Etchells Rule Changes
Below is a summary of proposed rule changes, together with a summary of feedback to those changes.
TL;DR - At the last association meeting, proposals were put forward to (a) relax limitations on the number of sails that a boat can acquire and (b) charge a royalty on sails to help support the class.
Details below. Also feedback (at the end).
As active members, you will have an opportunity to vote on these proposals, should they be passed by the Special General Meeting of governors this weekend.
TL;DR - At the last association meeting, proposals were put forward to (a) relax limitations on the number of sails that a boat can acquire and (b) charge a royalty on sails to help support the class.
Details below. Also feedback (at the end).
As active members, you will have an opportunity to vote on these proposals, should they be passed by the Special General Meeting of governors this weekend.
Need for Sail Royalty Income
One of the proposed rule changes put forth for discussion and consideration is the adoption of a sail royalty on all new Etchells sails. Some background information on the current finances of the International Etchells Class Association (IECA) as well as a discussion of the needs and uses may be helpful in consideration of this proposal.
History
The sources of income to the International Etchells Class are Membership Dues and New Boat Fees. Expenses include Class management, Measurement Expenses, Website, World Championship Expenses and World Sailing Fees. Over the past twelve years the average annual income has been $61,132 with average annual expenses of $63,694. Over this period the Class has been running a slight operating loss on average of $2,561 per year. Over this timeframe the cash position of the Class has dropped from approximately $88k to an estimated $65k at the end of 2019.
Summary: Over the last dozen years the trend in our cash reserves is down and our average annual net income is negative.
Need
A healthy and successful Class requires investment be made in to the Class itself. The IECA has had no excess funds for investment back in to the Class for over a decade.
Sources
Sail royalties provide income which benefits the Class administration and all the Etchells owners and participants. The system works well in other longstanding large worldwide fleets such as the J24, J70 and Star class. A US$50 royalty would be applied to all new Etchells sails. Between North and Doyle Sails the number of Etchells sails sold this year is estimated to be 550-700. This example would generate US$27.5K-$35.0K in income for use by the Class.
Uses
Royalty revenues will provide a dedicated pool of funds for strategic investment in to the Class. This revenue stream could be used for current initiatives such as:
If over time we have sufficient resources to fund these and future initiatives and have excess we could look at lowering the current system of membership fees.
Implementation
Initially a proven and effective method is proposed which incorporates the following:
Summary
It is imperative for the long term viability and success of the International Etchells Class that we make investments in strategic initiatives such as the ones listed above. Sail royalties are a proven and successful technique used in other large, longstanding fleets. Those who are actively sailing and buying new sails are the ones who will be funding the royalty income to the benefit of all Etchells owners, associates and participants.
“The royalty tags are a win win for the class administration and all the Etchells owners. The system works very well in J24, J70 and Star class. I don’t see any downside to this at any level from beer can fleet to active campaigners”. -- Jud Smith, Doyle One Design
Jim Cunningham
IECA Chairman
History
The sources of income to the International Etchells Class are Membership Dues and New Boat Fees. Expenses include Class management, Measurement Expenses, Website, World Championship Expenses and World Sailing Fees. Over the past twelve years the average annual income has been $61,132 with average annual expenses of $63,694. Over this period the Class has been running a slight operating loss on average of $2,561 per year. Over this timeframe the cash position of the Class has dropped from approximately $88k to an estimated $65k at the end of 2019.
Summary: Over the last dozen years the trend in our cash reserves is down and our average annual net income is negative.
Need
A healthy and successful Class requires investment be made in to the Class itself. The IECA has had no excess funds for investment back in to the Class for over a decade.
Sources
Sail royalties provide income which benefits the Class administration and all the Etchells owners and participants. The system works well in other longstanding large worldwide fleets such as the J24, J70 and Star class. A US$50 royalty would be applied to all new Etchells sails. Between North and Doyle Sails the number of Etchells sails sold this year is estimated to be 550-700. This example would generate US$27.5K-$35.0K in income for use by the Class.
