ClassMini 5.80 is born. Is it loss of values?
Across the world, at the antipodes of Europe, an old idea drives a new organization. The new Classmini580, www.classmini580.com (which has already changed its name to www.classglobe580.com) aims to create a sailing environment in search of the basis for sports sailing: simplicity, low costs, comparison on equal terms, offshore safety.
Perhaps the ClasseMini 650 does not have time to think that, in the races on the calendar, the simple offshore passion can find satisfaction.
But what is the ClasseMini: a passion, a gym, a laboratory?
Don McIntyre (founding father of ClassMini580) thinks that can't go on.
He wants easier boats to build. So, cheaper and buildable even without a professional boatyard.
With simpler materials: marine plywood, with low environmental impact.
Even smaller: so, they are easy to transport without the need for special permits... for a few cm; that can be dismantled and put in a ISO 20' containers and send them like an Amazon style.
That they are all the same so that the race comparison is on equal terms and you can better see the real sailor.
Offshore safety: the project is well thought out even if it costs only 300 euros.
But weren't the preconditions / assumptions from which the Classe Mini 6.50 was born?
After more than 40 years where have we arrived?
It takes 300 thousand euros to win.
Many professional navigators have trained in this gym: profession...sailor.
That the “box rules open” has driven the evolution of everything: designs, project, materials, construction techniques, men ... so a mini 6.50 today costs 100 thousand euros.
Passion for the rich?
Is there still space to live mini events not only as a laboratory or springboard but also with the only passion for offshore navigation?
After all, what can we do with these 1000 minis, abandoned in garages, fields, boathouse, ports, clubs? To recycle? It is not part of the box rules.
Perhaps the distinction between prototypes and series is no longer enough. Someone has already launched the idea of an intermediate group: the "older generation". Of course we must establish what the “old generation” means ...
In short: is there a need for the Classmini 580 class? Sorry, ClassGlobe ...
It is certain that any idea that blows in the sails of freedom, of nature, of the encounter between humans thanks to the sea ... is a good idea.
Welcome .... 5.80.