Alan Bright

There has been some discussion on the forum about where are all the six metres? I think perhaps an equally valid question is where are all the BUILDERS? Returning to six metre sailing in the last couple of years I have been disappointed at the lack of commercial hulls available, perhaps to be expected when builders can make so much more financially using their time to produce one metres. I think this forum would be a good first place for builders still able and willing to provide boats (to any stage of completion) to get their product known to the six metre fraternity as a good first step. perhaps then we can help newcomers source a suitable boat as well as current owners like myself looking to replace his 20 year old much love but not so competitive boat! Alan Bright

Mike & Bill, I hope to re-insate match racing for sixes on a trial basis after our Sunday morning fleet racing days for sixes at Broads RYC, it can be a lot of fun and certainly helps remember the rules! I remember the many close races we used to have on boats that whatever their design pedigree are not too dissimilar in performance that close racing cannot be had by all. Alan Bright

Regarding where have all the six metres gone a more pertinant question might be where are all the builders? I have an old John Lewis 'Petrel' design that I will be sailing throughout this year but realise it is now probably outclassed! The trouble is there seems to be a real shortage of builders our there with moulds and willing to market a hull for home completion at a reasonable price. I have planked numerous boats in the past but it is difficult to get a good ballast/weight ratio that can complete with a well moulded carbon/composite boat. i think part of the problem the class has is availability, or am I wrong! I am willing to put my name forward to assist the eventual Class Captain as Bill knows, he also knows how much I enjoyed the class in those heady days of the early Class Association all those years ago. Ever felt old Bill! Alan Bright