Uses
Royalty revenues will provide a dedicated pool of funds for strategic investment in to the Class. This revenue stream could be used for current initiatives such as:
- Training and support to bolster class measurers worldwide
- Communication initiatives (quarterly or semi-annual newsletters, social media development, etc) to help promote the class and serve our members, etc.
- Class rules/document review
- Support National and regional initiatives with emphasis on promoting fleet, Corinthian and youth team growth/development, examples:
- coaching or clinics at certain events
- funding youth teams to campaign in the host countries at each worlds and lead up regattas to be competitive
If over time we have sufficient resources to fund these and future initiatives and have excess we could look at lowering the current system of membership fees.
Implementation
Initially a proven and effective method is proposed which incorporates the following:
- A US$50 royalty to be placed on every new Etchells sail
- A unique sequential IECA sail royalty tag/patch must be permanently affixed to every new sail near the tack for mainsails and jibs and in the head for spinnakers.
- Sailmakers to buy these sail royalty tags/patches from the IECA Office at a price approved by the IGC from time to time for each sail. Initially US$50 per sail.
- Sailmakers to attach royalty tags/patches to every new sail that leaves their lofts.
- It is not an Etchells sail unless the sail royalty appears thereon.
- Royalty tags shall not be transferred from one sail to another.
Summary
It is imperative for the long term viability and success of the International Etchells Class that we make investments in strategic initiatives such as the ones listed above. Sail royalties are a proven and successful technique used in other large, longstanding fleets. Those who are actively sailing and buying new sails are the ones who will be funding the royalty income to the benefit of all Etchells owners, associates and participants.
“The royalty tags are a win win for the class administration and all the Etchells owners. The system works very well in J24, J70 and Star class. I don’t see any downside to this at any level from beer can fleet to active campaigners”. -- Jud Smith, Doyle One Design
Jim Cunningham
IECA Chairman
Rationale for Removal of the Annual Sail Acquisition Limit
It is encouraging to see a considered discussion now underway on the proposed rule change. It would have been preferable to commence this at fleet level with a detailed position paper. We are however a volunteer association and as usual the load falls on a few to drive any initiative. We know that the proposals represent a major change from tradition and are controversial.
The positive is that Etchells Owners and Associates are now engaged and that the conversation is in full swing with discussions recently held at the UK Nationals in Cowes and open forums planned for forthcoming events including the Piana Cup at Miami in December, the Australian National Championship at Brighton in January and the NSW State Championship at Lake Macquarie in February.
The following observations are worthy of note:
Fleet racing
Other observations
Status quo
Upside
Summary
We encourage members to review the proposals in the context of what is best for the future of the Etchells Class worldwide.
Chris Hampton
IECA Vice Chairman
The positive is that Etchells Owners and Associates are now engaged and that the conversation is in full swing with discussions recently held at the UK Nationals in Cowes and open forums planned for forthcoming events including the Piana Cup at Miami in December, the Australian National Championship at Brighton in January and the NSW State Championship at Lake Macquarie in February.
The following observations are worthy of note:
Fleet racing
- Almost everyone uses ex regatta sails for fleet racing other than when testing new sails. There is no arms race at fleet level;
- With fleet racing the courses are typically shorter and it is all about skill (starting well, picking the wind shifts, tuning the rig and trimming sails optimally, managing the fleet ...), rather than requiring the latest model or newest sails;
- To the extent owners over-capitalise on new sails for fleet racing they are arguably wasting money. Under a royalty system they will at least be helping to fund the Class. If there is a perception of an advantage in any particular fleet, that fleet is free to introduce its own rules;
- Fleet teams do not usually use their annual six sail acquisition limit and tend to only participate in national and world events when they are conducted locally;
- These teams will have fresh sails available to them whenever they choose to compete in regional, national or world championships. They are in as good a position as anyone else and would not require additional sails to remain competitive in the event of the removal of the acquisition limit;
- Fleet teams would not be disadvantaged from the removal of the sail acquisition limit.
