Little "dinghies" below the Christmas tree. Home made by Elena-Romana Gazenser from Germany.
Something to read about 12foot dinghies in the German Language? Order Yacht classic directly from the publisher
Yacht classic bestellen
zaterdag 15 december 2012
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Little "dinghies" below the Christmas tree. Home made by Elena-Romana Gazenser from Germany.
Something to read about 12foot dinghies in the German Language? Order Yacht classic directly from the publisher
Yacht classic bestellen
vrijdag 14 december 2012
Jan Sonnenberg in action
Jan Sonnenberg is the webmaster of the site twaalfvoetsjollenclub
Elena-Romana Gazenser from Germany has sent me this URL.
dinghies in Germany
Another interesting article in a new blog from the Dutch journalist Robert Wielaart
dinghies in the Netherlands
zaterdag 8 december 2012
Plastic jollen in Nederland (2)
Albert Brouwer is de importeur van de plastic Italiaanse Nauticalodi jollen. Hij ziet graag dat de Twaalfvoetsjollenclub en het Watersportverbond plastic jollen gaan toelaten en heeft een gesprek voorgesteld met Henk van der Zande (voorzitter) en mij (bestuurder international 12foot dinghy class organisation). Ik heb aangegeven dat een gesprek geen zin heeft, omdat ik per 1 februari 2013 stop met mijn internationale bestuurs activiteiten. Fred Udo heb ik gepolst mij op te volgen. Als het bestuur van de twaalfvoetsjollenclub hem vraagt en de ledenvergadering akkoord gaat, wil Fred dit verzoek in overweging nemen. Albert heb ik geadviseerd lid te worden van de Twaalfvoetsjollenclub. Dat heeft hij inmiddels gedaan. Op de komende ledenvergadering wil hij een lans gaan breken voor de toelating van plastic jollen.
Albert Brouwer Yacht Broker
Roosenburgstraat 29
5624JS EINDHOVEN
Website: www.polyesterjollen.nl
Email: Info@Polyesterjollen.nl
Aan: Pieter Bleeker, Henk van der Zande
Betreft: Twaalfvoetsjollenbulletin Nr.4 van Oktober 2012 en het actuele 12footnews
Datum: 6 december 2012
Via mijn Italiaanse Twaalfvoetsjol vrienden werd ik attent gemaakt op de huidige discussie over specificaties (en dus bootsnelheid). Toen ik mij vervolgens in deze materie verdiepte verbaasde ik mij over de heersende Nederlandse opvatting. Graag breng ik hierbij volgende punten onder uw aandacht:
• De klassieke jol een museum klasse?
• Suggestieve mening / stemmingmakerij.
• Een meer objectieve opvatting.
• Mijn voorstel.
Museum Klasse?
Met de klassieke houten twaalfvoetsjol kies je, gezien de huidige opvatting, bewust voor een museum klasse. Daar is natuurlijk niets mis mee. Quotes uit het Twaalfvoetsjollenbulletin Bulletin 4 Oktober 2012 hierover zijn o.a. :
• “En nu komt het grote en tot heden nog ruim onvoldoende gekoesterde geheim van ons aller Twaalfvoetsjol: er is HELEMAAL NIKS aan veranderd, niet aan rompvorm, zeiltekening, bouwwijze of materiaal.”
• “Gelukkig is de Nederlandse twaalfvoetsjollenklasse tot op heden niet gezwicht voor de verleiding om ook een beetje of heel veel mee te gaan op het pad der veranderingen.”
• “De springlevende en alleroudste geheel originele eenheidsklasse ter wereld, die op 18 april 2014 honderd jaar oud zal zijn.”
• “The danger for the Netherlands is: modern plastic and modern wood are faster and become increasingly popular. Classic wood would be classified as a museum class.”
Hiermee vergeleken heeft Italië, een totaal andere weg ingeslagen, die van modernisering en verjonging. Deze modernisering maakt de moderne Italiaanse polyester jol met zijn dubbele bodem en zijn efficiëntere tuigage de betere zeilboot (sneller en beter zelfredzaam). Op het grotere onbeschutte zeilwater voor de Italiaanse kust zijn deze eigenschappen vooral van belang. Dit is een logische ontwikkeling en vergelijkbaar met andere eenheidsklassen. Hiermee werd de twaalfvoetsjol in Italië ook aansprekend voor de jeugd.
