OK, heres my point.
Does the boat hold its value because it cost so much to buy "Laser parts from the manufacturer to begin with", or does the class actually have some way of changing a buyers minds that makes them think they are getting a deal.
Im being the devil's advocate here because I think people who are sitting on the fence like myself want tangible reasons, factual influences that the assciation is doing something for me?
For instance here are my choices when buying parts to fix up my 73' hull
Intensity sails price/ Class legal price
Upper spar $80 / $202
Lower radial $140 / $265
Radial Sail $180 /$550/650(Hyde)
Cleat base plate$45 / $98
Base plate for turning blocks $19 / $34
______ /_____
$464 $ /1149
These are actual prices that I have had to make a choice about this week in order to go sailing vs class legal racing.
Now why would a class that I pay money to in order to protect my investment and keep my boat value high, make me pay as much as twice the price for, fromall accounts the same or better parts?
Now it come s down to paying $40 a year for class memership, do I have anything left?
You can click on a district and then go down to a fleet and see who's a member in each fleet. If a person is not a member of a fleet they are a member of the district and is reflected there as well. By adding that level (and going back to fleet charters and making them official), the class can physically show where the sailing is, show where the big fleets are and maybe get a little more into each district rather than just seeing what's going on in a district. If we wanted to go far enough fleet dues can roll into the district and the district can do what they want with those fees (trophies or something else for the district).
Intensity sails price/ Class legal price
Upper spar $80 / $202
Lower radial $140 / $265
Radial Sail $180 /$550/650(Hyde)
Cleat base plate$45 / $98
Base plate for turning blocks $19 / $34
______ /_____
$464 $ /1149
These are actual prices that I have had to make a choice about this week in order to go sailing vs class legal racing.
... the Association needs to cater to the regular local sailor and not be perceived as "just for the big shot regatta racers."
Not to be a know it all but..
The price of parts probably doesn't have a thing to do with association membership.
...
Go away, you bother us!!!
... and most of all. A schedule of every race and the location of every fleet where people play and make it clear EVERYBODY is invited.
While the last issue was still missing a few District Reports, I'd say the overall turnout was great for a Winter Issue.
Isnt it funny that all this illegal stuff from a non manufacturer supplier(Intensity)has the most advertisement on this site,that to my understanding, is supposedly being paid for by class membership?
Just too funny...