President’s Message

Thoughts After The 2006 Nationals

Dave Michos, Jets #7, 217, 1156

Some thoughts from the past few years helping our Jet 14 Class develop . . .

Most of us were not born Jet 14 sailors.

We’ve found our way into Jets quite by accident: perhaps through a friend or seeing a Jet on the water. 

At some point, though, we became hooked on sailing the Jet 14.  Enough to buy one, spend time crewing and attend away events such as the Nationals this past month at Severn Sailing Association in Annapolis, MD.

No matter how you found your way into a Jet, I think you'd agree the boat has a lot going for it: a 2-person boat with a spinnaker, fairly stable with an inexpensive sail plan and maintenance program.  The success of the boat and its Class Association is shown in the exceptional attendance at each year’s National Championships.  Sometimes almost a third of member boats make it to Championships! I’m not sure any other class can boast that accomplishment.

“Once people get into the boat, the Jet sells itself" -- past president Dirk Schwenk.

Our Class’ success is rooted in the history of our boat and its sailors. Longtime and past Jet 14 sailors will always impress you with their goodwill and great memories of sailing Jet 14s and the Class. It is no wonder our Class continues to thrive. A fun boat that breeds fun friendly sailors is guaranteed a place in the sailing world.

But where do we go from here? How can we do better?

The future ultimate success of our Jet 14 Class depends on getting people into boats, sailing.

With a “product that sells itself” can you imagine how large our Class could become with some salesmanship? In the coming months, apply just one simple business concept: Bring your product (the Jet 14) to its market (sailors). Your “profit” and “return on investment” will be fun – lots of it. The more prospective sailors we can get into a Jet 14 the more Jets we will see out there sailing.

In Ohio, a few of us made --, what have turned out to be -- great investments in this fleet development model. Just 10 years ago, the Mohican regattas struggled for 10 boats and now attract almost 30 boats – almost as much as our National Championship!

Put into a business perspective, this has been a great return on investment.

My President's Message over the next year is simple: "Get people into boats.”

That will be your greatest investment in sailing Jets -- more than that new set of sails or fancy centerboard.

Take on a guest crew, buy an extra boat as a "fleet boat" to loan out, or invite potential buyers to your fleet gatherings.  No matter what your investment, it will be rewarded three-fold. Some of your guests and crew will undoubtedly buy a boat or become a Jet 14 sailor

I hope to see you and more new Jet sailors on the water this year.