I got my first 12, 3229 at 15. At that time we had a strong 12 fleet at Saltash and would regularly have 6-7 boats racing on a Tuesday night. What made the 12 class special was how welcoming and helpful everyone is. I don't think this has changed. There is always someone available to help or work late In the boat Park. I think almost everyone had benefited from grazz's toolbox!
The competitive side of the 12 fleet has changed, I believe markedly since the introduction of the foils. Yes double bottom boats were generally faster but an old admirals cupper always had a fighting chance against her younger faster sibling. It is harder to see db boats having the same fighting chance against foils in anything past a drift fest.
I think one of the biggest differences between the the 12 class and other classes mentioned like the 200 is that it is very hard to jump in a 12 and go quickly from the offset. People like being competitive, and let's face people buy a 12 (definitely a db 12) because they want to race. They are not known for being a comfortable cruising boat! We need to do more to help people yune their 12's.
The discussion on whether or not to get rid of foils will be debated for a long time but a discussion at the AGM, held at Burton week, we have established this is now an event of diminishing numbers dominated by foils will not solve the problem. A wider fleet wide consultation is required.
An interesting option that the class might be interested in trialing is allowing boats to race off their recommended PY at open meetings and Burton week. It should add interest and allow people with "uncompetitive" boats the chance to compete for overalls not just some subsidiary.
I would personally attend Burton week regardless in 3438 but unfortunately life is currently getting in the way and we are limited to evening sailing, but I can't deny that I would look forward to the racing more knowing that if we sailed our boat to the maximum potential we still have a chance!
Tom Jefferies
3438
The competitive side of the 12 fleet has changed, I believe markedly since the introduction of the foils. Yes double bottom boats were generally faster but an old admirals cupper always had a fighting chance against her younger faster sibling. It is harder to see db boats having the same fighting chance against foils in anything past a drift fest.
I think one of the biggest differences between the the 12 class and other classes mentioned like the 200 is that it is very hard to jump in a 12 and go quickly from the offset. People like being competitive, and let's face people buy a 12 (definitely a db 12) because they want to race. They are not known for being a comfortable cruising boat! We need to do more to help people yune their 12's.
The discussion on whether or not to get rid of foils will be debated for a long time but a discussion at the AGM, held at Burton week, we have established this is now an event of diminishing numbers dominated by foils will not solve the problem. A wider fleet wide consultation is required.
An interesting option that the class might be interested in trialing is allowing boats to race off their recommended PY at open meetings and Burton week. It should add interest and allow people with "uncompetitive" boats the chance to compete for overalls not just some subsidiary.
I would personally attend Burton week regardless in 3438 but unfortunately life is currently getting in the way and we are limited to evening sailing, but I can't deny that I would look forward to the racing more knowing that if we sailed our boat to the maximum potential we still have a chance!
Tom Jefferies
3438