Youth Olympics

[Piers Hugh Smith]

Thought this deserves it's own 'thread'

I really like the sound of taking a Farr 3.7 to the trials, mainly
seeing as I am building one and am 16! I've copied in the criteria
below and tried to answer them- it would be interesting to see whats
people's thoughts are. I think somebody mentioned having C-Tech as a
one design mast manufacturer in the class, but that would definitely
raise the cost of people over here in the UK building and would also
completely screw up some communication I've been having with Allen
Brothers over here- not much in favor of that one IMO (as well as a
big attraction for me being the room to play around to make the boat
suit you). Anyway-

Suitability for Youth Olympic Games-

Boat Dimensions- Small- easy transporting especially overseas.
Measurement- Already a good structure in place in NZ- not too hard to
replicate elsewhere.
Builder / Production Quality Control- +/- 5mm hull tolerance on boats.
Manufacturers / Suppliers- Open- competitive pricing and enough 'big'
manufacturers to cope with potential demand (North/C Tech/ Fyfe)
Sailor Demographics- Not sure what the demographics are like in NZ but
there is a lot of interest from the 16-18 age group here as well.
Fleet Locations / Boat Numbers- Not our best point as really NZ, but
lots of interest here. 400 boats.
Cost of Equipment- Low- which is great!
Transportation- easy as it is small.
Administrative Strength of Class Association- seem good from my point
of view! The UK class assoc is not official yet but eventually.
Sailor Appeal- Awesome fun to sail as I'm sure you'll agree!
Media Appeal- Can be a modern looking boat- carbon sails and rigs etc-
visually very attractive.
Development- very limited, more just customization really from what I
can tell
Design and Graphic Attributes- Not 100% sure what they mean by this
but it has a very reputable designer behind it.
YOG Qualification System- Haven't looked at this in enough detail
yet...

It'd be awesome to send a boat over, and a great bit of PR, especially
for us guys in the UK to help jumpstart the class here. (and if you
need a sailor to go to the trials- I'm ISAF's traget market and
sailing at RYA squad level ;) I'd be more than happy to help!)

What are your thoughts over in NZ?

Piers