From: Malcolm Pearson [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: den 27 oktober 2000 22:35
To: [email protected]
Subject: 505world The Mark Angliss Survey
I would just like to sincerely thank Mark Angliss for his initiative and time and effort
in conducting and producing the "say your piece" survey. It was very worthwhile
information for the class to have. It is also very interesting to see numbers and the
country of origin of the comments.
Well done Mark and Thank You.
Pip Pearson
International President.
From: Mark Angliss [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: den 27 oktober 2000 16:52
To: [email protected]
Subject: 505world Survey Results
Here's the final results. I waited a few few days for last-minute entries.
I'm declaring this survey closed.
Survey Responders: Australia 6, Belgium 1, Bermuda 2, Brazil 1, Canada 16, Denmark 2,
Finland 1, France 7, Italy 2, Japan 1, New Zealand 2, South Africa 1, Singapore,1 Sweden
2, Tanzania 1, United Kingdom 3, United States 40, Crews/Non-owners 7 (regardless of
country) , Could not determine 6 (no response for clarification): Total 102.
Issue 1: Should the Class be officially divided between
"Classic" and Super-boats?
Vote: In favor 57, Opposed 35, No Opinion 2, Undecided 8
Issue 2: Should the Class adopt the larger Spinnaker?
Vote: In favor 36, Opposed 45, No Opinion 5, Undecided 16
Issue 2A: ....If so, should the whole class adopt the larger chute
or limit it to the "super-boats"?
Vote: (From those who voted IN FAVOR of the big spinnaker) In favor for the whole class
17, Only for the Super-boats 14, No Opinion 3, Undecided 2
Vote: (From those who voted AGAINST the big spinnaker) In favor for the whole class
"0", Only for the Super-boats 39, No Opinion 4, Undecided 2
Issue 3: Should the class assign different handicap ratings to
differentiate Super-boats from Classics?
Vote: In favor 6, Opposed 92, No Opinion 1, Undecided 3
Issue 4: Is there no significant difference between 505s to even
talk about any of this?
Vote: Agree 11, Disagree 79, No Opinion 10, Did not understand question 2
Issue 5: What are your ideas to perpetuate the class over the next
50 years?
This was a write-in question. There were 57 responses with many saying the same thing. The
following is a "representation" of the different opinions that I cut-and-pasted.
"Keep the rules basically as they are. You cant be all things to all people, one of
the attractions of the 505 is its not super weight sensitive, if you make it lighter it
becomes more weight sensitive, not so good for the older sailors"
"Encourage regattas at non-big-air venues and encourage multiple races of about 45
min duration. In such a format, raw boat speed is less important than boat handling and
following the shifts"
"The World 505 organization should strive to keep all its enthusiastic advocates in
the class by:
1) allowing for improvements to be made to the boat
2) preserving the tradition of 'classic' 505 sailing
3) racing two divisions of boats(like baseball Al & NL)
4) teaching new members how to sail the boat well. "
"Sensible rule changes, as far as reasonable ones that existing boats can adopt. Good
competition, good class organisation."
"Change incrementally and focus on getting people to race 505's! Don't develop a
"grand plan" but continue to evolve in the manner the class has over the past
decades."
"VISIBILITY!
Tell all we meet, that 505 (dinghy) racing is great and give them a ride (we don�t have
money in the class for a big marketing campaign)"
"All other improvments should not affect that much the overall performance of the
boat and therefore should only be considered under the image angle to make our boat more
attractive and at the same time keep the high spirit the class has developped over
years."
"......a nicely rigged older 5o5 is the perfect introduction to the class, and are
will remain competitive at the local level for a long time - which is where a good
percentage of people do their sailing."
"Carry on the current ideas. Fleets to have try a 505 day and tuning/training
sessions. Buy up the un-used boats and recirculate them to new comers."
"Local fleets should work with buyers and sellers of 505s to:
1- Recruit new sailors for local racing
2- Help EVERYONE maximize boat performance. Educate, Lend a helping hand.
3- Solicit ideas for special events of local interest then DO IT.
4- Assist buyers and sellers keeping boats active. Fleets should extend invitations to
buyers to join. If a boat leaves the fleet, notify the closest fleet(s) where the boat is
going. Help prospective buyers find boats.
5- If someone upgrades, the old sails, hardware, foils may be an upgrade for someone
else."
"Every class has old boats. Old 505 can still win with modern rig and sails. Old rig
and sails on any old boat does not win anything. Do not make changes to 505 so old 505 is
not the same anymore."
"Invite non members to some regattas to race at no cost"
"Keep the boat interesting and modern so that top sailors around the world keep
coming back to the class."
"Get everyone to join the class association and get involved. Perhaps if more classic
owners joined the class association then maybe their opinions would carry more weight.
This is not a slam on classic owners but simply a fact that most do not join the class
association for some reason or another. Remember you have to be a member to vote and it's
those people that make policy. Get involved!"
" .......The real problem is how to grow the sailing community."
"being a top sailor is not a priority. I't good enough for me the way it is."
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it"
"Not my problem"
Popular Opinion: Many expressed the reasons for their positions. The following is my
interpretation of the general consensus.
Handicap: NO WAY! This is a one-design class.
Classic recognition: Most expressed there is a significant difference between classes and
super-boats, however not enough for a different handicap rating. (by overwhelming popular
opinion.) "I don't know what it is, but it has to be fair for everyone" is the
majority "input". (much $$$$ commentary-'justification was entered here. It is
evident that the movers-and-shakers of this class have a "soft spot" for the
classics. Most suggest a special prize or local fleet management considerations. However
it appears for major events, a 505 is a 505 is a 505..
The Big 'Chute is a VERY hot topic! (duuuuuh) As we know, there are very strong opinions
in both corners. However, this "category" had the largest number of
"undecided". It could swing the vote either way. I'll spare you repeated
opinions from the opposing camps. The "undecided's" greatest issue was wanting
to trying the 'chute before casting opinion.
Participation was reported very often. I summarize this position as: Don't impede positive
progress. If you are serious about the class, get involved and work to advance it. If you
are not willing to get involved, live-in-your-place-in-time and allow other's to progress
that are willing to
do so.
Money was often raised as an issue. Here's my 2 cents. The facts-of-life are it is NOT
just 505s. It's no different from any other sport. Those with $$ play the game "in
style". Those without, play the best they can. That's life.
Best regards to all. This is a GREAT class. Thanks to the 102 of you that took the time to
state your "peace".
....... Mark
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