An interesting thread and one which I too have thought about several times over the years with my BR20 and BC23. Where do we fit into the grand scheme of things in terms of handicap when 'racing' with other classes?
As far as I know there has not been any PY numbers allocated to any of the Swallow Boats?
I'd been considering how or even if, we could fit into the National Cruising Handicap scheme, which 100's of other makes of boats are. See the RYA's NCH Baseline list of already involved boats and which, I understand, many clubs now use.
These, of course, are pertinent to cruisers, but would I be wrong in thinking that Swallow Yachts fall into the cruising category rather than the racing genre of boats? Such small boats boats as the Swift 18, Etap 20 etc, that are more dinghy's with lids as opposed to out and out racing cruisers are listed. Even the Cornish Crabber 17, and we are far faster than that!
But it seems not one Swallow Boat is listed, despite the 100's now being out there.
There is, it seems, a mechanism in place to be allocated a 'base line number' and I wondered what the thoughts were from the (non) association (or even from Matt?) on enquiring with the RYA about this?
If there is any interest in pursueing this? - or do you think this is a negative step into becoming 'organised'!
If there is any interest then I'll make enquiry with the RYA? Or are we happy with how we are?
I've attached the link to the RYA website where all the info is.. including the important base line list. I'm a little out of my depth with all this, but am happy to look into it for the good and benefit, as they say. If anyone has any working knowledge of the NCH then please let us know?
As an aside. David, thanks for the picture of Beadnell Bay! - It bought back happy memories of diving the SS Somali deep in Beadnell Bay, one of my all time favourite dives.
I'd like to sail from there sometime - or Seahouses probably?
http://www.rya.org.uk/racing/Pages/NHC.aspxAndy