Dinghy Show 2012 3-4 March

(off topic) the D-1 wing bags seem a bit OTT- other wing boats tend to just slide the wings in, pad them a bit and tie them down. I've no idea how much the wings weigh, but I'm going to go with "not heavy".

some things I really liked at this years' show...

Tubercle foils (Hornet stand) - this is really exciting stuff
Aura & RS900 - gorgeous build quality, nice to see some real effort being put in
X1 - got a good look this year, v.nice
Bowsprit on the i14 - awesome, whole boat was fab really
Jimmy Green for ropes (as usual!)
Crunchy Frog
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I was surprised by the Merlin winning the award. I would have thought one of the new skiffs would have got the vote, but maybe there were too many new skiffy things splitting the vote? Of the two Merlins on the class stand, I'd have voted for the other one! Some real development and innovation in JT's boat. A really well enigeered rudder, innovative pole system, and a canting rig.
And a nice bit of varnish to give it a traditional appeal.
I was impressed by the RS900 in the flesh. It looks like a big step forward from the 800. I've no idea what Olympians think, but as a middle aged club sailor, the RS900 deck layout looks a lot easier for the crew to move from the foredeck to the wing as the wind puffs up. I hope that boat hits the market, but it's a bit of a race for it to become affordable secondhand before I'm too old to attempt sailing it.

Originally posted by rogue Originally posted by ex laser its a very small minded view of the world that says just because somthing is new its good and interesting and that because something is old, its bad and boring. good job that's not what I said then isn't it

and if your quoted all my post, i talked about things being fit for purpose what ever the age of design.

and what you continue to post is that these older classes are not fit for THEIR  purpose.
while i believe alot of them are, whats why people still sail them!

and the merlin are one of these classes.

it does not matter a toss, what we post on forums. the only thing that matters is, do people like a boat enough to buy a new one, what ever the age of the design. end of story

Well I'm small, and also minded to say anything old is bad and boring, especially when 'sold' as a fine example of a sport I'm interested and involved in. Particularly when neophytes are forced wether young or old to continue the 'tradition' by old buffers who think they know best.

Edited by G.R.F. - 05 Mar 12 at 10:55am