On FreeFor Radio we heard the HJS's answers (more precisely, those of their spokeswoman Zrinka Grancarić) to the inquiry FFR sent them regarding the latest decision on sailing in the Optimist class. We will briefly relay their answers and comment on them:
"The new system says that regattas cannot be held during December, January and February, because of temperatures that are too low and unsuitable for children aged 8 to 15."
If cold is the problem, set a temperature below which the Race Committee may not send children out on the water. If a maximum wind limit can be set, then a minimum temperature can be set too... this is like saying that in a certain period sailing is not allowed because the wind is too strong then.
Nowhere are the weather conditions for winter sailing better than in Hvar. The tradition of the New Year's Regatta has lasted 35 years; we sailed when we had neither suits nor gloves and we were not cold, and now every sailor has top-class gear. And they have never complained about being cold in Hvar.
"Children miss too much school."
Now that really is an excellent reason for cancelling a regatta that is held during the school holidays.
"Given the currently unenviable financial situation of most clubs, the regattas in Hvar and Dubrovnik were chosen because they are the most expensive; getting to Hvar and Dubrovnik is financially quite demanding, at a moment when no one can afford to throw their budget around."
JK Zvir long ago fought for and secured a discount of as much as 50% on the ferry fare for participants of the New Year's Regatta. If finances are the problem, you could have told us what amount would be acceptable and we would have tried to negotiate an even bigger discount with Jadrolinija. But you should know that we pay for that ferry every time we go to a regatta, and at full price.
Need we even mention that Laser sailors from all over Europe and the world come to Hvar to sail over New Year — how come the trip is not too expensive for them? They often take the opportunity to stay longer in Hvar, just to be able to train with us in the middle of winter, where, as we have already said, winter sailing conditions are ideal.
"The new system will make it possible to organize a larger number of training camps and trips to the occasional international regatta outside Croatian waters, which we believe will be a welcome refreshment."
Yes — if there is no sailing in Croatia for a full three months, our sailors will have to travel to regattas abroad during that time, which will cost the clubs far more, and apart from a few of the richest clubs no one will be able to afford it. Not to mention that it is insane to spend money on such adventures when all of Europe and the world pay to come to an international regatta in Hvar.
"The existing system of 12 regattas with a coefficient of 1.6 has become too demanding and unsustainable, both financially and logistically."
For us the New Year's Regatta is the only way to survive financially — it is what funds us, and the federation gets its share too. So the regatta is not too demanding for us financially, and logistically we are perfectly well prepared. If you need logistical help with organizing regattas, we are always ready to help you.
"All organizers of regattas that fall in the winter months may bid to host 1.6 regattas, but they must change the dates of their regattas."
This regatta has a 35-year tradition; it has its special charm precisely because it is held at New Year, precisely because it is held in Hvar. It is a tradition recognized and loved by sailors from all over Croatia, Europe and the world. Better than anything we could write about it, one of our very best sailors wrote yesterday (and we thank her for it):
Gea Barbić: In my life I have celebrated more than ten New Years in Hvar and sailed just as many New Year's Regattas, and all of those regattas remain a wonderful memory, both the sailing itself and the time spent with my sailing friends! Great sailing conditions. I wish the same fun and memories to today's and future Optimist and Laser sailors from Croatia, and to everyone else who has sailed and who will sail in Hvar at the New Year's Regattas — because what matters is that sailing wins!
Finally, we would just note that we have posted an open poll on Facebook that anyone can answer, and where every vote is publicly visible. The poll question is:
What do you think of the HJS decision regarding sailing in the Optimist class?
Trenutno stanje glasova:
- It is shameful (35 votes)
- It is harmful for Croatian sailing (3 votes)
- I fully support it (0 votes)
- None of the above (0 votes)
