Building Classes

I think MSSC should build a consensus for developing two recommended classes at MSSC.  One should be a dinghy class and the other should be a cruiser.  Right now our racing is diluted across too many boat types. In each case the class selected should be easy for a novice to get into in terms of skill and cost.

I believe that the choice for the dinghy class is obvious. It should be the Flying Scot. The only other widespread dinghy class in the southeast is the Thistle. I think even Hayden and Tommy Glenn should agree that the Thistle is not the best choice for a beginner. Note, I said should - not would ;-). You might be thinking that I am prejudiced since I chose to buy a Scot. Maybe so, but the Scot would have never been my first choice if some other classes were still active in our area. I chose the active class – not the boat. The Flying Scot is a good boat – with a very good resale market. There are always competitive boats available at nearly any price.

The choice for the cruiser is less obvious. With this in mind, I’ll try to list some criteria that might be important in choosing a class.

1. There should be a number of boats already in the club.

2. Inexpensive boats should be readily available

3. The boat should be suitable for a young family.

4. The boat should be trailerable.

5. There should be other active fleets in our area.

Two boats come to mind for point 1 – the Catalina 22 and the O’day 25. I think there are four or five Catalina 22s owned by club members (Tom Cromer, Brett Wood, Allan Fegenbush, Donna Hickman, and maybe one other). I think there are four O’day 25s (Al Tidwell, Brett Wood, Kevin Baker, and maybe one other)

Here’s my evaluation of the two boats as a possible racing class for MSSC. P=Point, C=Catalina 22, O=Oday 25

P C O
1 A B
2 A C
3 B B
4 B D
5 b f

I think the Catalina 22 is the clear winner. (Even though I don’t particularly like the Catalina 22) Another plus for the Catalina 22 is that Catalina Yachts provide strong support.

Now I will get really controversial. I think those of us who are concerned about the future of sailing at MSSC should get one of these two boats and get on the water with it. This is especially true of those who once enjoyed class racing, but the class they are in is no longer active in the area, or if they are no longer physically able to race in the class they once loved.

I hope this provokes you into responding.  Lets get some ideas going!

Floyd