Suggestieve mening / stemming makerij.
De indruk ontstaat dat het Nederlandse twaalfvoetsjol kamp zich door dit Italiaanse succes meer en meer bedreigt voelt. Het zich afzetten tegen Italië lijkt populair te worden (wij tegen hun). Quotes uit voorgenoemd bulletin die mij deze indruk geven zijn o.a.:
• “Dan moeten die Italianen natuurlijk wel willen begrijpen wat een SW factor is”.
• “Vooral de Italianen hebben hele andere intenties”.
• “Achter dit plan gaat vermoedelijk ook de Italiaanse maffia schuil, want met zo'n belastingheffing zullen de Hollanders hun houten jol waarschijnlijk voor langere tijd opbergen en overstappen op de plastic jol 'made in Italy'”.
• “We weten, dat er in Italië plastic jollen met aluminium “rondhout” mee doen en dat daar vederlichte houten jollen propvol reguleerlijntjes hun zeil-met-losse-broek hoger aan de (holle) mast varen, net zoals die plastic boten. We weten van hun dubbele bodems, verkorte vlonders, andere roervormen en elektrische pompen.”
Een meer objectieve opvatting.
Gelukkig zijn er ook mensen uit het Nederlandse twaalfvoetskamp met een meer objectieve kijk. Hierbij wil ik de inzending van Fred Udo in dit bulletin aanhalen en ik quote:
• “De argumenten van de Italianen zijn sterk: Door moderne ontwikkelingen te stimuleren spreekt de boot aan bij een jong publiek. Zowel in plastic als in hout wordt veel nieuwbouw gepleegd. Onlangs is er een serie van 10 prachtige houten boten gebouwd op de bekende werf van Ernesto Riva. De romp is vrijwel gelijk aan de Hollandse boten, maar de uitrusting en het tuig komt uit een andere wereld dan de onze.”
• “Er is een Italiaanse gewoonte, die door alle Nederlanders wordt overgenomen zodra zij de grens over zijn: De losse broek in het zeil. Vergelijk dit met de strakke Nederlandse regels, waarbij zelfs een schootblok met klem na verhitte discussies werd afgewezen en jaren lang mocht ons vaantje volgens de meetregels niet.”
• “Hieruit zou men kunnen afleiden dat het de tegenstelling hout-plastic is die de discussies verziekt. Dat is niet zo, want in Luzern voeren alleen houten boten.”
• “Politiek is de kunst van het haalbare en het lijkt mij nodig om de haalbaarheid en de zin van de verschillende initiatieven serieus te toetsen, zodat niet het kind met het badwater weggegooid wordt.”
Mijn voorstel:
Juist deze laatste zin spreekt mij bijzonder aan. Politiek is de kunst van het haalbare.
Het verbaast mij niet dat het voor de Italianen onhaalbaar is om hun moderne jol voor een wedstrijd terug te brengen naar een specificatie van 100 jaar geleden. Het verbaast mij ook niet dat het voor de Nederlanders onhaalbaar was om hun “museum jol” van een moderne tuigage te voorzien. Het verbaast mij alleen dat lang gedacht werd dat tussen deze twee partijen een compromis haalbaar was en dat de nationale clubs hier achter zouden kunnen staan.
Mijn idee als nieuwkomer zou zijn:
• Stop met het veroordelen van de Italianen en de stemming makerij. (...)
• Accepteer de realiteit dat er twee klassen zijn: Klassieke en Moderne Twaalfvoetsjollen. (...!)
• Plan per klasse een wedstrijd (liefst geen gelijke start ….langzamer zijn frustreert)
• Kijk naar de toekomst en de jeugd en experimenteer zelf met een paar moderne jollen. Dan kun je oefenen hoe je de Italianen met hun moderne jol kunt verslaan (...).
Graag kom ik met u beiden hierover in gesprek.
Met vriendelijke groet,
Albert Brouwer
Een plaatje zegt meer dan 1000 woorden. Toegevoegd door de redactie een cartoon gepubliceerd in het Italiaanse jollenbulletin
Zie versie 1 van deze reeks plastic dinghies
Roosenburgstraat 29
5624JS EINDHOVEN
Website: www.polyesterjollen.nl
Email: Info@Polyesterjollen.nl
Aan: Pieter Bleeker, Henk van der Zande
Betreft: Twaalfvoetsjollenbulletin Nr.4 van Oktober 2012 en het actuele 12footnews
Datum: 6 december 2012
Via mijn Italiaanse Twaalfvoetsjol vrienden werd ik attent gemaakt op de huidige discussie over specificaties (en dus bootsnelheid). Toen ik mij vervolgens in deze materie verdiepte verbaasde ik mij over de heersende Nederlandse opvatting. Graag breng ik hierbij volgende punten onder uw aandacht:
• De klassieke jol een museum klasse?
