And then some

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Hi  John,
Purpose of my email was to perhaps start a conversation on future direction. I
  do this as a long term member and life member. Certainly don’t want to point
  fingers only make some observations based on the lower numbers that are now
  evident this season. Steve and his  committee does a tremendous job.
  Sometimes a forum where members can discuss concerns, raise issue or praise the
  class can be a good thing. I thought a conversation might kick that off.
  Something a member can more readily do than a committee  member. I
sat on the committee as president, registrar and vice president for some 13 or
so years so I know it’s not at all easy to get venues arranged. My
point is that the further we travel the more boats fall away. I think the
nationals is a marquee event for the class. It’s a chance for everyone over a
week  to get enthusiastic, socialise, network, discuss next season etc. I
wasn’t too excited about KI last year and expressed that concern at the Teralba
meeting, Mick Turton also expressed that same concern, Pete Richards and some
others also raised concerns. Apart from not attending the handful of boats that
did go meant the majority didn’t attend and I think this was a lost opportunity.
That’s all. Others I am sure would disagree. That’s OK too. But it doesn’t hurt
to discuss. 
So  please don’t think I am criticising the committee. It’s a tough and sometimes
thankless task and I totally empathise with the difficulty associated with
making a decision and trying to deal with what appears to be a totally lethargic
response from possible host clubs.  
My  comments are just based on observation. I am happy to be proven wrong. Perhaps
the numbers are there but people are for whatever reason not attending. I don’t know.
 As  I said, Firestorm is a great product. Perhaps if we can document your design and
make it easier for new members that are keen to build then I reckon that would
go a long way to getting things moving. Perhaps we need some of the senior guys
to split up and campaign a boat with younger crews. (just an idea) TD tells me
that the Belmont 16s fleet has halved. Perhaps they are a good potential. I’d be
surprised if a bunch of blokes sailing 16’s would shift to an NS a VS may be a
perfect compromise! I don’t think the 49er is something they would jump at. So
where do they go after sailing 16s? 
My  heart (like I know yours is) is the class continuing to grow. This is a class
made up of very good and capable people with good intentions. I’d be surprised
if the 16 ft. skiff  guys rallied around to rig another blokes boat. They’d
probably sneer and start early. Just want to harness that good will and increase
numbers.  
Best  regards
Peter T