I suppose its not surprising that the Association's membership goes up and down like that in any organisation, but looking at recent years it seems somewhat in decline. One might have hoped with the GBR gold medal in the class at Sydney in 2000 that this would have raised interest in the Class and hence our membership. Alas it doesn't seem to work like that. As with most things, nothing is simple, nor does success come without some effort. It often surprises me that when I look at the results of our regattas, boats as early as the mid 200's compete with the best (if they have a decent rig), and yet with about 380+ registered boats we only manage 50 boat owning members. On that basis alone there's well over 80 boats out there worthy of being potential members of the Association and join us at our events. Of course anyone is eligible for we have Associate Membership for those with a passing interest in the Class, as well as Full membership for boat owners. Perhaps you know where these lost boats are and can give their owners the encouragement they need.

We are an organisation of, hopefully, reasonably like minded folk. There's always going to be healthy debate and sometimes argument, but this is no bad thing as it at least enables people to express their views and opinions.

From time to time it is useful to take stock of where one is and where one's going. For the moment our class is not like most others, in that it tries very hard to cater for the club sailor whilst recognising that amongst its most loyal members are the Olympic aspirants whose interests lie principally with the RYA.

I would like to think that the majority of the membership would like more out of the Association, but its often difficult to gather views on which to base sound judgements. We will shortly have our Inland Championship at Rutland SC (November 9th & 10th ) at which we hold the AGM. Last year we almost didn't have a quorum so lets hope things improve this year. Although not a Europe sailor myself, I can thoroughly recommend the weekend, and for those who have not sailed at Rutland, the venue and race management are first class. This year the weekend is sponsored by Holt and shared with the 470, Finn, Tornado and 2.4mR classes, it being an Olympic Indicator Event. Don't let this put you off!

So my plea is, turn up and bring as many Europe sailors that you know along too. This plea is equally valid for any event, of course and it was pleasing to see some new faces at Felpham. The Rutland weekend will also provide an opportunity for you to air your views and ideas as to where we should be going. There's a lot we've probably been promising ourselves, but for one reason or another it doesn't always come off. The reasons for this are just as useful to know as are our successes. In writing this rambling note a number of questions come to mind. I'm sure there are others which might help us towards providing a wider range of activities and engender a spirit of self help within the Association.

For example: What do you expect from the Association and its individual officers? Do we have sufficient open events? Where would you like these to be held? Do you have a preference for open sea or inland sailing? Can your home club offer itself as a possible venue? Can you help identify lost boats and/or prospective new members? Would you like to know more about the Europe RYA British Development Squad? Have you any ideas for raising our profile as a class? Would you like to donate a perpetual trophy to be raced for at a particular venue? Who might like to write a technical article or series for the newsletter? Where can newcomers get their hands on training material? What are your own experiences of sailing and racing the Europe at travellers' events, indicator trials and International regattas? etc etc.

If you feel you have a comment, contribution or suggestion let's hear it. This could lead to us to producing a questionnaire, so please contribute any questions on which opinions could be canvassed. if you can come up with some contact either me, Steve Gill, Promotions Co-ordinator on: steve_gill@bristol-city.gov.uk or steve@gillfastsailcraft.co.uk; Bob Penfold, Chairman on Bobpenfold@rya-online.net or Liz Bonar, Hon Secretary, on Lizbonar@aol.com Better still, why not put your comments on the Association website so we can get a debate running on what you would like from the Association. Alternatively why not write that article you have been so keen to do for the next newsletter!

Steve Gill