| Author |
Topic: Boss Committe/Assoc |
 |
charl_eng |
Posted: 26-Feb-07 23:02 |
|
|
|
Is there currently a Boss Assoc? If so how can we join and have a say on how things are to be run?
Currently there is a small flicker of interest in the boats, seems a shame to easte it. People are interested in sailing them - bizarly there is quite a niche out there for the Boss:
One design twin wire boat for people too heavy for the 800 and who don't want a boat as extreme or expensive as the 49er. Other than the 5k can you name one?
Joint events with the 5K seem a great idea along with the TASA circuit, but we can't just rely on others to organise our racing for us without some input!
Lets dig some boats out of club sin bins that exist all over the country, source some cheap parts to get incomplete boats back on the water and upgraded others (regardless of material or manufacturer) and get out there and get racing... |
| |
|
Pork_pie_eater |
Posted: 27-Feb-07 10:13 |
|
|
|
I suppose technically there is a Boss Association, although Peter is the only officer at the moment, as someone has to hold the chequebook and assets (don't get excited). We are always positive about anyone willing to put some organisation in. As Annie says elsewhere, we tag along to ISO/Buzz events (thanks guys, we appreciate it) because frankly, no club would put an event on for just the Boss(es). That's the benefit of TASA I suppose - it gets together a group of similar minded sailors in minority classes.
Over the years, we've done what we can to get to events, but it gets very dispiriting when everyone gets excited about going to an event, and then two boats show up. Witness Broadstairs and Hayling turnouts. One mast breakage, and there's one green bottle hanging on the wall.
There are lots of things we can do, such as:-
a) Promote the idea of doing more things with 5 tonners
b) Be more enthusiastic about TASA
c) Select a limited number (1 or 2) of events to join in with the ISO/Buzz
d) As c) but in national events like Bloody Mary, Hoo Freezer, Black Rock
I see mention on another thread about another TASA event at Datchet - news to me, but it could be a good opportunity to get together and make some decisions. When is it? It's central and there are a few boats at Datchet ready to go, without excuses.
But we mustn't forget that for many Boss sailors, there are other fish to fry these days (I think it's fair to say that the Boss is second choice for us right now), so we must fit in with other schedules, so curb the ambition in the early stages. Also, we must retain some semblance of one-design - some of the comments on this board over the last few months about alternative rigs/foils/etc have been a bit alarming. Our boats are worth little enough as it is. At some point it doesn't become worth paying the insurance premium.
All of these things are serial. We won't find a reasonably priced spares supplier/builder if we can't prove the class is viable. We won't prove the class is viable without boats on the water. We won't get boats on the water in numbers without events. And we won't get events without organisation.
I happen to think the Boss is an excellent boat which suits us very well. The 800 is too small. The 5k is too heavy. The 14 is too small/esoteric/expensive. The 49er is too expensive. The Boss is incredible value for money at the moment, although there are many in an irreversible state of decay. There were 120 boats built. 25-30 are probably converted. Let's say 30-40 have rotted away. Where are the rest? Why do the same two boats turn up at the 'Nationals' each year?
Don't take these comments as volunteering for anything, and that can often be the rub. But a good starting point could be meeting up at Datchet. I just hope the diary is free on that weekend......
Note that there is an Asymmetric Open at Shoreham on 14th July followed by the long-distance Black Rock race (7 miles of three sail reach is fun).
It would be good to get TASA interested in that event, and get lots of boats on the water
[Edited by Pork_pie_eater on 27-Feb-07 10:17] |
| |
|
Nick Murray |
Posted: 27-Feb-07 11:17 |
|
|
|
I think what the pie man has said is very true!
We've been in the class now for near on 8 years and again we have moved to other things. However, with the class in its current state, the remaining sailable boats should be tagging along with tasa.
The Datchet event needs to become a meeting so a discussion can be made on the current situation. So get to datchet to voice your opinion on the direction of the class.
And on top of that, the boat must stay as a one design or face the risk of becoming cheque book sailing, with the crews willing to spend the most money always at the front of the fleet. Ben and John, what are your views? |
| |
|
russyh |
Posted: 27-Feb-07 19:41 |
|
|
|
Yhe boat should stay a "one Design" yes but it shpould have an open forum on oil and sail manf. Sobstad charging £1000 for a kite on a £400 boat is not gonna help the class. How about we arrange a class meeting at the datchet TASA event (31st March to 1st August) Lets take the future of the class in our own hands. |
| |
|
charl_eng |
Posted: 27-Feb-07 23:47 |
|
|
|
I totally agree that the boat should stay one design, but only to the point of being sensible. For example, if you can get a main made for half the price of the sobstad main, that when laid out on the ground falls within the dimensions of several different sobstad mains (after all none of them are the same!!) then that seems reasonable, and to me if is going to encourage more boats out on the water should be encouraged!??
I'm not talking about check book sailing here, after all who would waste thier money?? I'm just suggesting that we tidy up the rules to allow spares to be sourced as cheaply as possible allowing us to get as many Bosses out on the water as possible.
Events wise I feel that we should support the tasa circuit but really need to look forwards in to joint events with the 5k. If the TASA circuit only runs for one year then what? We're keen at the moment, lets sort a callendar out at Datchet that the majority of us can make, check we have a start (even try to get our own seperate start within a club reggatta etc...), let everyone know the dates and then see if we can encourage any others to come along. Maybe if we can get boats seen at events this year along with the dinghy mag review, we may be able to get a few more bosses out on the water next year and if anyone finds a dead boss try and track down the owners so any potential owners can be put in touch (we found one at Weston - still working on it...).
With the older members enthusiasm and some help from newer members, maybe we can make something happen. See you all at Datchet... |
| |
|
Nick Murray |
Posted: 28-Feb-07 07:39 |
|
|
|
and on a lighter note, iv snapped my 49er rig and its forecast to blow hard this weekend..... anyone want to do some heavy weather boss training this sunday at datchet? Can arrange for a photographer on a boat if you want some cool pics! |
| |
|
Pork_pie_eater |
Posted: 28-Feb-07 10:11 |
|
|
|
sounds like you want to total another mast Nick! I'd love to come along with the Garmin, but I'll be at Ally Pally most of the weekend.
Can someone confirm when this Datchet TASA event is. It's not heavily promoted on the TASA website, but I'm guessing 31st March?
Sounds like a good opportunity for a meeting |
| |
|
Nick Murray |
Posted: 28-Feb-07 12:26 |
|
|
|
Good chance to test the new rig i suppose. Went out in a good force 5 but downwind the rig was inverting, even with alot of diamond tension on. We've raked back the top spreaders and need a windy opportunity to retest. With the new rig we're getting some nice shapes out of the sails.
Also, do you reckon graham eeles would have some bits and pieces and sails knocking around he could sell on to those that are in need? |
| |
|
russyh |
Posted: 28-Feb-07 19:11 |
|
|
|
As in my post on a nother thread Tasa event is 31st march for training and 1 August for race |
| |
|
joshpreater |
Posted: 28-Feb-07 19:57 |
|
|
|
1st August?????????????? |
| |
