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Recently,
one of our club's better B fleet sailors asked if it was worth
his time to go to this year's Nationals. They then expressed
concerns that they were not going to be in contention to win
and thus maybe it would be better if they just didn't
get in the way.
Not go… That's Crazy! Anyone and everyone who owns a
model yacht and who enjoys the camaraderie of others who share
this same interest should by all means make it to their
class Nationals. A Yachting Nationals is not an event
designed to determine who the country's best sailor is.
That's the Olympics. In fact, except for the guy who
wins and maybe the person who took second, no one really cares
who wins, just that everyone had fun. Way back when
people started racing model boats, somewhere someone said,
"Here we have
other clubs all over the country doing exactly what we are
doing here. Wouldn't it be neat if at least once a year
we could get all these other sailors together for one big
event to share their ideas, stories, and insight in the sport."
And thus,
the idea of holding this one big event was born -- the
Nationals.
It really doesn't matter if one is the fastest, or even the
slowest sailor in their group… their attendance at a Nationals
will not only help them improve their skills, but it will
help the future of the class they are competing in and the
longevity of the sport. In addition to just getting
on the water with a whole new crowd, ideas are shared, boat
tips and tricks are exchanged, stories are told, and one makes
new friends with people from all over who have a similar interest.
In past years attending National events, I had several offers
to come stay and sail with other distant sailors
next time I found myself in their area.
Another advantage of attending a Nationals is that one tends
to gain about a years worth of sailing experience in just
one weekend. Usually the big events have a lot more
boats, and you sail a lot more races. Thus, in just
a very short time you get a lot more sailing with a lot more
boats which you start to adapt to by the end of the
event. Then, when you do go home to the fewer boats
and races, things suddenly get easier.
The more people who attend the Nationals, the better
the event. The host club has more funds to do
a better regatta and outside supporters will do more |
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with
the larger events. The bigger events will usually
lure all the sail makers, boat builders, fitting suppliers,
and other interested parties. This is the one opportunity
to see their latest designs and to get their help first
hand. Most of these people are more than eager to
answer all your questions and to help you in any way possible.
They usually donate or give away a ton of cool stuff
too.
Finally, if the rest has not convinced you to pack up the
boat and head to this year's Nationals, then think of this.
The lucky sailor who wins the Nationals is said to be
the current year's best sailor. Well, don't
you think they should actually have to beat you before you
just let them claim the fame? So, don't not come because
you are afraid you are in the way. Make them earn
it. And who knows, on any given Sunday any one can
win…. And you may surprise yourself.
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