 Message
from the new Chairman - Simon Reynolds.
The success of the World Championships
recently on Lake Garda, Italy with 86 entrants, has
clearly shown the popularity, growth and, International
appeal of the Musto Skiff over the last 12 months and,
in particularly since becoming a recognised class by
ISAF. The class has truely come of age.
However, such achievements do not happen by accident,
but from the deliberate actions and committment of your
committee members, from the support of the class sponsors
and, from dedicated individual members. A big thank
you therefore goes out to all who, over the last year,
have contributed their time and energy in making the
class the success that it is today. Particular thanks
go to out to our former Chairman, Paul Clarke, for guiding
us through the last three years so diligently, to Ovington Boats who have given such generous financial and staff
support to the class and the association over the years
and, to you the sailors, who have showed your faith
in the boat and for serving as great ambassadors for
such a great product.
There is no denying that the class has an extremely
bright future ahead of it, although with continued growth
come new challenges and opportunities to be addressed.
In taking over as Chairman I aim to help position the
class to capitalise on opportunities and over the course
of the remainder of the year seek to develop the class
infrastructure in the form of the committees, their
focus and functions and, their membership to ensure
that we can respond to and develop new avenues that
take the class and the enjoyment of the boat to new
levels. We are very fortunate that amongst our membership
there is a wealth of talent, knowledge and expertise
in areas not just connected to sailing or the marine
industry and, I will seek to tap into such knowledge,
expertise and connections to advance the class.
From consulation with you the members and the new committees,
I aim to prepare a 3 year plan and, whilst you will
hear more of this in future newsletters, a few of the
objectives I presently have for the class are, to:
- Capitalise on the growth and camaraderie that was
evident from the World Championships in Lake Garda;
- Secure greater grass roots entry into the class and
develop a supporting training package that enables our
members to develop their skills and enjoyment of the
boat
- Secure full International ISAF status for the Musto
Skiff (we are at present only a Recognised Class);
- Further Internationalise the class by expanding into
new countries and helping the fleets established in
the different nations develop;
- Secure greater recognition that can result in invitations
for the class to attend attractive International sailing
venues and, key International regattas;
- Identify (and secure membership support to) an inspiring
location for a first non-european World Championships;
- Enhance the marketing offer of the class to secure
the partnership support that will help sponsor our racing
and training programmes and, attendance at major International
regattas.
Anyway enough of my going on, there
is sailing to talk about. The class still has numerous
regatta fixtures this year and I would direct you to
visit the web site to see what one is taking place near
you. The World Championships at Lake Garda proved that
by participating you learn a whole lot more about boat
set up and boat handling by joining in the racing rather
than just blasting around on your own (as much fun as
that is) and, there are a whole lot of nice people to
meet too!
The next major regatta for you all to put in your diaries
is that of the British National Championships that are
taking place in the lovely south coast town of Lyme
Regis between 6-9 September, with its superb sailing
water and dramatic coast line. If I don't see you before,
I will see you there!
Happy Skiffing - Simon Reynolds
Simon sending it at the Worlds in Garda.
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