- Everyone will start Race One of a world championship with fresh sails unless they elect otherwise;
- Those that compete in multiple events nationally and in some cases internationally, need to manage their participation to ensure that they have competitive sails available at championships;
- The first priority is to have the best sails available for the world championship. These sails will be no fresher than those available to local teams that are competing in the same event;
- How to achieve this outcome? For those with one boat, they may choose not to participate in certain events. For those with multiple boats, they may be in a position to move boats around to reduce the problem;
- For example, the next world championship is being held in Perth, Western Australia in November 2020. At a sail management level the first priority is to set aside five of the six new sails available in 2020 for the Perth World Championship. Preceding this, Australian sanctioned events include:
- 2020 Nationals in January;
- NSW States in February;
- Victorian States in March;
- Australasian Winters in June;
- Syd Corser on the World’s racecourse in September;
- Pre-Worlds in November 2020;
- Some owners have the capacity and interest in competing in most of these regattas and will need to rely on their carryover sails from 2019 that have done multiple events. As a rule they are not prepared to do championships with uncompetitive sails and will need to allow for the likelihood of some races occurring in sail damaging winds. A common response for 2020 is to delete the NSW State and Australasian Winter Championships from their program, contributing to a reduction in entry levels;
- This disadvantage is lessened for those who own multiple boats and are able to move them around accordingly. They will however incur additional cost and inconvenience and will not start the World Championship with any fresher sails than any other competitor. It is worth noting that the one design classes that are succeeding internationally, including the J70, J24, Melges, Star and Dragons in Europe, are the ones without sail acquisition limits;
- Teams most disadvantaged by the current rules are those that compete in multiple events.
Other observations
- Sharing has evolved with the one boat being sailed intensively by different helms and crew over the course of a year, especially with youth teams. These different teams are required to share the same six new sails each year. It would be preferable if each team was permitted its own sail allocation. The sharing of boats lowers the barriers for entry into Etchells sailing and should be encouraged as a means of introducing new entrants into the Class;
- Having gone through the process of preserving the new 2020 sail allocation for the World Championship, it is noted that others may not have experienced the same limitations through involvement in non-sanctioned events. While these other competitors will have no fresher sails available at the World Championship, they may not have been forced to limit participation in events or race with uncompetitive sails. One response could be to push for these events to be conducted with measured sails. However, such pressure is unlikely to succeed and will only serve to quicken the decline in participation.
Status quo
- Statements advanced for the retention of the current system include “level playing field”, “protect investment” and “has served us well”;
- The facts are that the playing field is not currently level, no one loses any value in their sails from removal of the acquisition limit and overall participation is in decline;
- Much of the opposition to the proposed changes is driven by concern in other areas including the cost of new boats, recent innovations and the dominance of well funded teams with professional crew;
- The proposed changes should be considered on their merits. Although not the solution to all issues, the changes will serve to establish a better platform for the Etchells Class to move forward. They are also consistent with and supportive of the widely held aspiration to support corinthians, promote youth teams and rebuild fleet participation.
Upside
- Etchells regattas worldwide would be brought back into the fold and conducted under the same rules. There would be no need for events to be conducted as non-sanctioned. Campaigning teams would no longer need to own multiple boats, except for geographic considerations, or push the spirit of rules that do not accommodate their requirements;
- North Sails and Doyle Sails both agree that:
- the current system encourages hoarding of sails, and
- the removal of the acquisition limit would create a vibrant second hand market that would provide non-campaigners the ability to acquire quality sails at a fraction of the cost;
- Andrew Palfrey recently stated that "the most effective way of improving the competitiveness of older boats and teams operating on low budgets is to provide them with reasonable sails at low cost". This will be achieved if the proposed change is adopted;
- Royalty revenue will provide a dedicated pool of funds for strategic investment in the Class. The biggest beneficiaries will be youth teams, Corinthians, low budget teams and fleet participation.
Summary
- Sail equality will be achieved by the removal of the acquisition limit. No one will have an advantage over their fellow competitors and everyone will compete on an even footing. Those teams that compete in more events help the Class and underwrite the success of those events. They have a legitimate need for additional sails and, importantly, are not arriving at events with any fresher sails than those who compete in fewer events. However with the sail royalty system in place, as teams purchase more sails they fund more of the Class. The fleets, Corinthians, youth and low budget teams will all be supported to a greater extent, a "win win" without detriment to anyone.