• Suggestieve mening / stemmingmakerij.
• Een meer objectieve opvatting.
• Mijn voorstel.
Museum Klasse?
Met de klassieke houten twaalfvoetsjol kies je, gezien de huidige opvatting, bewust voor een museum klasse. Daar is natuurlijk niets mis mee. Quotes uit het Twaalfvoetsjollenbulletin Bulletin 4 Oktober 2012 hierover zijn o.a. :
• “En nu komt het grote en tot heden nog ruim onvoldoende gekoesterde geheim van ons aller Twaalfvoetsjol: er is HELEMAAL NIKS aan veranderd, niet aan rompvorm, zeiltekening, bouwwijze of materiaal.”
• “Gelukkig is de Nederlandse twaalfvoetsjollenklasse tot op heden niet gezwicht voor de verleiding om ook een beetje of heel veel mee te gaan op het pad der veranderingen.”
• “De springlevende en alleroudste geheel originele eenheidsklasse ter wereld, die op 18 april 2014 honderd jaar oud zal zijn.”
• “The danger for the Netherlands is: modern plastic and modern wood are faster and become increasingly popular. Classic wood would be classified as a museum class.”
Hiermee vergeleken heeft Italië, een totaal andere weg ingeslagen, die van modernisering en verjonging. Deze modernisering maakt de moderne Italiaanse polyester jol met zijn dubbele bodem en zijn efficiëntere tuigage de betere zeilboot (sneller en beter zelfredzaam). Op het grotere onbeschutte zeilwater voor de Italiaanse kust zijn deze eigenschappen vooral van belang. Dit is een logische ontwikkeling en vergelijkbaar met andere eenheidsklassen. Hiermee werd de twaalfvoetsjol in Italië ook aansprekend voor de jeugd.
Suggestieve mening / stemming makerij.
De indruk ontstaat dat het Nederlandse twaalfvoetsjol kamp zich door dit Italiaanse succes meer en meer bedreigt voelt. Het zich afzetten tegen Italië lijkt populair te worden (wij tegen hun). Quotes uit voorgenoemd bulletin die mij deze indruk geven zijn o.a.:
• “Dan moeten die Italianen natuurlijk wel willen begrijpen wat een SW factor is”.
• “Vooral de Italianen hebben hele andere intenties”.
• “Achter dit plan gaat vermoedelijk ook de Italiaanse maffia schuil, want met zo'n belastingheffing zullen de Hollanders hun houten jol waarschijnlijk voor langere tijd opbergen en overstappen op de plastic jol 'made in Italy'”.
• “We weten, dat er in Italië plastic jollen met aluminium “rondhout” mee doen en dat daar vederlichte houten jollen propvol reguleerlijntjes hun zeil-met-losse-broek hoger aan de (holle) mast varen, net zoals die plastic boten. We weten van hun dubbele bodems, verkorte vlonders, andere roervormen en elektrische pompen.”
Een meer objectieve opvatting.
Gelukkig zijn er ook mensen uit het Nederlandse twaalfvoetskamp met een meer objectieve kijk. Hierbij wil ik de inzending van Fred Udo in dit bulletin aanhalen en ik quote:
• “De argumenten van de Italianen zijn sterk: Door moderne ontwikkelingen te stimuleren spreekt de boot aan bij een jong publiek. Zowel in plastic als in hout wordt veel nieuwbouw gepleegd. Onlangs is er een serie van 10 prachtige houten boten gebouwd op de bekende werf van Ernesto Riva. De romp is vrijwel gelijk aan de Hollandse boten, maar de uitrusting en het tuig komt uit een andere wereld dan de onze.”
• “Er is een Italiaanse gewoonte, die door alle Nederlanders wordt overgenomen zodra zij de grens over zijn: De losse broek in het zeil. Vergelijk dit met de strakke Nederlandse regels, waarbij zelfs een schootblok met klem na verhitte discussies werd afgewezen en jaren lang mocht ons vaantje volgens de meetregels niet.”
