There’s a very basic point, that is probably included in the above discussion, but has become somewhat clouded in the above analysis that suggests we’re all budding economists as well as recreational sailors.
This basic point is to ask ourselves exactly what we get when we buy a sail, or any other piece of Laser equipment. Sure, like anyone else I get that feeling of dread when my new sail is flogging away in the breeze. I can see the dollar bill signs flying off the leach. But what did my hard earned dollars buy me? Was it really just a piece of redundant cloth, mass produced in a developing economy and sold to me at great expense?
A quick look around any regatta suggests I have exchanged my money for way more than just the sail. I go to at least 5 regattas every year. There are rarely less than 40 boats on my start line. On any Saturday, or midweek twilight, there is rarely less than 15 boats on my start line. I’m into Lasers in a big way because I love big fleet one design racing. How do we have such successful big fleets? All part of the magic of the Laser formula, but a big part of this is that it’s super easy to get involved. I know people in Sydney who have ordered a brand new boat and were sailing in it the next day. Delivered to the club and on the water in 24 hours. When I got into the sport there was a dealer who sold me a second had boat. His advice and support made the plunge into boat ownership as easy as it could be. I later bought a brand new boat and traded in the second hand one. The old boat was picked up, a trade in given, and the new boat delivered. I still to this day receive excellent support form these dealers. Despite family commitments and a horrific work schedule I get to enjoy a lot of hours on the water – most of my friends from Laser sailing would be quick to agree the advantages of the service offered.
Of course the class association also take a cut of my hard earned dollars. Is this money well spent? I’m sure I could write a long list of things I would like our class association to do better. But, as someone who is involved in the organisation of sailing, I understand all too well just how much volunteer effort is required to run regattas. In fact, if I look at my total expenditure on sailing over a year, the association membership and regatta entry cost are almost negligible, but they provide the best racing of the season.
Our sails do indeed need modernised. But we all know that work in this area is happening and the sails will be replaced eventually. When it happens I would hope there is no further change for a long, long time. Any change has to be the right change. I would rather the ILCA take as many years as they want to get this right; pushing through a change that is not 100% right for the class just to appease some members who want immediate action would be the worse course of action imaginable.
So maybe next time the 1 minute gun goes, and the adrenalin builds as the worlds most successful one design packs in for another start, take the time to pat yourself on the back. You helped make this happen. The money you splashed out to get to the start line has also directly contributed to the success of the class, and you’re now benefiting all over again. Now that I think of it I’ve got a bargain. Steal of the century. Try to see past the fact the sail is just a piece of awful cloth. You’ll feel way better and enjoy the experience much more.
This basic point is to ask ourselves exactly what we get when we buy a sail, or any other piece of Laser equipment. Sure, like anyone else I get that feeling of dread when my new sail is flogging away in the breeze. I can see the dollar bill signs flying off the leach. But what did my hard earned dollars buy me? Was it really just a piece of redundant cloth, mass produced in a developing economy and sold to me at great expense?
A quick look around any regatta suggests I have exchanged my money for way more than just the sail. I go to at least 5 regattas every year. There are rarely less than 40 boats on my start line. On any Saturday, or midweek twilight, there is rarely less than 15 boats on my start line. I’m into Lasers in a big way because I love big fleet one design racing. How do we have such successful big fleets? All part of the magic of the Laser formula, but a big part of this is that it’s super easy to get involved. I know people in Sydney who have ordered a brand new boat and were sailing in it the next day. Delivered to the club and on the water in 24 hours. When I got into the sport there was a dealer who sold me a second had boat. His advice and support made the plunge into boat ownership as easy as it could be. I later bought a brand new boat and traded in the second hand one. The old boat was picked up, a trade in given, and the new boat delivered. I still to this day receive excellent support form these dealers. Despite family commitments and a horrific work schedule I get to enjoy a lot of hours on the water – most of my friends from Laser sailing would be quick to agree the advantages of the service offered.
Of course the class association also take a cut of my hard earned dollars. Is this money well spent? I’m sure I could write a long list of things I would like our class association to do better. But, as someone who is involved in the organisation of sailing, I understand all too well just how much volunteer effort is required to run regattas. In fact, if I look at my total expenditure on sailing over a year, the association membership and regatta entry cost are almost negligible, but they provide the best racing of the season.
Our sails do indeed need modernised. But we all know that work in this area is happening and the sails will be replaced eventually. When it happens I would hope there is no further change for a long, long time. Any change has to be the right change. I would rather the ILCA take as many years as they want to get this right; pushing through a change that is not 100% right for the class just to appease some members who want immediate action would be the worse course of action imaginable.
So maybe next time the 1 minute gun goes, and the adrenalin builds as the worlds most successful one design packs in for another start, take the time to pat yourself on the back. You helped make this happen. The money you splashed out to get to the start line has also directly contributed to the success of the class, and you’re now benefiting all over again. Now that I think of it I’ve got a bargain. Steal of the century. Try to see past the fact the sail is just a piece of awful cloth. You’ll feel way better and enjoy the experience much more.