Interesting... The A cat guys do not take this point of view. I don't know of an A class builder who meets the need of sponsoring a weekend builder class only regatta ... much less a a XXX builder nationals.

I don't think you had Reg White Tornado nationals competing against Marstrom nationals back in the day.

I believe they have two builders for 505 dinghy’s and I don't think the 505 guys have builder specific nationals, worlds etc etc.

Can you point me to any other sailing classes that do this?

The points raised in support of this notion are... More nationals.. = more trophies = more champions.

and... Hey... anything a builder does to support racing is good... don't get in their way.
(my restatements)

My response to the first comment is... OK, but why devalue champions this way.... You leave the door open to... Well X, didn’t race the #$%#^ nationals.. he was at the *()* nationals and would have... could have... should have... Whatever.

In support of rejecting this notion that more champions the better.. I would point to Stuart Walkers comments on B Fleets and how in his opinion they don't grow participation or meet the needs of the sailors. (B and C fleets being another way to give more trophies away and crown more champions) [Stuart does not race on Lake Woebegone... US Joke... all kids in Lake Woebegon are above average]


My comment to the second point is to Really ask this question. IS IT A ALWAYS A GOOD THING.. Does it build the larger class in this F18 instance. HOW does it buid the larger class.... (If some sailors will only compete at the one design national, then a one design F18 is positive... but does it undercut the turnout, status, clout, appeal, etc etc of the larger class?

So far in the US... the evidence is that builder nationals have had 0 and 5 boats and the result is to burn up a couple of yacht club hosts.

So... I am puzzled... It's not obvious to me.

Mark