PROMOTING YOUTH 420 CLASS RACING IN NOVA SCOTIA

These could be your sailors!

The Club 420 is more than just a club training boat.  More than 3000 Club 420’s are actively competing in North America each year.  There are over 50 420’s in club sailing programs in Nova Scotia.  The NSYA is committed to supporting racing in this class.  We would like to see these boats and your sailors on the start lines of our weekend regattas rather than sitting in boat yards.

The NSYA is committed to developing competitive racing in two person dinghies in a fun and non-threatening environment.  Many of these sailors could be former Optimist dinghy sailors who have been racing for a number of years and have aged out of the class.  These sailors could also be members of your CYA Bronze / Silver racing programs.

How do we make this happen.  It will take the work of clubs, instructors, sailors, parents, and the NSYA.

The NSYA proposes to provide support for the development of the 420 class by:

1. Promoting three regattas as the Nova Scotia 420 Circuit. For the 2007 racing season we propose:    
   1. a. ARK at BBYC
   2. b. The SMSC Dinghy Regatta
   3. c. The Kennedy Cup at the RNSYS.
2. Recognizing the top sailors in the circuit (to be scored as a series, details to be discussed/confirmed)
3. Ensuring each of these designated regattas is preceded by a 420 clinic.
4. Ensuring that the 420 class is provided with race management of the same grade as provided to Lasers, Radials, etc. at these events.
5. Encouraging competitors to join the Club 420 Class association.
6. Working towards the long term vision of providing financial, logistical, and coaching support the top Nova Scotia 420 teams to compete in major continental events such as CORK, Mid-Winters in Florida or regattas in New England.  These events represent a great opportunity for our sailors to bring back a higher level of expertise to our local fleet.

This plan will not work without the support of clubs and their youth learn-to-sail programs.  What will it take?

1. Programs that teach young sailors basic racing skills as early as possible given that many Optimist dinghy sailors begin racing at age
2. Promotion of this circuit with your instructors, parents and young sailors.
3. A willingness to mobilize your membership to transport your sailors and boats to the 2007 NS 420 circuit.
4. An openness to chartering/ lending your boats to sailors in your programs
5. Co-operation in providing coaching resources and coach boats for the local circuit.

Let’s work together to see 50 boats on the start lines of these three regattas next summer!

Why Compete in the 420?

• Strong local competition, high level continental competition, as well as inter collegiate opportunities.
• There is an active 420 class association in the US (www.club420.org)
• Combined skipper crew weight of 230 – 310lbs.  (open to a large range of ages and weights)
• The Club 420 is THE training boat for the International 470 Olympics Class.  Shoot for the stars!
• Have more fun with a friend and training partner.
• Learn sail handling and trimming techniques that will apply to a range of boats.
• We have a fleet of over 50 boats in Nova Scotia!