torrid
Just sailing
This is a spill-over from the latest discussion on a new sail. Do you think having the Laser as an Olympic class has been a benefit or a burden for the class as a whole?
I honestly cannot answer one way or another. It's a definite mixed bag in my book.
I think one of the biggest issues is control of the class rules. Everything now has to go through the ISAF and is subject to four year cycles. It has definitely delayed the development of a better sail. However, I'm not sure the rigging upgrades ever would have happend with out Olympic status.
Another issue is bringing people to the class, or excluding them. Any national level event is obviously now the domain of the elite Olympic sailors and their coach boats. We never had on-the-water judging before, and in my opinion wasn't needed (we policed ourselves).
Conversely, I think Olympic status has really opened up Masters sailing. Many former Olympians obviously stay around and compete as they get older. And I think the Masters events have largely replaced the open championships as an outlet for average Sunday sailors.
Overall, having Olympic status doesn't have much bearing on my weekend sailing.
I honestly cannot answer one way or another. It's a definite mixed bag in my book.
I think one of the biggest issues is control of the class rules. Everything now has to go through the ISAF and is subject to four year cycles. It has definitely delayed the development of a better sail. However, I'm not sure the rigging upgrades ever would have happend with out Olympic status.
Another issue is bringing people to the class, or excluding them. Any national level event is obviously now the domain of the elite Olympic sailors and their coach boats. We never had on-the-water judging before, and in my opinion wasn't needed (we policed ourselves).
Conversely, I think Olympic status has really opened up Masters sailing. Many former Olympians obviously stay around and compete as they get older. And I think the Masters events have largely replaced the open championships as an outlet for average Sunday sailors.
Overall, having Olympic status doesn't have much bearing on my weekend sailing.