• “Hieruit zou men kunnen afleiden dat het de tegenstelling hout-plastic is die de discussies verziekt. Dat is niet zo, want in Luzern voeren alleen houten boten.”
• “Politiek is de kunst van het haalbare en het lijkt mij nodig om de haalbaarheid en de zin van de verschillende initiatieven serieus te toetsen, zodat niet het kind met het badwater weggegooid wordt.”
Mijn voorstel:
Juist deze laatste zin spreekt mij bijzonder aan. Politiek is de kunst van het haalbare.
Het verbaast mij niet dat het voor de Italianen onhaalbaar is om hun moderne jol voor een wedstrijd terug te brengen naar een specificatie van 100 jaar geleden. Het verbaast mij ook niet dat het voor de Nederlanders onhaalbaar was om hun “museum jol” van een moderne tuigage te voorzien. Het verbaast mij alleen dat lang gedacht werd dat tussen deze twee partijen een compromis haalbaar was en dat de nationale clubs hier achter zouden kunnen staan.
Mijn idee als nieuwkomer zou zijn:
• Stop met het veroordelen van de Italianen en de stemming makerij. (...)
• Accepteer de realiteit dat er twee klassen zijn: Klassieke en Moderne Twaalfvoetsjollen. (...!)
• Plan per klasse een wedstrijd (liefst geen gelijke start ….langzamer zijn frustreert)
• Kijk naar de toekomst en de jeugd en experimenteer zelf met een paar moderne jollen. Dan kun je oefenen hoe je de Italianen met hun moderne jol kunt verslaan (...).
Graag kom ik met u beiden hierover in gesprek.
Met vriendelijke groet,
Albert Brouwer
Een plaatje zegt meer dan 1000 woorden. Toegevoegd door de redactie een cartoon gepubliceerd in het Italiaanse jollenbulletin
Zie versie 1 van deze reeks plastic dinghies
woensdag 5 december 2012
Dinghy vision of Giorgio Pizzarello
Giorgio Pizzarello from Italy is my friend. We share the same passion for racing and the 12footdinghy. Giorgio likes the situation that all dinghies have the same speed. I like the situation that all dinghies have the same slowness and will stay real classic. See the blog article all dinghies equal slow. Read Giorgio's interesting vision.
Dear Dinghy Friends,
I have received, like many of you, one of the items of the agenda of the next Annual Meeting of the Dutch 12’ Dinghy Class, together with some thoughts of Fred Udo , Reinhard Schroeder and Pieter Bleeker. The item concerns the international future of the 12’ Dinghy. As it often happens, I agree with some concepts, I notice that certain things that have been written are incorrect and I don't agree at all with others. As you know, I have been the Chairman of the Italian 12’ Dinghy Class for 3 years and during that period I have organized with enthusiasm in Bracciano the first World Cup of the modern era (see the picture). In Bracciano I was second after Pieter Bleeker in the modern division, while with a classic dinghy I have won the Venice World Cup and have been third in the Portorose World Cup. Furthermore, I have attended to the meetings that have given birth to the Jolanda and to the Martini protocols, as well as to the recent meeting last October in Tuzla. On top of this, I am the only Italian sailor who owns a Dutch 12’ Dinghy, a Van der Meer, as well as other two Italian 12’ Dinghies (a VTR/ wood and a total wood Colombo of 2012). In the light of the above, I have therefore deemed it right and appropriate to give my contribution to the discussion, with the hope to be also able to clarify some concepts.
Some preliminar clarifications. In Italy we have achieved the very important goal to have similar speed in the water between VTR 12’ dinghies and wooden 12’dinghies (not all of them, of course). At the point that Paolo Viacava has won the Italian Championship in 2011 with a totally wooden 12’ Dinghy of recent construction. In the same event other two wooden Dinghies, of more than 40 years, arrived within the first 10 in a fleet of more than 70 boats . This means that the Italian wooden 12’ Dinghy has reached a very good compromise as far as speed is concerned. This didn't happen in one day, but is the result of small and progressive adjustments along the years ( the Dutch friends call it " modernization ") . We are proud of this, because, as I have said many times, the Italian 12’ Dinghy Class is the only one that has been able to have on the water Vtr and wooden boats that have similar performance as far as speed and structural solidity is concerned.