We encourage members to review the proposals in the context of what is best for the future of the Etchells Class worldwide.
Chris Hampton
IECA Vice Chairman
Proposed Implementation Plan for Sail Royalty
Dear members of the Etchells Class,
There have been messages released by the IECA over recent days explaining the rationale behind the proposed changes to the Sail Acquisition rules and also why Royalty Fees are required for our class and the plans for what the revenue will be put towards.
In this message I would like to address plans for the implementation of the Sail Royalty system.
Several of the one-design classes that have similar systems have been canvassed, as have the sailmakers that service those classes. Their advice and suggestions have been given due thought and adapted to what we think will work best in the Etchells Class.
Hopefully the points below will provide some clarity.
Amount of Royalty:
Regards,
Andrew Palfrey
International Etchells Class Governor
There have been messages released by the IECA over recent days explaining the rationale behind the proposed changes to the Sail Acquisition rules and also why Royalty Fees are required for our class and the plans for what the revenue will be put towards.
In this message I would like to address plans for the implementation of the Sail Royalty system.
Several of the one-design classes that have similar systems have been canvassed, as have the sailmakers that service those classes. Their advice and suggestions have been given due thought and adapted to what we think will work best in the Etchells Class.
Hopefully the points below will provide some clarity.
Amount of Royalty:
- Shall be US$50.00 per Royalty tag.
- This amount frozen until Jan 1st 2023, after which time the Royalty fee may be reviewed.
- Every Etchells sail manufactured and/or supplied after the change-over date shall be affixed with tamper-proof cloth Royalty tags prior to leaving the sail loft. These tags shall be affixed via adhesive and stitching. Royalty tags will be printed with a serial number.
- Royalty tags shall also be signed by the sail-maker with a permanent marker. The signature to extend beyond the tag and onto the sail itself
- By affixing and signing the tag and sail, the Sailmaker certifies that the class sail-royalty fee has been paid for that sail AND that the sail has been measured and is in complete compliance to Etchells class rules
- Sailmakers order the Royalty tags directly from the International Etchells Class Association (IECA).
- The IECA will keep a log of serial numbers. Sailmakers will report back to the IECA, detailing the sail type, dispatch date and customer relating to serial numbers.
- If the vote to implement the proposed Sail Royalty scheme were passed, the change-over date of the new rules will be the later of the following dates:
- 30 days after the rule-change is ratified by World Sailing or
- the 30th June 2019
- After this time, all sails declared for use at IECA sanctioned events shall be either:
- Sails manufactured and/or supplied prior to the change-over date: stamped and signed with a measurer’s signature, as per the existing rules. The date noted within the stamp shall pre-date the change-over date. These sails are effectively “grand-fathered” and exempt from tagging.
- Sails manufactured and/or supplied after the change-over date: shall be affixed with the Royalty tag.
- Event Registration procedure:
- Sail declaration forms will be filled out detailing sail type, sailmaker and royalty tag number.
- In the case of sails pre-dating the change-over date, the date on the measurement stamp shall be noted.
Regards,
Andrew Palfrey
International Etchells Class Governor
Proposed Rule Changes - Member Feedback
We thank Class Members for providing comments on the proposed rule changes. With these members approval we have reproduced their comments below.
We have now distributed the following:
We reaffirm that the proposed rule changes have the overwhelming support of the Class Governors and advise that this is the last posting before the December 7 Special General Meeting.
We hope you have had a chance to review the information and familiarize yourselves with the issues and perspectives presented.
Jim Cunningham
IECA Chairman
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Member Feedback - Thoughts and Perspectives on the Proposed Rules Changes
The comments and views included here are representative of all the input we have received and we appreciate these member contributions to the discussion through their shared experiences and perspectives.
