Nice Ratchet & Discussion of what the members want

[MikeDay]

So, Simon - what do we have to do to persuade you to get back into the class we know you love.  The new boats are fantastic, the racing's as good as ever ... how about it??

Mike D
N3496

[Jane Wade]

What we actually need are some Class 'Nannies' to look after the small people during the sailing hours and then to attract the younger generation in the evenings.  The double benefit of the Nannies had a big impact on the attraction of the class to many of my 'mates' when I was in my teens/early 20s!

[THG]

Brilliant idea Jane - any volunteers?

[Peter Sturdgess (Guest)]

There is one thing for certain -- a Nat 12 owner sailing a solitary existance  in Wales is of no interest to the subscribers of this thread.

[Jane Wade]

A cry for help if ever I heard one!!!!!

The thing with message boards is one post always seems to get overlooked.  Doesn't mean you aren't of interest to any one else, just sometimes the conversation goes in one particular direction.  If you want a point addressed and don't think it is being covered in the thread start a new one.

Every 12 sailor is valued - no matter where they sail.  

Jane  

[Jimbo42]

[Jimbo42]

Hear hear Jane!!!!!!!!

Jim N3130

[Nathan Harding]

An interesting topic and as i'm one of the youth i suppose i should comment. I think the decline in club sailing is large problem when attracting new blood into the class. I was first attracted into the 12's at Saltash by the likes of Gill Moore, John Murrell and Tim Laws who all put a great deal of effort into both putting up with us and getting us into the boats. This was further helped by the efforts of certain chairmans who came along to training events etc.

In regards to one day Vs two day events. I would be less inclined to travel a considerable distance for a one day event.

I particulary miss the days of the SW Series as not only was it good practise and racing but the local class socialised.

On the social side of things it would be nice to go back to how it was when i first started.  Saltash sausage sizzle at porthpean, Meds hilarious drunken prizegivings at tenby, Brownie lecturing the youth on how to be responsible with slurrrrrred words of wisdom, Graham well....being graham.... The older generations dancing and joing in with the team games.

I kno that kids have now arrived on the scene which makes things considerably difficult, bring on Janes Nanny idea!!

Northampton was an improvement on the social side of things with many faces back dancing again (shock horror!!) but there still a fair amount of sciving going on.

I'm not going to mention any names but i also think there is a slight attidude to the youth in the 12's. I mean i remeber some instances at northampton being completly ignored or brushed passed as if we werent standing there. This is not true with all members as the majority have a lot of time for us.

I have also noticed in event reports there isnt always a mention of how the youth did at that event, however this has improved slightly this year. Niether is there a trophy to be won in the Gill Series. I know the prizes are gill vouchers but it would be nice to have something to display etc.

Now in regards to youth at the nationals a few old faces will be appearing this year bringing the number to 9 (not including the johnsons, adsetts). I'm sure we wont mind if the powers to be would like to have a chat to us.

Nigel asked me if i'd like to run the team games and i agreed so lets have a big turn out!! I am also preparing the youth views for you antony, sorry its late but ive been busy with the new boat.

Nathan

[DavidW]

Peter

Having trawled back through this record (i think) thread I've found your question - sorry it got overlloked.

The answer I'm sure is anywhere where there is a 12 Open meeting, championships or fleet within a Regatta - also a good number of sailing clubs where there is a fleet - pick your destination and give the club class rep a call. I can't think of any 12 fleet likely to turn you away or not take an interst (though camping might prove a bit tricky at Ranelagh come to think of it!). We're a friendly bunch really.

Cheers

David
3481

[angus]

As i am about to be made redundant (aaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrhhhhhh) I have just spent most of the morning working my way through  this thread (hope my boss han't taken a sudden interest in national 12s or there goes my refference). Any way to the point. I sail at loch tummel which did have a strong 12 fleet once upon a time, before I was a member. Last year none this year me.
Where have they all gone? Well generally I think they have all grown old and gone into keel boats or retired. Yoemen and 15 sailers keep comming up to me a saying I used to have one of these (Its a china doll by the way so more state of the ark than art).
The problem is that the younger gereration have been suduced by spinnakers trapezes and plastic, Thinking this equates to fun rather just concentrating on sailing well and fast.
People also now expect to have every thing done for them, the idea of fitting aboat out to suit themselves seems to be a concept that is beyond most people these days. Much easier to get an RS off the shelf and bend to fit.
On the subject of crews, when i first started sailing there were much fewer single handed boats about pre lasers and toppers and people gained experience by crewing. now everybody expects to jump straight in the blunt end, part of the effect of this is people don't know how to set up boats so need somthing like and rs where they are all the same.
On the subject of travelling, I went to my first 12 one this spring, I was a little bit worried how my old boat would be recieved and also although I started sailing a very long time ago I have had some very long gaps so I am not very good, but i needn't of worried, everybody was very helpful and friendly and although we did come last we where by no means out classed (Its an important job propping up the rest of the fleet) and we learnt a lot.
I have just realised how long I have been rambling on and no answers just a few of the problems.
And Peter get out there and go to a few opem meetings I am sure you will get a great reception and have a great time.
to the rest of you sorry for ranting on for so long I obviously have nothing better to do. :X

[PeterSturdgess]

DavidW, Jimbo42, Jane Wade.

I owe you  all an apology in that I have not responded to your postings.  I have been responding to a new thread opened and dealing singularly with my point, I recommend you view it.
 
David, I think what you are avoiding saying, is that there is not a N12 fleet in Wales.

Jimbo, Me, extol the beauty and virtues of the Pembrokeshire coastal waters, you  surely must be joking. N1722 is as  stated in the handbook, manufactured by Jack Holt in 1959. Major characteristic appears to be steady in relation to other designs but neverless nice put together. New name FLY.

JaneWade, The "youngsters" in this area are telescopic visioned towards the likes of laserand little else, if there is a future for the class  in Wales, it is as a "vintage"class.

[PeterSturdgess]

Oh Dear I nearly overlooked Angus.

I've got a better  idea, Its to rescue redundant  N12's into ownership that will hopefully form a  nucleus of a regenerated fleet in West Wales if you  know of any rescueable craft please let me know. I  will  then do  all I  possibly can recover  them and ensure  that they get good homes and sailing in one of the best sailing venues in UK.

[Simon Nelson (Guest)]

[THG]

Seems this thread has now run out of steam - I'll try to put together some sort of summary / view for the next newsletter.  nathan - I'lll leave out a yoof view.  Also I don't feel we covered much of the Vintage side of the fleet or the pure 'cruisers'.

Kean
3339

[Rosie (Guest)]

On the subject of getting youngsters into the class, we have first hand experience from the 405 class that many parents of kids coming out of oppies and toppers etc would not even consider the class for the sole reason that it wasn't an rya recognised class.