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Fleet Building

Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 3:34 am
by set321go
Hello folks,

I thought I would start a discussion about North American fleets. I know there are a few boats on the West Coast (i'm in Vanc, BC), I am currently timesharing! with my GF but if she enjoys it we want to get a second boat early next year. I'm from the UK and I certainly notice the difference in resources available and ethos towards sailing in N.A, I spent many years teaching back home before changed careers.

What do you think is the biggest barrier to fleet expansion?
What do you think would provide the best ROI?

My thoughts
Local availability of second hand boats is an issue.
Lack of Handicap racing means some threshold needs to be reached before a fleet grows in my area, I am working on this issue by attempting to drum up interest for an open skiff fleet.
Difficulty capturing youth sailors into the skiff fleet (even with the 29er) due to costs and lack of storage space at local clubs.

Re: Fleet Building

Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2013 6:22 pm
by paul manning
This is a really interesting series of questions.

I would suggest your best bet is to drop the newvUS dealer, Brian Bennett, a line and have a chat with the other class sailors to build a strategic plan. I spent a few hours with Brian recently at Rutland and he's got the right ideas and contacts to help.

I totally understand your points and the class would help wherever it can.