I think the central point is being missed. The European
Club-Class is a very competitive, low cost entry into
competition flying at the highest level. It tends
to attract younger (relatively poorer) pilots and whilst
may not seem attractive on your side of the pond, is
a HUGE success over here and has been the starting
point for many new world class (no, not that World
Class!) competition pilots who have gone on to compete
in the more traditional classes.

If an ASW27 pilot wants to fly his/her ASW27, great,
but don't kid yourselves they will be competitive in
a Cirrus. The fact that if you had a specialist qualifier
it might throw up some new 'unfamilier' names should
be great news...that's the whole point!

Finally this 'you need a race prepared glider that
costs nearly as much as a new one' is just complete
rubbish...sure it needs to have reasonable instruments,
be sealed well and not have lumps of gel hanging off,
but none of that is beyond the means of some hard work
and effort. You can buy a ready to go competitive
club class glider for a lot less than $20,000...of
couse if that is all ASW27's cost on your side of the
world then let me in!

I hope you guys see the light, it's a truely great
class...

Chris





At 02:12 29 June 2006, Bb wrote:
Of course, it all depends what we want. If we want
to create a place
where a small group of dedicated club class specialists
can get to the
worlds relatively easily, then this limitation will
do splendidly.