Recently, in Portorose, on the occasion of the Cockshott Trophy races ( the first day, 80/90 boats competing, wooden and vtr together, same start) the winner over all has been a wooden Dinghy and another one (myself )was forth. Furthermore, the three single races of that day have been won respectively by a wooden boat, a VTR/wooden boat, and by an only VTR boat.
This year at the Italian Championship the wooden boats didn't repeat the 2011 "exploit", but if you give a proper glance to the results ( 74 competitors), you will notice that the top Italian helmsmen of the wooden Dinghies weren’t there, while among the modern Dinghies there were almost all the best helmsmen including, just to make an example, Dodo Gorla, yes the one who won Olympic Medals and a Star World Championship !!!
In Italy we have 3 kinds of 12’Dinghies: VTR, VTR/Wood, only Wood (some of the latter are of recent construction, some are older). All together they represent a unique and united Sailing Class that every year counts on about 120 races . Only five of them are reserved today only to Wooden Dinghies ! In all the others all the different kinds of 12’Dinghies race together without any problem, with an overall result and in addition to it a separate classification for the wooden Dinghies. In Italy nobody talks, neither now, nor ever, of “an internal schism”. But maybe telling about it in Northern Europe is “instrumental”; as we say in Italy, it brings water to the mill of a certain “Propaganda” !?
I agree with Fred, Reinhard and Pieter on the fact that differences do exist between Dutch and Italian Classic 12’Dinghies, but I also think that today the road for a standardization is long and difficult, especially in the light of the huge distance existing between the Italian and the Dutch philosophy as far as the 12’ Dinghy is concerned.
On the contrary I do not believe that the French, the Swiss, the German , the Turkish , the Japanese and the Slovenians, are victims of anybody: they have the ability and the freedom to evaluate the things and the situation and to make their own choices.
Now some considerations and thoughts about the 4 alternatives that will be examined by the Dutch Annual Meeting of January 27, 2013.
- The first one (Close the borders)
I think it would be a pity and wrong as well ! In the last ten years we have had together so many pleasant and friendly meetings among dinghy sailors of many countries ! They have been successful sport wise and given rise to many exchanges and true friendships.
-The second one ( All dinghies start together in international events) ( i.e only one start, an over all result and also separate classifications for different kind of 12’ Dinghies). I think that this solution is appreciated and supported in Italy especially as far as the Cockshott Trophy is concerned, an event for which the Italian 12’ Dinghy Class, as well as the friends of the German Flotte Nord, care because it welcomes all types of 12’ Dinghies. As far as the World Cup is concerned, in the three modern editions that we have had, we always had separated starts, because the World Cup has always been valid as one of the races of the 12’ Dinghy Classic Trophy-Swiss and Global Cup Series, that is the Italian 5/6 races series reserved only to wooden dinghies. In my opinion this precedent can be maintained, but one could find an agreement on adding prizes on the basis of additional classifications.
In a recent meeting in Turkey (Tuzla) during the Turkish Cockshott event, it seemed that an understanding had been reached about international series, by identifying the Cockshott Trophy as the common international series for which each Nation would have organized a Race (common start, an overall classification and three classifications for modern dinghies, Dutch wooden dinghies and Italian wooden dinghies ), thus obtaining a higher concentration of boats, in a sustainable number of international events. The outcome of the Tuzla meetings has been published by Steve Crook on the 12’ Dinghy international web site. If on top of this somebody wants to organize in Northern Europe a Friendship Series between classic 12’ dinghies Dutch style: just do it !
It is really difficult for me to understand where the danger for Dutch wooden boats is !? In Italy , VTR boats do not seem to send wooden ones in " Museums ". For many different reasons somebody likes 12’ wooden Dinghies, somebody likes 12’ VTR Dinghies. Where is the problem ?
Besides, I like to repeat once more that in Italy the great majority of 12’ Dinghy owners, including those of wooden Dinghies, agree with this position, which is the official one of the Italian 12’DinghyClass.
- The third proposal (Separated Starts) I don't think this format would encourage sailors to make long journeys pulling their boat with the car, just to race (at least at present) against competitors that they can meet comfortably at home. This is the reason why last April, after Easter, we cancelled the trip to L'Ailette .
-The forth proposal ( The Compromise) And now I come to the forth proposal : the compromise ! Regarding this a preliminary clarification is necessary.
