2013 NATA Report

North American Tasar Association Report to WTC August 12 2013

Presidents Reports  by Francois Hebert

  • The Class is struggling in North America
  • We are having difficulty reaching a critical mass of Sailors in North America.
  • Geographically the Tasar fleets are somewhat spread out but concentrated in the Pacific Northwest.
  • The Tasar is niche market. With many competitors sailing the boat for 10 yrs +
  • The Vancouver Fleet is still active with 8-12 Boats sailing regularly on Tuesday evenings during the summer months. Less than 5 boats from this fleet typically travel to weekend regattas
  • The Seattle fleet has seen the most change in the last 12-18 months with boats sailing regularly in preparation to the worlds, even during the winter months. Some younger sailors with college sailing and Olympic campaigning experience have joined the fleet.
  • 18 Tasars attended a regatta in Seattle in May 2013, the largest fleet of boats in Seattle in recent memory.
  • The Portland fleet has seen the most declines due in part to competition from other boats such as the vanguard 15.
  • The level of sailing has been generally high in preparation to the worlds and the quality of racing has been good.
  • NATA is currently working on ways to keep the momentum of the 2013 class going for the future.
  • Some competitive boats are available can be purchased for around $5000, with mylar sails. Many cheaper boats are available and in many cases only need a sail upgrade. It is highly cost conscious in North America. The low cost of racing the Tasar is the main reason many younger sailors are entering the fleet.
  • Non-profit sailing clubs in Vancouver make heavy use of the Tasar Locarno and Vikings clubs have a dozen boats that can be used by the members at a very low cost approx $300 per year.  A small number are occasional racers but they do not travel.( mainly because these sailors do not own these boats) They all have now made the upgrade to Mylar sails. ( this took of couple of years)
  • Access to parts and Sails in North America has been good, West Coast sailing has been keeping a good inventory of parts and supplying the spars and sails for the class.
  • 5 new boats have sold in North America in 2012-2013.
  • In North America , not many adults are sailing dinghies. It's a challenge to get a critical mass of sailors. There isn't any non-youth orientated double-handed dinghy classes growing at the moment. Sailing is not a growing sport in North America. The fleets and sailors are aging.
  • The Tasar still remains one of the best 'bang for the buck' for a double handed adult class in North America it is not much more expensive than a Laser, since many second hand boats are still very competitive. Boats that are over 35+  yrs old are still winning regattas. These is a testament to the build quality of the Tasar.
  • Despite being close to 40 yrs old it still remains a benchmark for performance.
  • Number of paid members  16
  • Financially the NATA is doing well. The class has been well managed and has a reserve of funds of $15 780 Canadian.
  • Carbon mast
  • The carbon mast would be devastating for the North American class it would immediately make all older boats obsolete. The cost of refurbishing an older boat would be much more expensive.
  • To buy Mylar sails and a new Carbon mast would be more expensive than the cost of the boat itself.
  • The NATA has consulted with their members, and no member has interest or support for the carbon mast. Although we have not had a formal vote.