Corinthian Racing--What is it today?

[Kings Gambit]

I was at a small gathering the other night where I learned to my astonisment that a "Corinthian" race crew had only two profesionals aboard [instead of more than two]. I guess it's becoming increasing the situation where owners of race boats are hiring "professional" crews to race them in "Corinthian" competitions. For the uninitated, Corinthian racing is amateur racing done "for the love of the sport", not for pay or other gain. Corinthian yacht clubs are those that sponsor or advocate that type of racing, etc. What about it? Where are we going here?

 

[Jackdaw]

KG,

This might not be as bad as you think.

A lot of this come out of ISAF classifications. I'm a GROUP ONE sailor, ID=USACB174. A sailors who races as a 'past-time'. That's easy.

There is no GROUP TWO

GROUP THREE is more challenging. ISAF currently classifies anyone that makes a living out of the sport of sailing here; a PRO.

This means that our local sailmaker, who is a very good sailor but in no mean ready for the Volvo, is Group Three and a pro. In places where people work in the business (a yacht broker for instance, the list goes on), it is very easy to get to that limit on a boat. For most clubs that is the issue. You have to let these people sail.

The problem is GROUP THREE spans my sailmaker to Ken Reed. ISAF is currently working on this issue, they know it's broken.

 

[Kings Gambit]

I think the atonishing part as I understood it was that if it were not limited to two, you could well find yourself in an open PHRF race with yourself, wife, and a couple of YC pals on your boat, against another guy from a YC with 3 or 4 industry professionals aboard doing his trimming, shaping, and raising & dousing of the kite, etc. All new sails too, of course! It wasn't that long ago, I believe, where only one IP was allowed on board during a race.

 

[Jackdaw]

I think the atonishing part as I understood it was that if it were not limited to two, you could well find yourself in an open PHRF race with yourself, wife, and a couple of YC pals on your boat, against another guy from a YC with 3 or 4 industry professionals aboard doing his trimming, shaping, and raising & dousing of the kite, etc. All new sails too, of course! It wasn't that long ago, I believe, where only one IP was allowed on board during a race.

That's why its broken. The current system bunches the real rockstars with guys and gals just trying to make a living. Like some kid running a sewing machine or doing splices at west marine. Limit it to one, and these people have a hard time getting a ride. But is also means that someone can actually PAY two rockstars to come on-board. But if they get their kicks from winning like that....

But 90% of the 'pros' on board don't get paid. There are just sailing.

 

[Jackdaw]

I think the atonishing part as I understood it was that if it were not limited to two, you could well find yourself in an open PHRF race with yourself, wife, and a couple of YC pals on your boat, against another guy from a YC with 3 or 4 industry professionals aboard doing his trimming, shaping, and raising & dousing of the kite, etc. All new sails too, of course! It wasn't that long ago, I believe, where only one IP was allowed on board during a race.

One other thing about this...

I'm not sure how much of a problem this would ever be in a local PHRF race. All of the pros that I know like to sail against other top flight teams, and in big regattas. They would get no joy out of kicking some mom and pop team's butt. In addition, they get better rides by building their sailing resume. That type of race does not look all that great on the CV.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Well, as a possible example, mid-Winters in the < 120 PHRF classes would not exactly be a two-day (5-race) puff regatta. First in class or fleet, as well as 1st overall against a field of a couple of dozen or more yachts might be considered a "feather" in one's cap. Who would know or care sometime later that likely most of the competing yachts were carrying fully Corinthian crews?

 

[Jackdaw]

Well, as a possible example, mid-Winters in the < 120 PHRF classes would not exactly be a two-day (5-race) puff regatta. First in class or fleet, as well as 1st overall against a field of a couple of dozen or more yachts might be considered a "feather" in one's cap. Who would know or care sometime later that likely most of the competing yachts were carrying fully Corinthian crews?

It really depends on who else is there. If they are the only pros and on a decent boat, they would be expected to do well. Also depends on the quality the Corinthian competitors. Many times local knowledge will trump pure sailing mechanics.

But I'm having a hard time understanding what your core issue is. Do you think the quality or the sailing ( or the experience) goes down? I suppose a valid question. To me, more boats on the line is a good thing. Pros of any flavor, bring 'em on. I'd rather get a 3rd behind 2 amazingly well sailed boats than beat all the regular locals again.