The O’pen Bic looks like a miniscule Open 60, sails with performance somewhere in between an Opti and Laser 4.7, does not require bailing, seems indestructible and is, according to youthful experts, “easy.” In most books the boat itself, even with its roto-molded construction, would rate at least a 7+. But when it comes to fun for kids, the “unregatta” regattas the O’pen Bic class puts on are definitely a 10. Or even, as one young sailor points out in this video, a 15.
And when it comes to producing a promo video, Bic gets at least another 10 with this one the 2018 North Americans at the Buffalo Canoe Club. I haven’t seen so many smiling faces of any age at a regatta in a long time, if ever. You gotta love the Bridge of Doom. Watch for one of the sailors getting pinned down there.
While the sailing community tears at each other debating how to get more participation, this class is showing us one way to do it. Only a handful of the kids in this video are going on to make sailing a lifelong pastime, but the rest will have fond memories to pass on to others.
And remember, format innovation can be done at every level and in every class. And while a Bridge of Doom might not be the best idea for PHRFers, I’m sure they can think of something just as innovative and fun to spice up their events. Results link: Ooh, never mind, that’s not the point.
Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.