Mirrors threat to Optimist and Dabbies at Nationals this year ....

Reading the considered replies of the two "Robs" it would seem that as usual communication is the problem, and here I refer to the Mirror Class versus the Oppies and Dabbies.

I have just experienced the very same thing this week, but with another Class which shall remain nameless. Confusion reigns supreme and sailing suffers.

Without being judgemental, as we probably all know too little to offer comment, there is no doubt that there are very well run classes in South Africa, as well as weaker classes. Two years ago the Sprogs were going places, and last year were dramatically "down" in fleet size. I think it relates directly to input. The Junior Classes, Oppies and Dabbies, have very enthusiastic parents and role players who do a fantastic job with the classes. One only has to see how successful their regattas are to realise this fact. The L26 Class is a well run affair, and consequently has enjoyed a revival in the past 4 years or so.

The bottom line here is that sailing will continue to limp along until the majority of the Classes are run by people with enthusiasm and a real will to see sailing succeed in general. Hopefully, when those children in their Oppies come of age, their moms and dads will continue to steer them through to adulthood via the various classes available, and thereby strengthen these classes. This opens another can of worms of course..... the question of the "ideal" intermediate class. Boy oh boy, one debate leads to another so easily which again points to a huge problem at National and Regional levels.

Dave Claxton