Sussex Regatta Development

[NeilP]

I think a central organising committee is a must to ensure that lessons from previous regattas are carried forward to future events. Basing the regatta at one venue, no matter how attractive, would inevitably lead to the event going stale with the same boats turning up (and not turning up) each year. Surely the best of both worlds would be to centrally oversee the racing side of things  but alternate the venue to allow each club to put their own slant on the socials.

[Robin Stevenson]

Thanks Neil
It is becoming clear that whatever happens, the central organising committee is the key.  My only concern is that this committee is robust and committed enough to plan and execute the event, year on year despite the venue.

To an extent this is what happened for Sx Reg 07. In rotation it was BMYC's turn to run the event, but it was held at SHYC.  The central committee sat each month.  BMYC committee members took care of on the water, SHYC handled the shore side and SYC committee members handled admin.  All drawing on help from club members as appropriate.

Ok, the idea needs development, but 07 is proof that a central committee can run the Sx Reg at any of the Sussex venues

[Steve Vyse]

Ok, the idea needs development, but 07 is proof that a central committee can run the Sx Reg at any of the Sussex venues

Surely this can't include Brighton until they get themselves a proper home?

[robin]

Ok, the idea needs development, but 07 is proof that a central committee can run the Sx Reg at any of the Sussex venues

Surely this can't include Brighton until they get themselves a proper home?

Why?  Surely the theme that is coming through here is that the main problem for Sussex Regatta has been a discontinuity of organising comittee historically consequent upon, but not inextricably linked to, the changing venue.  If a standing committee - perhaps modelled on the organisation of the Royal Escape - could be achieved, the event could probably "camp" in any venue, enlisting local expertise for individual regattas.

I have to add also that one thing I have learnt this year is what an inordinate amount of time these committees can consume.

Respeck, Bro's, for them as sit on 'em!

[Robin Stevenson]

Indeed Robin, the committee can be based anywhere.

Time is one thing that is always in short supply, committees do need a big time budget.

A club committee is (unlike a company board) trying to achieve the best result for the members.  This must be done with care.

However let us not stray from the question.  Do we think the Sussex Regatta should operate from one venue or move each year?

[robin]

apologies if my last posting was insufficiently lucid.

my feeling was that if doing a circuit of alternative venues was presenting insuperable difficulties by preventing continuity of organisation, the event should find a fixed home.

however, if a 'nuclear' organisational structure could be evolved, functioning independently of any one location and conserving its own knowledge-base from regatta to regatta, there should be no objection to the regatta continuing to cycle (or even sail) between hosting clubs.

i trust this helps.

[Robin Stevenson]

"'nuclear' organisational structure"!!  Robin, as I have reminded you in the past...I am a lowly builder...use words I may understand!  

Think I understand now.

Thanks for yer comments guv :wink:

[robin]

for what it's worth, i lift heavy boxes for a living - very verbosely!

:wink:

[Tim]

i can think of no good reason to permanantly stage the sx regatta at eastborne, as stated by steve vyes those of us with small boats lacking accomodation or the ability to reach eastbourne in all weathers will be excluded.

[Robin Stevenson]

Understood Tim, but of the idea generally what do you think?  move to a different venue each year or base the event at say Brighton or Shoreham.

For you as regular competitor, what are the advantages and disadvantages of moving the event each year?

[Tim]

if the regatta is to have only 1 venue Brighton would seem the better option, although i would prefer shoreham but thats a slightly biased veiw.

[Steve Vyse]

If there was to be just one venue then on reflection Brighton would be my choice for the sailing side of things - but they would have to sort out some kind of stand in club house/bar.

Steve V

[robin]

would this be a hatstand or an  umbrella stand?

[Brett]

....... but they would have to sort out some kind of stand in club house/bar.
Steve V

Presumably required for drinking purposes and race briefings.  Surely a hired marquee would suffice.
Apart from that Bri Marina has wall to wall bars and eateries.

[Robin Stevenson]

It is interesting that discussion has move slightly away from "do we want to move the event each year" to how do we over come the problem of accommodating it at Brighton.

Are we saying that the idea of basing the event at one venue has merit?

As a member of the steering committeeyou will forgive me for trying to remain neutral on this subject?