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The last major design change to the class was the introduction of DB fully self-draining boats. Did anyone stand in the way of this and why?
 

It took a long time ( Ask Mr Peebles ). And could be argued that the time it took was a resultant factor of today's situation. And if at that time other rule changes had been made this debate, I suggest would not be happening.


As for rule changes as of today I would suggest allowing a little more gunwale over hang, a reduction in rise of floor mid length width measurement and a different way of measuring your sails whilst freeing up the sail plan ( that doesn't mean spinnakers! ). I don't think dagger-boards are a good idea.

We need more change not less. The class was at it's most healthy when people were being granted concessionary certificates to try things that were deliberately beyond the existing class rules.
The resistance that has built up as people have invested huge sums in expensive boats makes the established top of the fleet reluctant to change - and give up their advantage and investment.

 

Well said. In a nutshell you sumed it up.

Just thought I should ad some perspective to that last but one post, but not wanting to stir things, so don't take it the wrong way Jim. But unfortunately if we had followed Jim's advice with the Cherubs it would be dead today as he was advocating the same thing then. As it happens the Cherub is gaining ground again. But one could argue that it may have had a lot more to do with it's Publicity Officer at the time, but that would be blowing my own trumpet. And as far as Jim is concerned and it seems a lot of people, Advertising / Marketing are the devils work. But if you do it right you can make if work wounders. Mind you have to have something to spin if you are going to spin.
I would argue the point that a N12 is a step up. It is a step up because it's peculiar rules have forced a peculiar boat with peculiar handling and it is something you have to get used too. Rick didn't get used to it. I was forced to get used to it when I sailed them as there wasn't anything else around for my body type, now there is. I recently bought another N12 to sail with my son. And have recently sold it again. Read into that what you will. But I have sailed N12's for some considerable time - that boat would be my fourth one. The other's being - Design 8, Baggy, Wild Front Ear.

Just thought I'd add a little comment as I seem to have started something.

My comments in Y&Y were made in reference to what makes a class successful. Successful means I think in most peoples eyes, big open meeting turn outs and national attendance. It can also mean large numbers of boats built, the two things are not mutually inclusive. But what I was expressing was that a critical points in a classes life, rule decisions have to be made that affect the class that may not be driven from a technical stand point. But it can be just as important to make changes due to changing sailing climate conditions. All classes exist in a competitive consumer space and must consider the consumer and threats to there share of that market from new products. I felt back in the 90's that the N12 were slow to react to threats from other classes. And are feeling the pinch from those decisions now.

I feel that the N12's rules do marginalise the boat and will carry on doing so. But I also feel that the N12 is unlikely to regain it's once great numbers. This has nothing to do with the boat in general or it's rules, but it's development status, economic, social and technological maufacturing factors. But I believe that the N12's could regain and increase numbers significantly if it were to put in place a set of rule changes that have a given goal. That could recapture the imagination of current and prospective sailors alike.

My vision for the N12's would be something similar to the NS14 ( but 12 feet long ). I think in that design space great things could happen.


Daryl

thanks.

just bought another N12 after a long gap sailing other things 12 ft long and was woundering which insurers  you can claim the class insurance discount from?

Noble Marine, said they didn't do class discount so can anyone enlighten me.

Cheers

currently owned by Jim Kerr.

N3126 Charade - bought from Ian Uglow on 25th Feb 2007.

New owner Daryl Wilkinson.

[quote by=ntoa link=Blah.cgi?b=boats,m=3385,s=0 date=1169819777]The life of N3385 Wild Front Ear. Design: Wild Front Ear, designed by: Paul Oakey in 1993[/quote]

Bought from Paul Oakey by Daryl Wilkinson in the late 90's 4th Adrimals Cup at Porth Pean St Austell 2000 having received a Carbon rig from Ben Browns boat Lime Green. sold to Ben Brown.

[quote by=ntoa link=Blah.cgi?b=boats,m=3178,s=0 date=1169819591]The life of N3178 Wind Instrument. Design: Baggy Trousers, designed by: Robert Peebles in 1980[/quote]

Owned and renorvated by Daryl Wilkinson in the mid 1990's

[quote by=ntoa link=Blah.cgi?b=boats,m=3285,s=0 date=1169819136]The life of N3285 Magic Dragon. Design: Design 8, designed by: Phil Morrison in 1987[/quote]

Owned by Nigel May and originally called Delta Lady.
Then Daryl Wilkinson and renamed Magic Dragon.

I beleive a polyester boat.