John
Yes I am aware that after the ISAF disaster many prominent and dedicated cat sailors worked very hard to repair the image, relationships and equipment rules. That does not prevent these same sailors for taking responsibility for the previous 8 years which led to this mess.
Bundy,
You wrote
He was left to defend the class and this is the sailors fault.
That is one of my points.
The fact that you were a great supporter of Mike also speaks to the huge need for this support for Mike over the years. The fact is that a prominent faction of the class worked openly and behind the scenes to fire/oust him over many of the issues that I listed. ISAF forced the class to deal with the level playing field issues.
You have a unique first hand perspective since your old partner, John Forbes, led the class before Mike and your perspective can inform the next generation of leadership.
We agree that Mike was the only face that interacted with ISAF. Why? Unlike the other Olympic classes... the elite Tornado sailors who retired and had relationships with the ISAF and MNA powers did not continue to support and represent the class. They were not there to schmooze and make the case that the Tornado and multihull were the best of best. Contrast the Tornado to the Star, Laser, Finn. Those classes had old guys who carried the flag for the class. That is a collective failure of the class and has not been addressed.
Had Mike also been an elite sailor like John... would things have been different in the class and at ISAF?
Bundy, I did not pick sides in my list of T class ISAF issues.. The fact is that these were issues for ISAF. ISAF takes the stand that the playing field for the athletes MUST BE LEVEL. Debating the merits of any of those issues is not the point... if it looks like a duck and squawks like a duck...... It doesn't matter if the DNA proves it's a goose.... ISAF had ongoing issues and the Tornado Class had one person to represent them and the class had strong issues and factions to deal with. I like TEAMVMG think Mike did a good job keeping a head above water but the global issues were not resolved.
I agree that Mike's tenure had come to an end and new faces were needed.
My point is the Tornado class sailors should acknowledge the mistakes of the past and not just white wash the past and move on without being responsible. Their leadership in F18, A Class, Hobie 16 and Tornado sailing will be essential in getting back to the games in some multihull.
John wrote:
At the end of the day the ISAF decision could only be analysed out as as the result of egos, self-interest and back-room double dealing i.e politics.
Sure that was a part of the disaster but refusing to acknowledge the equal role of the T class actions, and it's
egos, self interst and back room double dealing i.e poltics is short sighted. Moreover, the next Olympic catamaran class(s) will need to get it all right. The elite Olympic sailors will be leaders in the classes we sail and I acknowledge their continuing effort. I just want to make sure that they understand the past mistakes while they pursue a second chance for multihull sailing. The notion that catamarans are entitled.... got us into this mess in the first place and could kill off chances for a return.
Rolf
No point in lingering there.
The time for the PR campaign for 2012 has past. ISAF did not vote an 11th medal. Blowing smoke at the world and OURSELVES is not productive.
Understanding the Tornado experience, it's history and it's success and failures is important if you want a sailor managed class for the elite Olympic level. Alternatively, we could have a SMOD class go for the Olympics and leave the management up to a private party.
I like you miss the boat.... . I hope that Roland and the EU sailors will be able to organize as a class with a sustainable mission and keep it going.
6 years will melt away quickly...
Catamaran sailors need to start forming a consensus as to the future of elite cat racing and the racing classes have to get behind this plan.
What we know is that one person representing ~40 pro and semi pro sailing teams does not win lots of support... either from ISAF or the multihull rank and file.... until it's too late!