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Topic: dead class |
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tom_evans |
Posted: 23-Mar-06 21:25 |
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Recently, trawling through the yachts and yachting forums, I came across a large amount of mud being slung in a fairly casually in the direction of the spice. Words featured frequently included ‘dead’. Others suggested something unpleasant regarding cohabiting buzz/iso parentage for the spice: a bit of fun, but nobody would really buy one.
But sure enough, check the spice class association homepage, and there are links to events taking place. Three years ago. Nostalgic.
The most depressing part has to be the class information circulated regarding nationals turnouts. 0. It should, however, be pointed out that this last piece of information is a lie, because there was in fact one spice at Weymouth last year. Take a guess.
What I’m really driving at is simple: the spice is, to all intents and purposes, a dead class. No nationals last year, no nationals this year. No active class association, no open circuit. Did the recent training weekend go ahead? I hope so, because if nothing else, this shows that there are stirrings afoot, and people interested. The boss (incidentally, another forum-declared dead class) appears to be undergoing a renaissance, so surely the spice can manage a similar revival, even if it is merely the third surfacing of the proverbial drowning man. If it’s too late to have an official nationals, or even a fledgling open circuit, surely it is possible to do these things unofficially. If just four boats can turn out for a day sail at a club, at least there is something to put on the website, something that can be said to be taking place.
It’s my guess that I’m preaching to the choir here, as there are a number of people who have been active regarding the spice for a long time, but it appears to me that there is still the opportunity to get it together before the spice class becomes another statistic.
346
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paolomoncia |
Posted: 24-Mar-06 12:48 |
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There is something official organized this year, i.e. the Eurocup in France. It has been announced that al least 4 french spice wil be present. So there is a chance for an event with good numbers... give it a try!
Cheers
Paolo
Buzz 452 |
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Simon Boyle |
Posted: 26-Mar-06 19:06 |
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Tom, FYI the training happened (v cold but good wind) and there was also a potential owner out for a trial sale...
363 |
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tom_evans |
Posted: 28-Mar-06 07:53 |
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That's good to hear. How many boats did you get? |
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Bob Ladell |
Posted: 29-Mar-06 21:59 |
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Hi All
You all have a standing invite to all events on the Fixtures List which in the last few years has been joint ISO, Buzz, BOSS and Spice.
You have a circuit, Nationals and a Eurocup - just needs some boats to cross the start line....
Hope to see you all at Oxford and during the rest of the year.
Cheers
Bob
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Chris |
Posted: 30-Mar-06 14:20 |
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Tom,
You say just because the web site is out of date the class is dead.... if it was so would the web site. Sorry but I am useless with computers hence web site not up dated, but watch this space! I believe 0 at last nations is correct, unless we have made a mistake with your membership fee of only 25 quid (must be a member of class association).
We have worked the Association for the last 5 years, 4 boats is a good turn out at an event. Imagine how we felt sailing with three boats at Weston a couple of years ago, seeing 3 Spice in the compound, one even in the grave yard, which incidently the Association tried to buy, wasn't 346 though.
So, how disappointing to see a fellow Spicer calling the class dead, sleepy yes but not dead. As for comments on Y & Y forums.... someone must think the Spice a threat....... by the way, when you join the association please email me via the web site for a current joining form, (as even that's out of date), unless our membership secretary has informed me in correctly.
Look forward to seeing you on the circuit.
Chris Spice 306
PS. three boats at training weekend. |
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tom_evans |
Posted: 30-Mar-06 18:41 |
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Right, several things to address here: firstly, I must apologise for having caused offence, which was not my objective. I am obviously aware that there have been members of the class association who have been working hard for the good of the class, and doing so long before I developed ‘holier-than-thou’ opinions. As far as the dead class comment goes, I’m going to stick to my guns. My intention was to point out the way that the class appears. A class surely relies upon new boats and members to keep things going. However, with such a choice of boats available to the new or second-hand buyer, the pull of a boat’s specs and appearance may not be enough. Does it therefore fall to the class association and the presence of other sailors to supply the necessary pull? The problem lies with the appearance of the class, not the class itself.
Touché with the membership comment, by the way. There was a boat at the nationals. As a newcomer to the boat (two weeks) I was interested more in seeing other people work the thing than competing, but on the off chance of bolstering numbers, I took the thing along.
As far as the website goes, I am happy to put my money where my mouth is and get involved if I can be of any assistance. I’m simply interested in making sure that things are not the way that they appear, and the way that they are said to be by (obviously) jealous types sailing other boats.
So, there we go. Thanks for your reply,
346
p.s Glad about the training weekend. |
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Chris |
Posted: 31-Mar-06 07:54 |
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Right now we have that sorted, Tom, email me at christopherhames"hotmail.com and I 'll put you on the email list.
Chris. |
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nuander |
Posted: 07-Apr-06 14:09 |
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Ive been sailing mine for a year quite actively everyweekend at Bewl in Kent, where trhere is a nother SPice sailor his is slightly older but its in better nick than mine! I love it! Just wish I could attend more of the open events, I cant always get a crew and it gets a bit expensive I suppose! But 322 will be at Whitstable Yacht Club this year and Ill try to get the other guy to email you!
Steve |
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Simon Boyle |
Posted: 12-Apr-06 18:12 |
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Steve (or anyone else for that matter), I'm a bit short of crew this year - daughter's working in a Mark Warner resort for the summer. If you need a crew for an event give me shout on 07881 502742 or 01342 712132. I'm in W Sussex so not too far away.
Simon, 363 |
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Simon Boyle |
Posted: 12-Apr-06 18:24 |
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Make that 01342 712312. |
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Mike Perry |
Posted: 13-Apr-06 11:57 |
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Simon
Where are you based? that phone no looks like a Copthorne no.
I'm in Copthorne and have a Boss and ISO if you fancy a blast. |
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nuander |
Posted: 13-Apr-06 16:10 |
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will do will defnitely be taking part in the broadstairs and the herne bay stuff so if i need a crew will let you know!
steve |
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Alex_Ford |
Posted: 19-Apr-06 09:13 |
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Also, may i add that i have just re-written the website, including all of the meets that i am aware of. any feedback would be gratefully recieved, although it is a work in progress still. |
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Diederik Schuuring |
Posted: 19-Apr-06 10:46 |
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Hi, tried to have a look at it. But the link on the ISO website does not work. |
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Pete Lindley |
Posted: 19-Apr-06 13:31 |
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www.topper-spice.com
Work still in progress though. |
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tom_evans |
Posted: 19-Apr-06 20:24 |
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Good stuff. The rocky theme is a particularly nice touch...
346 |
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