Graham Bailey - Accomplished UK sailor with experience in the Etchells and Dragon classes
I am pleased to be of some assistance and have always shared a deep interest in the class, having started racing Etchells with H over 27 years ago (maybe more?).
By way of background: I have won the Edinburgh Cup 3 times (Dragon British Championship) and the British Etchells Nationals once so far. I have been on the International Dragon Association Technical Committee for fifteen years and chaired it for three years, delivering electric pumps and vacuum infused construction.
As with any proposed rule change, the concern is as to unintended consequences, so the Dragon experience may be a good reference.
The only question is whether enabling teams to turn up with new sails for every regatta will somehow harm the class. It seems to be no issue in the Dragons. At the main events all contenders turn up with good sails and nobody feels out-gunned.
The great thing about the high budget teams is that their trailer boxes fill up over the season and so lower budget teams (like ours) can buy very good sails second hand. We have taken national events and races at big international events using second-hand sails.
I am sure you will have healthy debates, but removing the sail card looks straightforward.
Sherwood Kelley - Long-standing (40 years) Corinthian member - USA 1092 - San Diego Fleet
This proposal is really a request for exoneration and regularization of rules that have been openly ignored for the last 10+ years. It is of value that individuals who have felt this behavior to be necessary to be competitive have come forward with a desire to fix this problem. These rules were set 50 years ago, and the Class thrived under them for many of those years when cost limits contributed to Class growth. That said, Jud is correct that the Class is not “your father’s Etchells Class anymore”, and those who now make up the Class should set rules they are willing to follow. They should also consider other electronic and manufacturing materials changes currently available.
The main response to those who still think that restricting sail acquisitions builds class participation and new members is that it no longer does. It may have worked at one time, but there are other issues now.
My view after 40 years in the Class: (a) set no limits on sail acquisition; (b) use measurement aka “royalty” buttons which are numbered and recorded by the sailmaker in an encrypted Class-controlled file; (c) sail with whatever sails are on file in sanctioned events, pre designated on participant’s entry form, ie, no more sail measuring at an event; (d) allow event administrators to determine sail restrictions, thus giving consideration to light or heavy air venues.
Ian Trotter - Corinthian member - San Diego Fleet
From personal experience in the 2017 worlds, we were not thinking we were going at the end of 2016 and we ordered a couple sails, by the time it got here and we carded those sails and another used one it was too late of be carded for 2016. When we decided to go to the 2017 worlds we were down to being able to only card 3 sails. Being San Francisco we needed more than that and it forced us to have to stick with a couple old sails and leave two brand new ones in the box uncarded. We don't own two boats and we follow the rules and card everything. This forced us to not be as competitive as we wanted for the worlds while other boats were fully stacked with a full new inventory. I know poor planning does not make a good excuse but the way the card has worked did not favor the "Regular" non-pro boats like us.
I sailed in the J24 fleet for years. With no limitations and only royalties I would purchase a full set of sails (main, genoa, jib, kite) and sail those sail for a couple regattas and then sell the entire set at a good discount and then purchase another full set. This helped boats that could not normally afford a full new set be able to get a very competitive set for a good price and I then had a new set again. I never ended up with a box full of sails and the rest of the fleet benefited from this. I also never had to worry about what happens when you ruin a sail and your card is full. Also, when the J24 class allowed for better materials the genoa lasted longer making for less wasted money and sails, it also brought the costs down and made selling them used a much better deal for the second owner.
Gary Bunyard - Corinthian member - AUS 747 - Melbourne Fleet
Whilst an experienced sailor I am relatively new the Etchells Class and compete primarily at Club level on a restricted budget.
Our sails are nearing the end of their useful life. Notwithstanding we derive much satisfaction matching the performance of much better equipped boats at Club level and are of the view that our greatest percentage gains will be achieved through skills development and practice.
We have no concern with the proposed withdrawal of the sail acquisition limit but consider that we will benefit greatly from the ability to acquire ex regatta sails in good condition from well funded teams at a large discount to new price.
