Tom,, here is what I wrote:




Glenn and I know each other from the TornadoCat e-mail list, and we have discussed the topic somewhat earlier (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TornadoCat/ please join if you still are interested in the Tornado!). What my comment meant is that the Tornado class today is what the ITA want it to be. You described the status as I also see it. A few stragglers and some fleets in europe. I certainly dont think it is healthy, but it is what the ITA want it to be. Here is section 2 copied from the class constitution:

2. Objects
The objects of the ITA are to promote and further the interests of the Tornado Class throughout the world including:
a). To maintain the one-design character of the Tornado Catamaran
b). To co-ordinate and manage the affairs of the class.
c). To make recommendations on the control of the class to the International Sailing Federation (ISAF).
d). To encourage and co-ordinate national and international competition in the class.
e). To maintain Olympic Status.

The focus on the narrow top end of the class combined with Marstrøms building techniques (cost of building) is whats killing the class in my opinion. If you look in the yearbook, the decline in new boats start in the late 80s when Gøran Marstrøm began using pre-pregs and autoclaves, making the entry cost much higher and clogging up the stream of affordable used boats avaliable. I could have a nice T fleet going over here, but the available used boats are not within the budget constraints for pure hobbyists with families. If I want to build a fleet, I will go with F-16s and F-18s.

Campaigns costs are ridiculous, but that is a concern for the top end of the class. Problem is that there is not much left for the local level and weekend warriors.

We have sailed Tornados the last 7 years, gone to regattas further south in Europe etc. We have had a great time and lots of fun, but we stay on the boat becouse we enjoy the feel of it so much and the cameraderie shared with the 7-10 other participants at our scandinavian championship. There are no other reason for someone not going for an olympic berth to stay on the Tornado.
Until the Tornado is dropped from the Olympics, this is what the class will continue to be. Afterwards, it will either die completely, or go the route of the Soling, FD and others. First thing I would like to see when dropped is the banning of pre-preg construction and possibly allow aramids.
I hope this put some perspective to my comment to Glenn earlier.

To get back on topic, I think having a min. weight is uneccesary, even for the Bejing event. After all, everybody going there except the Chinesee team have to qualify. If some teams want to go on an extreme diet, it should be a case for their medical support and coach to make them do the right thing.
I am a fan of the US trials system, even if it is a bit hard on the teams going abroad qualifying the nation. Why would US Sailing demand that sailors who want to compete have an ISAF ranking? I think your current system is very good, giving everybody a chance to participate, even youngsters who borrow an old beater.