Do any boats attend the nationals without taking part in the racing?
We just use our Stratos for pottering about in on a Saturday at the club; I've never taken part in a race in any boat, let alone in the Stratos which we have had less than a year. But I feel I ought to support the class association in this event.
I would say just go and race. You will really enjoy it and learn lots about the boat (and yourselves !). I went last year with my sons and it was the first time we had raced the Stratos. We had a great time and came last, in one or two races we were miles behind and in others we did ok. We are hoping to go this year and fully anticipate battling it out for the wooden spoon again.
It might be worth the class association pairing up novices and more experienced boats as mentors or something similar ?
Anyway I fully recommend the National. Lymington is great, Mike Beggs (Race Officer for the Nationals) seems to know everything about sailing these boats well and I am sure he and others will help you a lot.
Event: Nationals 2008 - warm-up day
Posted - 11 Feb 2008 : 23:05:50
