Another Dinghy show is over and I would like to thank all those involved for their help. Graham Simmonds did much of the leg work pulling things together as well as collecting Ricky Tagg’s new Mach2 and delivering it to the show – taking it away again and manning the stand all weekend.

Also a big thanks to Syz & Co and Zhik for the use of their superb video footage which at times blocked the aisles with viewers.

Special thanks to Amac and Simon Payne for the support of Mach2.

We had the benefit of link with ProVela, Alan Hillman gave 2 lectures on the RYA stage to a standing room only crowd. Although the lecture was titled foiling fundamentals it was a great advert for the class and the Moth stand saw a big boost in activity after each lecture. Alan also helped out on the stand over the weekend which was greatly appreciated.

Alan is currently putting together a foiling basics DVD which I think will be useful for the whole class in marketing to newcomers and helping in training the basics.

Whilst the show was very positive on the whole we do need to ask the question of value for money. We spend a huge proportion of our annual income attending the show and are 100% reliant on class members proving the stuff needed to run the stand for free. Our stand is as as basic as its gets and this year we were saved by the video footage provided free by class sponsors.

Is this a good use of class funds or should we consider spending the money elsewhere? Is there another way of doing the show better and cheaper? I would like the class to discuss this at the AGM during the nationals at Stokes Bay.

We had a good meeting with Guy English of Restronguet SC who are now confirmed for the Nationals in 2012, and we are actively looking for a venue for 2013. We have had representations from Pwllheli and Plymouth. Suggestions welcome.

So to wrap up I want to thank all those who gave their time to help at the show.

Graham Simmonds

Phil Oligario

Helen Rollinson

Simon Reynolds

Simon Propper

Sam Tozer

Alan Hillman

Ben Paton

Leana Wallace.

And Ricky for the use of his brand new boat.

Remember the Grand Prix race circuit kicks off on the 26/27 March with the Inland Nationals at QM.

Good Sailing.

Mike