Eric Doyle - North Sails and long-standing Etchells sailor - San Diego Fleet
I am in full support of getting rid of the sail card and putting royalties on the Etchells sails. Either the Star buttons or cloth stickers work well. It is not easy to transfer from one sail to another and if the class numbers the royalty sequentially, one can make sure that they do not end up on different sails for multiple regattas. The cloth stickers would be a better option for spinnakers.
The class should include in their new rules that all sails used during any Etchells event must have a royalty button attached to it. We attach royalties to every single sail that leaves the loft in classes which require them. This ensures that even if the sail gets re-sold as a used sail to a different owner, the sail will be legal for any class race. We build the cost of the royalty into the overall price of the sail.
We purchase the royalties directly from the class offices and generally supply a purchase order number that we must pay within 30 days. We generally buy in bulk and each class keeps records of what each sailmaker buys during the calendar year. This is a great indicator of how the class is doing overall and can be very useful to indicate trends in the class, both good and bad.
Matt Reid - Tom Abrey’s "Jolly Roger, GBR 1352" Team – 2019 UK National Champs and winners of the inaugural Champion of Champions series on the Solent - Cowes Fleet
We’ve had a good year on Jolly Roger.... I’d say it’s just down to consistent sailing throughout the last few years.
So, an insight to our sail wardrobe. This year we acquired a main and two jibs that have sailed the whole season. Spinnaker-wise, we were running 2017’s which have now done 3 seasons. We also used just one main for the 2016, 17 and 18 season, but that was pushing it and you then run into issues like batten pocket failure. We only acquire 2-3 sails per year for the Cowes summer racing.
So you can see our sail acquisition is under half of the quota, relaxing this limit would make no difference to us in Cowes.
Ruairidh Scott - current J70 World Champion and accomplished Dragon Sailor of many years experience - Sail Designer at North Sails UK
In my opinion, removing sail card restrictions is a good thing. Sail restrictions penalize people from actually going sailing which has to be a bad thing. Better to allow teams to get better by actually sailing and then getting a new sail when it’s required. The classes which do not restrict sails are the most successful OD classes. J70, Dragon, Melges 24, Star etc
However an absolute top budget J70 team will buy 1 or 2 mainsail, 3 jibs and 1 kite per year, if they are doing a lot of sailing. The number of jibs is due to the damage that occurs in a bad furl rather than when sailing. This is not a lot and by no measure an arms-race. This is the number of sails we bought this year and did a lot of sailing with those sails.
Realistically how many mainsails would you go through in an Etchells if there was no restriction? I’d say two at the most for very active teams, once you found the design that worked best for you. The lighter-used of those two would be fine for the following season. I don’t think you would go through many kites either. More jibs possibly, as these could be a bit more venue specific? San Diego vs San Francisco for instance.
We sell our 2nd-hand sails (in both the Dragon and the J70 classes) on to teams all over Europe at half price or better. This is pretty common with a good 2nd-hand culture being well established. We sell these on when they are still in decent shape so the purchaser gets a good deal. Mains might be a year old but headsails are normally 3-4 regattas old.
Laurence Mead - 31 years of Etchells sailing, with 7 years as a boat owner - former Fleet Captain of the Cowes Fleet - current Regatta Director of Cowes Week (the UK’s biggest and most prestigious sailing event)
I previously expressed some skepticism about this change when I heard about it, but it’s true to say that the current system doesn’t work and the proposed rule changes will generate both revenue for the class and hopefully trickle down sails of usable quality.
I’m happy to support on that basis.
We have now distributed the following:
- Rationale for removal of the Annual Sail Acquisition Limit from Chris Hampton, IECA Vice Chairman;
- Need for Sail Royalty Income from Jim Cunningham, IECA Chairman;
- Proposed system for Sail Measurement from Andrew Palfrey, Class Governor;
- Sailmakers perspective from both North Sails and Doyle Sails;
- Member Feedback
We reaffirm that the proposed rule changes have the overwhelming support of the Class Governors and advise that this is the last posting before the December 7 Special General Meeting.
We hope you have had a chance to review the information and familiarize yourselves with the issues and perspectives presented.