The International 12 foot Class Association, as far as I know, is not an association of Classes . It is a Committee composed by 3 volunteers whose role is to optimize the calendar of international races approved by National Classes. Furthermore Steve Crook , who is the President of the Committee, manages the international web site, financed by the Italian and Dutch Associations, a web site that is the "Home" of all 12’ Dinghy Sailors. In this respect I would like to take this opportunity to underline how much all of us is grateful to Steve for the job he carries on with passion, fairness and balance.
Under the circumstances the International 12 foot Dinghy Class cannot act as " neutral umbrella " over anything . Furthermore the Italian 12’ Dinghy Class has already expressed itself on this subject and does not take into consideration international agreements relating to 12’ Dinghy owners of only one kind of 12’Dinghy. This official position is very well known both at National and International level.
This forth proposal, in my opinion, is therefore not suitable for Italy.
Nevertheless I hope that the World Cup in Naples will take place with the same Format of the three previous editions and since it will be disputed in Italy, I believe that the Italian Class will make some Italian boats of different types available for foreign friends who don't want to travel so far away with their own boats. In Tuzla all those attending to the meeting, at personal title (R. Schroeder, W. De Boer, F de Bot) or in the name of their national associations/fleets ( Italy, Turkey, Switzerland, Germany) agreed.
Should then somebody decide not to come, I would be very sorry for him because he would miss an extraordinary event, in a beautiful place, where there is a very intriguing race field where the wind seldom lacks ! Not only that: he would loose the warm welcome of Naples and of it's old, prestigious Yacht Clubs and the opportunity to attend all together a big Festa ! For what I know of you, I trust it won't happen .
My best regards to all of you and wishes of good sailing, fair winds and happy time .
I have received, like many of you, one of the items of the agenda of the next Annual Meeting of the Dutch 12’ Dinghy Class, together with some thoughts of Fred Udo , Reinhard Schroeder and Pieter Bleeker. The item concerns the international future of the 12’ Dinghy. As it often happens, I agree with some concepts, I notice that certain things that have been written are incorrect and I don't agree at all with others. As you know, I have been the Chairman of the Italian 12’ Dinghy Class for 3 years and during that period I have organized with enthusiasm in Bracciano the first World Cup of the modern era (see the picture). In Bracciano I was second after Pieter Bleeker in the modern division, while with a classic dinghy I have won the Venice World Cup and have been third in the Portorose World Cup. Furthermore, I have attended to the meetings that have given birth to the Jolanda and to the Martini protocols, as well as to the recent meeting last October in Tuzla. On top of this, I am the only Italian sailor who owns a Dutch 12’ Dinghy, a Van der Meer, as well as other two Italian 12’ Dinghies (a VTR/ wood and a total wood Colombo of 2012). In the light of the above, I have therefore deemed it right and appropriate to give my contribution to the discussion, with the hope to be also able to clarify some concepts.
Some preliminar clarifications. In Italy we have achieved the very important goal to have similar speed in the water between VTR 12’ dinghies and wooden 12’dinghies (not all of them, of course). At the point that Paolo Viacava has won the Italian Championship in 2011 with a totally wooden 12’ Dinghy of recent construction. In the same event other two wooden Dinghies, of more than 40 years, arrived within the first 10 in a fleet of more than 70 boats . This means that the Italian wooden 12’ Dinghy has reached a very good compromise as far as speed is concerned. This didn't happen in one day, but is the result of small and progressive adjustments along the years ( the Dutch friends call it " modernization ") . We are proud of this, because, as I have said many times, the Italian 12’ Dinghy Class is the only one that has been able to have on the water Vtr and wooden boats that have similar performance as far as speed and structural solidity is concerned.
Recently, in Portorose, on the occasion of the Cockshott Trophy races ( the first day, 80/90 boats competing, wooden and vtr together, same start) the winner over all has been a wooden Dinghy and another one (myself )was forth. Furthermore, the three single races of that day have been won respectively by a wooden boat, a VTR/wooden boat, and by an only VTR boat.
This year at the Italian Championship the wooden boats didn't repeat the 2011 "exploit", but if you give a proper glance to the results ( 74 competitors), you will notice that the top Italian helmsmen of the wooden Dinghies weren’t there, while among the modern Dinghies there were almost all the best helmsmen including, just to make an example, Dodo Gorla, yes the one who won Olympic Medals and a Star World Championship !!!
