Feedback and Ideas from CLYC Members
Mike Solinger writes:
Dear Dan
I received a copy of your report sent by Roger on 12/13/05. Rather than address the whole report, I would like to address the sailing section only.
I have long felt part of the problem with participation has been the type of boat used- the sunfish. While it is a wonderful sailing boat and is one of the world’s largest fleets, it severely restricts the ability to two man race and to give lessons. Many adults and most kids are not coming out to race because they have to single hand the boat and do not have the ability to learn racing from an experienced racing sailor. Look how many times we have tried to get the non racing sunfishes on our lake to join in with no luck. The pinnacle of racing was many years ago when we had Lighting, Snipe and Nipper classes. While I agree those times were different, participation was available to all levels of sailing experience be they adults or kids thru crewing on the boat. Sailing lesions were given twice weekly to adults and/or kids. Today the baby boomers are starting to retire. They are active retirees with the time and dollars to spend to keep them active. They will want to learn how to sail and race BUT they will want a dry and comfortable boat that they can take lessons, take their wife, children, grandchildren, and friends for a sail or race. Unless we have the ability to provide duel person boats, I believe we will not be successful in our sailing program which should be the lifeblood of our club.
As you know, I had hip surgery last year and was no longer able to sail the sunfish. I felt it was time to sell the sunfish and buy another type of sailboat. I searched the web for boats that could be single handed or crewed using the jib sail. After searching, I talked to Dave Irish and explained I wanted a boat that would race either with the main sail only for singles or with crew with the jib. Irish was selling a Precision 15 which Dave felt would be a perfect fit. It sails very well with just the main and is dry and comfortable. It also has a national racing class. I have not regretted the purchase made last summer. I am not suggesting this be the boat should we add another fleet except that it is sold locally by Irish. The paper work is in Mich. but I think it sells for $5000- 6000+. I thought of using the boat to give racing lessons to adults or kids but feel it would be too dangerous at the start line with the Sunfish. I know Margie Graham has given sailing lessons in her Catalina 14 but after one learns the basics, many people want the fun of the competition. How many times per summer do you just go out for a sail? If we had a fleet, we could have not only sailing lessons but also RACING LESSONS which I feel is essential to participation and therefore the success of CLYC.
I know I have rambled a bit but did want to give you my thoughts. Hope all is well and look forward to seeing you in Mich.
Mike
I didn't know Mike had hip surgery... I just thought he had abandoned us sailors for an easier game with a small white ball... and he doesn't ramble and makes some good points!
And Frank Jamerson writes:
Dear Roger,
I was just re-reading your CLYC "Seasons Greeting" letter and have some thoughts -- Why not change the Club's name -- maybe "Sailfish" with emphasis on Sailing and Fishing for the community -- rather than on eating -- in other words not an eating club. The dock idea sounds good; moor sailboats and fishing boats with buoys at first if needed. Hire someone to handle the races for different kinds of boats. Hire someone to get a fishing program going with contests and prizes and restocking the lake. Seems to me we should really welcome other boaters from the area and not call it a yacht club but something like "Sailfish Boaters"... have two big dinners a year... Fish & Steak or hamburgers and beer -- a few bucks for us locals... and when there is enough money for docks build them, but only when we have a base. Great letter... I know you put a lot of time into it.
Not sure about "sailfish" but more good thoughts.
Summer is always rushed and over over too soon so please send us your thoughts NOW before the season begins.