Jim Cunningham
IECA Chairman
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Member Feedback - Thoughts and Perspectives on the Proposed Rules Changes
The comments and views included here are representative of all the input we have received and we appreciate these member contributions to the discussion through their shared experiences and perspectives.
Graham Bailey - Accomplished UK sailor with experience in the Etchells and Dragon classes
I am pleased to be of some assistance and have always shared a deep interest in the class, having started racing Etchells with H over 27 years ago (maybe more?).
By way of background: I have won the Edinburgh Cup 3 times (Dragon British Championship) and the British Etchells Nationals once so far. I have been on the International Dragon Association Technical Committee for fifteen years and chaired it for three years, delivering electric pumps and vacuum infused construction.
As with any proposed rule change, the concern is as to unintended consequences, so the Dragon experience may be a good reference.
- Dragons have no restriction on the number of sails a team can buy.
- Each sail has to have a permanently fixed IDA royalty label which are bought from the IDA secretary. 2019 price is £45 per sail (note also that masts have a similar requirement at £20 per mast label)
- No more than 2 spinnakers can be carried on board whilst racing.
- No more than 8 sails measured in for a championship
The only question is whether enabling teams to turn up with new sails for every regatta will somehow harm the class. It seems to be no issue in the Dragons. At the main events all contenders turn up with good sails and nobody feels out-gunned.
The great thing about the high budget teams is that their trailer boxes fill up over the season and so lower budget teams (like ours) can buy very good sails second hand. We have taken national events and races at big international events using second-hand sails.
I am sure you will have healthy debates, but removing the sail card looks straightforward.
Sherwood Kelley - Long-standing (40 years) Corinthian member - USA 1092 - San Diego Fleet
This proposal is really a request for exoneration and regularization of rules that have been openly ignored for the last 10+ years. It is of value that individuals who have felt this behavior to be necessary to be competitive have come forward with a desire to fix this problem. These rules were set 50 years ago, and the Class thrived under them for many of those years when cost limits contributed to Class growth. That said, Jud is correct that the Class is not “your father’s Etchells Class anymore”, and those who now make up the Class should set rules they are willing to follow. They should also consider other electronic and manufacturing materials changes currently available.
The main response to those who still think that restricting sail acquisitions builds class participation and new members is that it no longer does. It may have worked at one time, but there are other issues now.
My view after 40 years in the Class: (a) set no limits on sail acquisition; (b) use measurement aka “royalty” buttons which are numbered and recorded by the sailmaker in an encrypted Class-controlled file; (c) sail with whatever sails are on file in sanctioned events, pre designated on participant’s entry form, ie, no more sail measuring at an event; (d) allow event administrators to determine sail restrictions, thus giving consideration to light or heavy air venues.
Ian Trotter - Corinthian member - San Diego Fleet
From personal experience in the 2017 worlds, we were not thinking we were going at the end of 2016 and we ordered a couple sails, by the time it got here and we carded those sails and another used one it was too late of be carded for 2016. When we decided to go to the 2017 worlds we were down to being able to only card 3 sails. Being San Francisco we needed more than that and it forced us to have to stick with a couple old sails and leave two brand new ones in the box uncarded. We don't own two boats and we follow the rules and card everything. This forced us to not be as competitive as we wanted for the worlds while other boats were fully stacked with a full new inventory. I know poor planning does not make a good excuse but the way the card has worked did not favor the "Regular" non-pro boats like us.
I sailed in the J24 fleet for years. With no limitations and only royalties I would purchase a full set of sails (main, genoa, jib, kite) and sail those sail for a couple regattas and then sell the entire set at a good discount and then purchase another full set. This helped boats that could not normally afford a full new set be able to get a very competitive set for a good price and I then had a new set again. I never ended up with a box full of sails and the rest of the fleet benefited from this. I also never had to worry about what happens when you ruin a sail and your card is full. Also, when the J24 class allowed for better materials the genoa lasted longer making for less wasted money and sails, it also brought the costs down and made selling them used a much better deal for the second owner.
