While performing research for the SailMichigan.org website, I have uncovered over 73 yacht/sail clubs in the state. Many of these clubs (especially inland clubs) promote one or more one-design classes either through their sailing schools or through their racing series and events. This lead me to wonder as to which one-design class is the most popular, or most-supported, in the state of Michigan. Now, this is not an easy question because it depends on your point of view. Does one look from the point of view of boat registration, manufacture and sales within the state, the state heritage of the designer, or participation numbers in yacht/sail clubs?
Because data are not available from the state regarding sailboat model registration numbers (without a hefty fee), I will financially be unable to investigate this particular perspective. From the standpoint of manufacture, 5 classes of one-designs (Rebel, Lightning, Mutineer, Buccaneer and JY15) are indeed being produced within the state (through Nickels Boat Works of Flint, MI). Historically however, many one-designs have been produced, at one time, within the state (including the Crescent and S2).
An unofficial survey of 73 yacht/sail club websites revealed that 19 actually do not mention a specific one-design class and 7 only refer to Portsmouth Handicap-based fleets. Of the clubs which actually mention one-design classes used in either instruction or racing, the most represented classes were Lasers (14), MC Scows (11), Sunfish (9) and Lightning (9). With regards to Lasers and Sunfish, due to the sheer numbers of these boats produced, this may be an underrepresentation of their actual use. The next tier of popularity goes to the following classes: Flying Scot (6), Butterfly (6), Optimist (6), and Snipe (6). Of these classes, the Optimist is likely underrepresented given its popularity as a junior sailor trainer. The third tier of class popularity includes the E scow (4), Interlake (4), and M-17 (4). Many other remaining classes are represented at <4 clubs.
Admittedly, these rankings are biased towards the small, high production classes, and not towards the larger one-design keelboat classes. When looking at the June 2011 boat registration statistics for Michigan, 82% of registered sailboats were less than 26' in length, and over half of these (56%) were less than 16' in length. In addition, when looking from the standpoint of enticing new participants into the sport, it is these centerboard/daggarboard classes which would likely serve as an intiation boat, either through a sailing program or through an initial purchase.
So, back to the original question, which one-design class should qualify as the official "state" boat? If we consider only current production boats, I will nominate the Lightning. My nomination is based on its popularity and its local production. But this is just one opinion, what do you think?
I would suggest that, regardless of numbers, there are two choices for the State of Michigan One-Design Class: DN Iceboat or Crescent Sloop.
ReplyDeleteBoth classes have design ties to Michigan: "DN" stands for "Detroit News" and the Crescent was first built in Detroit in 1953, according to the Class history.
Of the two, I think that the DN has the strongest case because it is an International Class and, if sailing ever comes to the Winter Olympics, has an inside shot at being the chosen boat.
As to the Lightning, the Michigan production is not unique and the design, of course, has New York roots with Sparkman and Stephens. It is a popular International Class, but it was a latecomer to Michigan.
ReplyDeleteVery good information. I hadn't considered the DN, nor tabulated its numbers. It definitely is a homegrown boat. The Crescent is also homegrown, however you can't buy new ones. The best of all worlds would be a popular one-design, designed in Michigan and currently produced in Michigan. I opted for two out of three. Although the Lightning is a "newcomer", its North American Nationals will be held in Michigan this year. Part of the rationale for such a designation as "State One-Design" is to generate broad interest and participation in the sport.
ReplyDeleteThe Lightning was not designed in Michigan but it's history here is a long one. Besides having Nickels & Hollman and eventually Nickels Boat Works building them. Skip Etchells from U of M's naval design school played a role in the Lightning's measurement tolerances. Michigan was home to the ILCA office for many years when it was located in Grand Haven. Michigan also boasts the largest Lightning class District and the largest fleet in the world at the Pontiac Yacht Club. Since the 1940's Michigan has hosted many national and World Championships around the state.
ReplyDeleteI would agree that the Lightning is the perfect choice for the State of Michigan One Design Sailboat. With well over 15,000 boats built and one of only 2 US builders located in Flint (Nickels Boat Works), this is the perfect and only logical choice. Several North American Championships have been held in Traverse City and several notable champions (like Bruce Goldsmith) hailed from Michigan. Further, some fleets have kept current through many years holding annual Lightning invitationals, including Fleet 31 located at Devil's Lake (note the low fleet number, indicating it has been around a long time!)! And one final argument, the largest collection of Lightning Sailboats in the world is located in Big Rapids, Michigan, as part of the International Lightning Sailboat Museum. Submitted by: Dr. James McCluskey, Founder & Curator 937-823-2651
ReplyDeleteSkerry Boats rule, 30M!
ReplyDelete