18 August

Hi Andrew

The effort by Dale and Rob is commendable. In my limited time in the SA sailing scene, I have noticed this gap in progression. Another thing that I have noticed is the pressure that is placed upon sailors post-oppie outside sailing (matric, varsity). It would appear that it will require a truly exciting boat (and prospects) to compel these youngsters to continue with their sailing carreer and avoid the mistake of so many - neglecting the pull of the sport until one is only able to sail something a little staid (and expensive), to say the least.

The reasons stated by Rob and Dale are:

. 2. Some sailors are too small for any of the Laser options (4.7: 55 – 65kg, radial: 65 – 75kg, full rig: 75+ kg)

3. Some sailors don’t enjoy helming

4. Youth (under 18’s) sailing in SA is poorly structured

5. Incentives to race (qualify for a Worlds team) are no longer clear

The proposal is:

420: Cost R 42 000 (overseas) , new sails circa R 13 000 until available locally.

Laser II: R45 000 (overseas), new sails circa R 6 500 locally (Cannot be used in international competition), or circa R14 800 imported.

As can be seen, neither of these boats is particularly cheap and I would be interested to know if there is any local second hand market for competitive boats.

I must confess that I have no first hand experience of the Laser II but, having seen it on the water, am less than impressed. I was fortunate enough (as a youth) to sail a 420 in the Brittish National champs and the Youth Worlds, and must say that I enjoyed the boat. However, my recent reintroduction to sailing in a 29er has brought with it a whole new dimension. Skiff sailing is a completely different ball game. It requires immense skill, is fast, technical and......truly exciting. Surely the skiff is the small racing boat of the future. Enthusiasm aside, it is worthwhile to examine the practicalities of proposing the skiff. I am not qualified to comment on the international racing opportunities - but I know that you are. (49 ers, 18ft skiffs).

However, regarding affordability - we have a number of 29ers available second hand at circa R 25 000. I bought mine, complete with brand new sails, trailor and dolly for R26 000. Further to this, I understand that Stephen Dutoit still has the mould in CT and must be extremely interested in resuming production of this great little boat. In any event, the R50 000 cost of a new boat is partially offset by low maintenance requirements, reasonably priced sails (approx R7800 for a full set) and very light on gear.

Regarding suitability for youth sailors, surely the 29er could not be more perfect. Correct me if I am wrong but I believe that the all up ideal wieght for a 29er is around 110 -140 Kg. Most youngsters are therefore at the ideal wieght when they outgrow oppies and anyway, sailing a 29er fast seams to be more about technique than anything else. Aside from this, youth sailing needs something else. It is called Xtreme. This is what turns youngsters on. Youth sports are about pushing the limits. Ask any kid how they felt whilst sailing a Mirror when a 29er 'sailed' past! Wow!!.......Dad?

Therefore, as a 29er sailor, I would ask that our class be a serious consideration for anyone attempting to find a way for our youth,

Regards,

Dave Andrews

Rob Tarboton is doing an admirable job of trying to stimulate youth interest in the 29er - and this is not without good reason - he needs competition.