Gary Bunyard - Corinthian member - AUS 747 - Melbourne Fleet
Whilst an experienced sailor I am relatively new the Etchells Class and compete primarily at Club level on a restricted budget.
Our sails are nearing the end of their useful life. Notwithstanding we derive much satisfaction matching the performance of much better equipped boats at Club level and are of the view that our greatest percentage gains will be achieved through skills development and practice.
We have no concern with the proposed withdrawal of the sail acquisition limit but consider that we will benefit greatly from the ability to acquire ex regatta sails in good condition from well funded teams at a large discount to new price.
Eric Doyle - North Sails and long-standing Etchells sailor - San Diego Fleet
I am in full support of getting rid of the sail card and putting royalties on the Etchells sails. Either the Star buttons or cloth stickers work well. It is not easy to transfer from one sail to another and if the class numbers the royalty sequentially, one can make sure that they do not end up on different sails for multiple regattas. The cloth stickers would be a better option for spinnakers.
The class should include in their new rules that all sails used during any Etchells event must have a royalty button attached to it. We attach royalties to every single sail that leaves the loft in classes which require them. This ensures that even if the sail gets re-sold as a used sail to a different owner, the sail will be legal for any class race. We build the cost of the royalty into the overall price of the sail.
We purchase the royalties directly from the class offices and generally supply a purchase order number that we must pay within 30 days. We generally buy in bulk and each class keeps records of what each sailmaker buys during the calendar year. This is a great indicator of how the class is doing overall and can be very useful to indicate trends in the class, both good and bad.
Matt Reid - Tom Abrey’s "Jolly Roger, GBR 1352" Team – 2019 UK National Champs and winners of the inaugural Champion of Champions series on the Solent - Cowes Fleet
We’ve had a good year on Jolly Roger.... I’d say it’s just down to consistent sailing throughout the last few years.
So, an insight to our sail wardrobe. This year we acquired a main and two jibs that have sailed the whole season. Spinnaker-wise, we were running 2017’s which have now done 3 seasons. We also used just one main for the 2016, 17 and 18 season, but that was pushing it and you then run into issues like batten pocket failure. We only acquire 2-3 sails per year for the Cowes summer racing.
So you can see our sail acquisition is under half of the quota, relaxing this limit would make no difference to us in Cowes.
Ruairidh Scott - current J70 World Champion and accomplished Dragon Sailor of many years experience - Sail Designer at North Sails UK
In my opinion, removing sail card restrictions is a good thing. Sail restrictions penalize people from actually going sailing which has to be a bad thing. Better to allow teams to get better by actually sailing and then getting a new sail when it’s required. The classes which do not restrict sails are the most successful OD classes. J70, Dragon, Melges 24, Star etc
However an absolute top budget J70 team will buy 1 or 2 mainsail, 3 jibs and 1 kite per year, if they are doing a lot of sailing. The number of jibs is due to the damage that occurs in a bad furl rather than when sailing. This is not a lot and by no measure an arms-race. This is the number of sails we bought this year and did a lot of sailing with those sails.
Realistically how many mainsails would you go through in an Etchells if there was no restriction? I’d say two at the most for very active teams, once you found the design that worked best for you. The lighter-used of those two would be fine for the following season. I don’t think you would go through many kites either. More jibs possibly, as these could be a bit more venue specific? San Diego vs San Francisco for instance.
We sell our 2nd-hand sails (in both the Dragon and the J70 classes) on to teams all over Europe at half price or better. This is pretty common with a good 2nd-hand culture being well established. We sell these on when they are still in decent shape so the purchaser gets a good deal. Mains might be a year old but headsails are normally 3-4 regattas old.
Laurence Mead - 31 years of Etchells sailing, with 7 years as a boat owner - former Fleet Captain of the Cowes Fleet - current Regatta Director of Cowes Week (the UK’s biggest and most prestigious sailing event)
I previously expressed some skepticism about this change when I heard about it, but it’s true to say that the current system doesn’t work and the proposed rule changes will generate both revenue for the class and hopefully trickle down sails of usable quality.
I’m happy to support on that basis.
