John Burnham presented data from Sailing World’s survey of one design fleets. He delivered the message that Membership is your mission and this occurs when Fun + Fleet Energy combine to equal growth in your class. I reminded John that he penned an editorial that noted the One Design sailing could kill sailing a few years ago. We had a vigorous discussion at lunch.

The Hobie Fleets remain strong with about 1000 members or so. They invest a lot of time on the national ranking system and think its been valuable.

Nacra seems stuck at 100 members

A Class is growing.

Carol Cronin noted that the Olympics are unique and that she sailed locally twice in the quadrenium. So… don’t expect to see Olympic track sailors in your local fleets. The fate of Olympic classes in the US one design scene is dismal. (unless you were strong before the move to Olympics… eg Lasers.

Take the time to count, survey, take stock etc etc. People want to know that you are growing… not just surviving.

Mark