David Bows and other Marblehead class members, thanks for hosting this event. What did you learn that might help others in the future? What impact has hosting this regatta had on your fleet?
I really learned that if there is breeze - everyone is happy!
As for building the fleet I think it is only positive - We only had 4 boats from our distict participate but I think that would be 8 if we held it next year. The other big surprise is how many people not in the fleet knew about the regatta and saw the regatta. One reason I wanted it in August was so that the other OD sailors in Marblehead saw the fleet, saw the boats and saw the party. Hopefully the translates into the J/30 getting on the short list of some of these sailors next boat - the head is a big seller. The only OD boat like it around here is the 105 and we are talking 5x the price.
The other note is to everyone that fears that if they race in OD races they are going to get their boat smashed. We sailed in 15+ most of the weekend and I can only remember a single collision, and it was between a J/30 and the committee boat - they were fouled and won the protest. The racing was very close for sure but I really did not see anyone being too agressive for the conditions. I have seen way more crazy stuff in PHRF since all the boats are going different speeds and angles.
The other big thing that is so obvious at each one of these events I have been to is how good friends everyone is. That is the best thing.
David