In Italy we have 3 kinds of 12’Dinghies: VTR, VTR/Wood, only Wood (some of the latter are of recent construction, some are older). All together they represent a unique and united Sailing Class that every year counts on about 120 races . Only five of them are reserved today only to Wooden Dinghies ! In all the others all the different kinds of 12’Dinghies race together without any problem, with an overall result and in addition to it a separate classification for the wooden Dinghies. In Italy nobody talks, neither now, nor ever, of “an internal schism”. But maybe telling about it in Northern Europe is “instrumental”; as we say in Italy, it brings water to the mill of a certain “Propaganda” !?
I agree with Fred, Reinhard and Pieter on the fact that differences do exist between Dutch and Italian Classic 12’Dinghies, but I also think that today the road for a standardization is long and difficult, especially in the light of the huge distance existing between the Italian and the Dutch philosophy as far as the 12’ Dinghy is concerned.
On the contrary I do not believe that the French, the Swiss, the German , the Turkish , the Japanese and the Slovenians, are victims of anybody: they have the ability and the freedom to evaluate the things and the situation and to make their own choices.
Now some considerations and thoughts about the 4 alternatives that will be examined by the Dutch Annual Meeting of January 27, 2013.
- The first one (Close the borders)
I think it would be a pity and wrong as well ! In the last ten years we have had together so many pleasant and friendly meetings among dinghy sailors of many countries ! They have been successful sport wise and given rise to many exchanges and true friendships.
-The second one ( All dinghies start together in international events) ( i.e only one start, an over all result and also separate classifications for different kind of 12’ Dinghies). I think that this solution is appreciated and supported in Italy especially as far as the Cockshott Trophy is concerned, an event for which the Italian 12’ Dinghy Class, as well as the friends of the German Flotte Nord, care because it welcomes all types of 12’ Dinghies. As far as the World Cup is concerned, in the three modern editions that we have had, we always had separated starts, because the World Cup has always been valid as one of the races of the 12’ Dinghy Classic Trophy-Swiss and Global Cup Series, that is the Italian 5/6 races series reserved only to wooden dinghies. In my opinion this precedent can be maintained, but one could find an agreement on adding prizes on the basis of additional classifications.
In a recent meeting in Turkey (Tuzla) during the Turkish Cockshott event, it seemed that an understanding had been reached about international series, by identifying the Cockshott Trophy as the common international series for which each Nation would have organized a Race (common start, an overall classification and three classifications for modern dinghies, Dutch wooden dinghies and Italian wooden dinghies ), thus obtaining a higher concentration of boats, in a sustainable number of international events. The outcome of the Tuzla meetings has been published by Steve Crook on the 12’ Dinghy international web site. If on top of this somebody wants to organize in Northern Europe a Friendship Series between classic 12’ dinghies Dutch style: just do it !
It is really difficult for me to understand where the danger for Dutch wooden boats is !? In Italy , VTR boats do not seem to send wooden ones in " Museums ". For many different reasons somebody likes 12’ wooden Dinghies, somebody likes 12’ VTR Dinghies. Where is the problem ?
Besides, I like to repeat once more that in Italy the great majority of 12’ Dinghy owners, including those of wooden Dinghies, agree with this position, which is the official one of the Italian 12’DinghyClass.
- The third proposal (Separated Starts) I don't think this format would encourage sailors to make long journeys pulling their boat with the car, just to race (at least at present) against competitors that they can meet comfortably at home. This is the reason why last April, after Easter, we cancelled the trip to L'Ailette .
-The forth proposal ( The Compromise) And now I come to the forth proposal : the compromise ! Regarding this a preliminary clarification is necessary.
The International 12 foot Class Association, as far as I know, is not an association of Classes . It is a Committee composed by 3 volunteers whose role is to optimize the calendar of international races approved by National Classes. Furthermore Steve Crook , who is the President of the Committee, manages the international web site, financed by the Italian and Dutch Associations, a web site that is the "Home" of all 12’ Dinghy Sailors. In this respect I would like to take this opportunity to underline how much all of us is grateful to Steve for the job he carries on with passion, fairness and balance.
Under the circumstances the International 12 foot Dinghy Class cannot act as " neutral umbrella " over anything . Furthermore the Italian 12’ Dinghy Class has already expressed itself on this subject and does not take into consideration international agreements relating to 12’ Dinghy owners of only one kind of 12’Dinghy. This official position is very well known both at National and International level.
