Let me illustrate my point with the Tornado and some other examples.
The US tornado fleet is primarily composed of members who are training for the Olympics and International competition at the highest level. Its pretty clear what the goals of the class and the only US fleet are. (certainly not for everyone)
The Dogtown Yacht Club in Virginia was a fleet of members with a bunch of old cats whose goal was to get together on the appointed beach (that was all the organization needed) .. maybe sail/race... certainly party. Pretty clear what they were about as well. (certainly not for everyone)
The Bristol A class fleet is clearly focused on racing A class catamrans Tuesday evenings and at the national and international level. (Again certainly not for everyone)
The Hobie Fleet in New England has morphed from a racing weekend fleet to a really active social fleet where they don't run points regattas anymore. You would not count up the number of 16's in the New England fleet and say... We have a one design 16 fleet because that is not their goal anymore.
TCDYC is just a means where everyone just goes to have fun, And To build a Yacht club that inspires its members to fulfill their dreams and participate in the possibilities of life.
To be examples of freedom and full self expression in the community
To create a lasting structure for future sailors to follow their desires to be one with the wind and the water
Great... I get the goal of the TCDYC... (Again certainly not for everyone)
People loose interest when there is a mismatch with the goals of the fleet and their personal goals.
Maybe I am wrong... but when it is asserted ... we have a one design class with 5 boats. ... the message that world gets Is... YES!. we are focused on one design class racing. Perhaps half the group just happen to own that same kind of boat and have no interest in one design racing or commiting to sailing it at that level. Perhaps you would tell me... TCDYC N20 fleet is mostly interested in racing under portsmouth... cause that is where most of our buddies are playing! Whatever your fleets goal, it works best if everyone gets it and is onboard with the mission.
Certainly nothing wrong with your fleet mission!
In the context of this thread.. (Tornado racing).. It does'nt sound like your N20 fleet will be focused on one design racing at the national level.
Me thinks thats what Laruffa is ticked about.
Laruffa is commenting on the state of affairs around Sydney... and he is frustrated. Clearly his goals and the sailors around Sydney are a bit at odds. (or he needs another coffee)
