This is the CYCA press release which is freely distributed.

Survey Report Published

Back in the Spring, many Scottish boat owners took part in a survey by the Clyde Yacht Clubs' Association on what they wanted from racing both at club and wider regatta level. The Survey was jointly funded by the Clyde Cruising Club who, at the time, were looking at introducing a new format to CYCA classes at the Bell Lawrie Scottish Series.

"We had hoped to have the survey results published in the early Summer but we were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of responses we received. We sent out 1,600 forms and had nearly 700 back which was some 500 more than we were expecting. The volume meant it took us much longer to analyse the data, draw conclusions and write the Final Report.", admitted Donald McLaren, the CYCA's Hon Secretary.

The work is thought to be the most comprehensive survey of keel boat owners in the UK as to why they do or do not race. It is also believed to be the first, and largest, exercise of its kind ever carried out in the UK as well as a first for CYCA.

The Final Report was presented at the CYCA's Autumn Delegates meeting in October by the Report's author and CYCA's new Vice Chairman, Jo Lloyd.

Jo explained the background behind the Survey. "Many sailing clubs in Scotland and further across the UK are facing the same problem - declining numbers of boats turning out to race, both in club events and local regattas. The CYCA survey, which was jointly funded by the Clyde Cruising Club (CCC), sought to find out why the decline seems to be accelerating. The results of this survey will allow the CYCA, CCC and CYCA member clubs to address the various issues raised by racing owners."

"The 1,600 owners we surveyed are those who form the backbone of the wider Scottish racing fleet. They are the owners who come out week after week in the family yacht to race with their clubs and in their local regattas. To put the numbers in perspective, the number of Scottish boats holding an IRC handicap averages just 70 - a small percentage when compared to those holding a CYCA handicap. Through the survey, we gave a voice to the owner who enjoys his or her racing but whose needs may not be met by current race calendars."

The rationale behind the survey was to put hard facts to the often sketchy evidence used by clubs when altering racing calendars. Donald McLaren commented, "Clubs are in an awkward position trying to offer racing to suit the majority. They are often using anecdotal evidence, sometimes inaccurate, to make changes to annual racing formats and calendars, which may or may not work. The resulting Report from our survey gives clubs hard data which they can then use to adapt their racing to suit the needs expressed by racing owners,"

The Survey also covered the CYCA's work. The issue of handicaps, as expected, provoked a considerable amount of responses from owners - what became apparent was that owners were unaware that more allowances could be claimed for and that "rogue" handicaps cause much disquiet. Donald Mclaren commented that "a number of the issues raised on handicaps have already been dealt with through the introduction of a new Handicap Application form and owners are encouraged to visit the CYCA website to see whether any changes can be made to their handicap through new allowances".

A number of key conclusions emerged in the final Report:

Positive and negative responses on the handicapping questions were evenly balanced, which is regarded by the CYCA Executive as evidence that, on the whole, the system is working well.

"Rogue" handicaps cause angst to clubs and other owners. It is not clear to clubs and owners that "rogue" and other handicaps can be appealed against.

A number of suggestions on new allowances were made

Feedback from clubs, racing secretaries and owners to CYCA is vital if handicaps are to be adjusted.

There is a strong desire for more passage and white sail racing amongst those who responded.

More short-handed racing, especially on the Scandinavian model, is desired.

Round the buoys racing is the least popular form of racing, with windward/leeward racing being particularly disliked.

Many have simply become bored with what is on offer at their sailing club. However, there is marked reluctance on the part of sailors to express their wishes regarding changes in race formats to their clubs. Disappointingly 52% of those who would like changes made have not told their club.

Clubs should co-operate more and compete less

The majority of those who have given up racing now go cruising. Lack of crew is a key factor in giving up racing.

There is an endemic shortage of racing crew. The frequency with this point was raised indicates a demand for crew registers or some other mechanisms to put owners and crews together.

Racing or high tech yachts 'pot-hunting' in white sail classes is particularly disliked.

In some cases, the themes that have emerged back up clubs' own instincts. What was surprising to the CYCA was the level of dislike of windward/leeward racing and 'pot hunting'. Jo Lloyd said "whilst there were no major surprises from the survey outcomes, we were startled by the vehemence of the dislike expressed about these two areas. What was also startling were the numbers of respondents (52%) who simply hadn't made their clubs aware that the current race offering no longer met needs."

Other findings that provoked comment at the Delegates meeting was that 4% had found racing sailors unwelcoming when they had gone to race - which is a sad and disappointing indictment on the sport.

Feedback mechanisms on handicaps also aroused comment with Bill Bower, CYCA's Handicap Convenor, re-iterating that his team can do nothing without feedback from clubs.

CYCA member clubs have already received their copies of the Report. Non-CYCA clubs or individuals, who are interested in the Report, can purchase a copy from the CYCA for the nominal sum of £25.00 per copy.

Jo explained that "the Report has value to all clubs offering racing. Racing owners, wherever they are based, are all facing the same issues and clubs have spent many hours debating how to increase start line numbers. Whilst there is a strong bias in the survey outcomes to the West Coast of Scotland, we still believe that this Report will help all clubs refine their racing offering."

1. More information on the survey and its outcomes from either Jo Lloyd, CYCA's Vice-Chairman, on 077 333 94 641 or jo@gapcomm.co.uk or Donald McLaren, Hon Secretary, via the CYCA office on 01436 821 234 or by email to office@cyca-online.org.uk

Reports can be purchased by contacting the CYCA office on 01436 821 234

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