All,

I have been thinking about how to do this, email to all of you or on this forum and as a result I have decided that initially I would see what your comments are.

I have been wondering what is needed to be done to get those of you who don't regularly attend the National Championships to attend and I do understand that we all have work committments etc, but I am looking for some feedback so that it can be passed onto all the state committees as a consideration for future championship series.

I would like to know what are your considerations when deciding to go or not to go,
What is expected and what is wanted, things to do for the family while you are sailing, off water entertainment, etc.

This not a criticsm of previous events but more a way that we can get more of you to attend and particapate in what is a week of sailing and socialising.

If you consider that this forum is not the place for your comments, please feel free to use the email address on the National site (Nat Sec) or by the email here.

I would like to see more of us there from all states and I am looking at ways to involve and get some of the states who sail mossies back into the fold (so to speak), remember that the stronger we are the more will get noticed and the more we will grow.

Thanks and look forward to your comments...

David (Nat Sec)

So long as I have a decent car to get me to and from the venue Im all in.
But I think for all the people coming interstate, something for the partners to do while we are sailing.

But on a different note, You know yourself Dave how hard it is to get noticed in NSW as people are trying everything they can to disadvantage us.

William

hi dave, i would like to see something for the partners and families while we are racing. the cook hates going to regattas where all we do is sail all day and she gets stuck behind in the caravan park/sailing club with the kids. i grew up going to sharpie and heron nationals where there was a social event every night and we didn't have 10 races over 5-7 days.it was more like 7 races over 10 days with organised outings/rest days. we are on the water from 10am to 5 pm everyday.

Hi Dave,

From a personal point of view, I would love to have gone this year but the distance basically added a day at either end for travel,and with two younguns and no significant other, it is a big slab out of the holidays to be "all about the sailing"<img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />as my eldest would say.

From a class point of view:

Do we wave the flag in all corners of the Mozzie empire to attract some focus to the class?

Does it work?

Is it important, or is the pleasure of racing our boats in new and interesting waters, reward enough on it's own?

Or

If getting the biggest fleet possible on the water is the main goal, should we go where most of the boats are in each state.
e.g.There are 16 or so sailing regularly on the Mornington Peninsula within 25km of each other (nearly all of those at Somers). Not a bad starting point for a fleet next time the Nats are to be held in Vic.



Anyway, just a couple of thoughts to perhaps get the discussion ticking along...

Cheers

Hi Dave,

Here's my 2 cents worth...

I would like to see it be all about the racing... 15 races in 5 days... If I'm going to travel interstate to sail I don't want to be sitting on the beach... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Having said that -
1) I think my crew wound mutiny and I'd find myself sailing Mk1... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

2) I have a very understanding (more likely forgiving) wife who isn't all that interested in coming to the nationals anyway.

3) I suspect I am slightly insane and in the minority <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

4) I would rather have quality racing than lots of racing, which means getting as many people to the Nats as possible.

5) I understand others situations and am quite happy to remain in the minority if it means they can attend <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

6) It may be possible to have organised events for the families whilst there is racing but that may be missing the point.

7) I'll be at and support the Nationals regardless

Thanks for asking...

point taken ben. i understand that the nationals are all about racing. however, those of us with young kids. basically means we have to bring a baby sitter. as you understand we cant leave them on the beach all day by themselves. if the cook doesnt want to go, i have to bring the kids by myself which equals a no show. perhaps the host club could organise a creche for a nominal cost?

I volunteer Bob and Warwick for creche duties... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I second Bens nomination of Warwick and Bob for creche duties <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Warnambool was well run, quality accomodation available near to the club and plenty to do for the family, the local council even had an activity centre in the park for kids.

Locking in which day is the layday before the regatta allows planning some family activities which helps keep the most important people happy as well as cancelling windless days early. Nothing worse then sitting on the beach all day waiting for wind then having to cancel family activites to sail the lay day. I would rather keep racing all day long when there is wind even if it means 4 or 5 races a day.

I like lots of races, varied courses, the one race we sailed loops at Warnambool was good and I hope we continue to have them at Nationals.

A few ideas from other classes I have sailed National Titles in, they may not apply to us but I am putting them out there for comment.

1, Pay an optional extra $30 when registering and receive on water refreshments and snacks between races.

2, Receive results and weather via group SMS.

3, Beach roller delivery, very helpful if there is a limited safe area to launch and recover boats.

Darryn
Mozzy
1782