New Years Resolutions

The Flying Scot is a remarkable success story. Over the past 51 years there have been over 5800 boats built and fleets located all across the country. Our strong class association and extraordinary builder support have made this possible.

Strong inter-fleet relations are critical in this to this success. The network of invitational regattas, District, Regional and National Championships allow sailors of all skill levels to meet, compete, and get to know and learn from each other. Inter-fleet rivalries and friendships also support the local fleets, bringing out far more boats for regattas than the fleet could rouse simply for an in-house club race. These events also bring out the best sailors from each club, broadening the talent pool and increasing the level of competition. And as any experienced sailor will tell you, sailing and racing in unfamiliar waters with top-notch competition is the best way to improve your own skills.

Large, healthy fleets are the lifeblood of our class. They are the grassroots- where new sailors get involved, improve their skills and get to know the class and the boat. A visible, strong local fleet builds “buzz” and convinces other sailors in your club that they should be sailing a Flying Scot. The camaraderie and friendships that are built through fleet participation keep you coming back for more. Without strong fleets, our class would have no roots.

So which one is more important- fleet participation or inter-fleet participation?? Where should I focus my attention? The days when most of us could sail every weekend (and during the week as well) are past. The time and expense involved and all of the other responsibilities we have diverting our time and attention mean you have to choose your opportunities carefully.

In honor of the New Year, I’d like to suggest that wherever you’ve been less active in the past you should spend more time this year. Pick one event that you didn’t attend last year and put it on your calendar for 2009. If you are a regatta traveler, get involved with a club racing weekend or special event. If you are primarily a club series racer, plan for an out-of-town regatta. Better yet, why not organize a caravan from your club to a nearby club for their invitational regatta?

Over the past few years, I’ve been much more involved with regional and national events than I have been with my local fleet. For 2009, I resolve to attend at least 1 club event I didn’t attend in 2008. What the heck- make it 2!!

Tom Lawton
FS 3035
FSSA Second Vice President