allow enough low-cost changes to keep people in the class instead of going to a more modern (very expensive) design vs. making no changes. I for one would not be owning or racing a SJ21 if it were as ours came from the factory in 1979. What do people want? A $2,000 boat, or one that can be nicely competitive for $5,000 and a little work? That is still far less than 20'-21' modern designs that do not have the numbers of boats to have class events. Even 15' dinghys are $10-12,000 new! There will always be no-change people and too-much change people, and the correct balance must be found in the best interest of the class.

I'd like to temper Sparky's rant about the class with these comments. Having worked running regattas, and taking criticisms about when to call races, how many to run, course layouts, etc, all being done as a volunteer with no pay, I would get a little thin skinned when people criticized my efforts. Same here, with the class. Do we pay wages to the class secretary or just reimburse expenses? I don't think we pay a wage, and if so, would it be enough to cover the amount of work required? Do we take into account that class officers, who may be retired people with on and off health problems, may need a break or assist from time to time? Complaints without solutions may be pointless, unless solutions are generated. I think these discussions will be worthwhile, and hope they can resolve issues without getting too negative. We have a great little inexpensive boat, wonderful people, and continued participation at class events. Makes me happy!


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