At the MYC Training has been going on for 20+yrs. We have seen approx 600 kids on the water during this time and to date only approx 4-6 have gone on to become full members and compete in Club racing. Given these statistics we have asked ourselves if training is worthwhile. A Club can't survive without members and training hasn't been the answer. We are really looking into this problem and have found two major issues. 1) All training is geared towards regional and national racing squads. If you don't make the grade then you're basically forgotten about. 2) All training is geared towards singlehanded handed sailing in Opti, Topper and Laser.
These two points in my opinion have put off 99% of all youngsters who have been fortunate enough to experience sailing. The looks and performance of the Opti could be putting off 90% of youngsters as soon as they go on the water. As a Club we have been looking to ditch the Opti for the more modern Bic but this is not likely to happen due to bureaucracy. We are also intending to purchase RS Feva's in order to promote more 2up sailing opportunities.
Unfortunately the UK trait of dismissing cats as an inadequate means of sailing is still fairly rife amongst some of our members, most of which who are involved with training and is probably due to being brainwashed by the RYA from such an early age!!! But a part from this small group the Club is really coming to terms with Cat sailing and racing to the extent that this year we are hosting the F16 Worlds, A Class Nationals in June and Tornado Nationals in Sept.
This wouldn't have been entertained less then 5 yrs ago so you never know maybe in the next 5 yrs we might be asking your advice on what the best small cat is for training. Good luck with the training programme and please let us know which cat you choose.