An excerpt from the Class Captain’s newsletter:

The Owners’ meeting on 6 Apr did not give a clear mandate for the Class as a whole to adopt the D2 project. However, the build up and the meeting itself were extremely useful and constructive and we have all learnt a great deal. It also set out some very clear principles for the way ahead, which I hope will come out in more detail in the minutes. It showed that the class has the strength to address these issues confidently and dispassionately and that it is not afraid to take control of its own destiny.

The vote revealed that class opinions are divided very evenly, more or less straight down the middle, with most of the older boats in favour of D2 and most of the newer ones against – not altogether surprising. The reality is that forty year old boats, however durable, will need to be replaced or re-fettled in the none too distant future. After the vote the meeting recognised that average turn outs, for a number of complex reasons, had been declining slowly but surely over the last few years and it was acknowledged that we cannot afford to ignore the situation for too long. There was unanimous agreement that no owners would object in principle to the development of a new Daring - so long as it had an identical performance to existing boats. It was also agreed that acquiring a new deck mould for the Class would be a good idea.

There is of course nothing to stop those strongly in favour of D2 from taking the Project, or something similar, forward without the unanimous backing of the meeting. Clearly I could not lead the Project in this circumstance but I would wish to be intimately involved with it and to influence it. I believe strongly that such a situation need not divide the Class, so long as the Project was prepared to take cognisance of the feelings of rest of the Class, consult in detail, did not rush and was prepared to adapt. The Class as a whole would needs to recognise what may happen and needs to be prepared to adapt as well. If it does happen my role as Class Captain will be to mediate: I will do all in my power to ensure the cohesion of the Class and to look after the long term interests of the Class. The strengths of the Class which I will seek to preserve are as follows: “Cost effective fleet racing, in evenly matched, classic, durable, one design boats, sailed by like minded friends, in the uniquely challenging waters of the Solent.” I will ensure that the rest of the Class and its hierarchy are kept fully informed. I will listen to all views, advise the Project and the Class and I will make sure that the principles agreed at AGMs and Owners’ EGMs are applied. I will not ignore the people aspects of the issue and I have registered the need to attract new, younger Daring sailors. Throughout the process I will defer to the Controlling Board.