This forth proposal, in my opinion, is therefore not suitable for Italy.
Nevertheless I hope that the World Cup in Naples will take place with the same Format of the three previous editions and since it will be disputed in Italy, I believe that the Italian Class will make some Italian boats of different types available for foreign friends who don't want to travel so far away with their own boats. In Tuzla all those attending to the meeting, at personal title (R. Schroeder, W. De Boer, F de Bot) or in the name of their national associations/fleets ( Italy, Turkey, Switzerland, Germany) agreed.
Should then somebody decide not to come, I would be very sorry for him because he would miss an extraordinary event, in a beautiful place, where there is a very intriguing race field where the wind seldom lacks ! Not only that: he would loose the warm welcome of Naples and of it's old, prestigious Yacht Clubs and the opportunity to attend all together a big Festa ! For what I know of you, I trust it won't happen .
My best regards to all of you and wishes of good sailing, fair winds and happy time .
zondag 2 december 2012
All dinghies equal slow
All dinghies equal slow: The opinion of Duuk Dudok van Heel, member of the technical committee in the Netherlands. See the picture. In the past four times world champion in the Flying junior class and one time Dutch Champion in the 12footdinghy class. Some Italians have sent us unpleasant emails: the Dutch are troublemakers, bad losers, Italian dinghies are superior, it is just the helmsman who make the difference, we live in 2012 etc. But also, explain what do you want. That is a good one. What should the Italians change if they don't want to have the situation that the dinghy class will be divided in a modern and a classic part. Here some personal suggestions.
At first and all wooden dinghy lovers should say it loudly: "we are lovers of classic dinghies in the spirit George Cockshott has designed the 12footdinghy"
Second, all dinghies should have the same slowness. That is something different as a rat race for more speed. Especially in slow wind circumstances.
What are the consequences if the Italians accept these principles.
1 To make holes in holy dinghy wood to save weight is forbidden
2 Take the Dutch gaff and sail
3 The same trimming lines as the Dutch (and that is not much)
4 Keep everything original in the 1914 spirit, cheap and as simple as possible.
I would not advise the Italians to take the heavy original rudder with the big iron stripes. It is a brake. Personally I think the Dutch should take the Italian rudder: max 4 kg without the helm. It is also a cheaper solution.
The loose footed sail of the Italians...why not. Some Dutch have no objections to change this rule, but of course the real Dutch purist hate this idea.
The possibility to change the foot of the mast before the race a bit with a small wooden block. Why not. A cheap solution.
The Italian rule concerning the crew is also not a bad idea in important races. You sail the whole series alone or you sail the whole series with two persons. I like that idea.
The next step for the wooden dinghy owners in Italy and Holland...Talk with each other and not about each other. And most important, look to the past. Why are there no more dinghies in the UK? Because Morgan Giles had the idea in the twenties to modernize the dinghy. The original 12footdinghy has survived, the "modern" Morgan Giles dinghy not. So..who takes the first step for a good talk about standardization of the wooden dinghy to make them all equal slow? The alternative is a separation.
Second, all dinghies should have the same slowness. That is something different as a rat race for more speed. Especially in slow wind circumstances.
What are the consequences if the Italians accept these principles.
1 To make holes in holy dinghy wood to save weight is forbidden
2 Take the Dutch gaff and sail
3 The same trimming lines as the Dutch (and that is not much)
4 Keep everything original in the 1914 spirit, cheap and as simple as possible.
I would not advise the Italians to take the heavy original rudder with the big iron stripes. It is a brake. Personally I think the Dutch should take the Italian rudder: max 4 kg without the helm. It is also a cheaper solution.
The loose footed sail of the Italians...why not. Some Dutch have no objections to change this rule, but of course the real Dutch purist hate this idea.
The possibility to change the foot of the mast before the race a bit with a small wooden block. Why not. A cheap solution.
The Italian rule concerning the crew is also not a bad idea in important races. You sail the whole series alone or you sail the whole series with two persons. I like that idea.
The next step for the wooden dinghy owners in Italy and Holland...Talk with each other and not about each other. And most important, look to the past. Why are there no more dinghies in the UK? Because Morgan Giles had the idea in the twenties to modernize the dinghy. The original 12footdinghy has survived, the "modern" Morgan Giles dinghy not. So..who takes the first step for a good talk about standardization of the wooden dinghy to make them all equal slow? The alternative is a separation.