Please activate JavaScript!
Please install Adobe Flash Player, click here for download
ePaper created 2014-06-11, 13:05:34 | version 1.30.01
105 The Future of the Stewart Class As we wind up this volume in early 2009, the Stewart Class is still strong and buoyant. On the racing side, a record total of 22 boats battled it out in the 2007/08 Monday night windward/leeward Championships in spinnaker and non-spinnaker divisions. The fleet increased by an average of a boat a year for the past five years, decreasing only when five boats went into refit. As you may have also read in the boat bio’s, there are also quite a few Stewarts actively cruising. The question is; for how long will it continue? The Emmy’s,which don’t exactly double as family cruisers,have been going strong for more than 75 years, indicating that another 25, perhaps even 50 years is not beyond the realm of possibility. There are a few Logan designed wooden yachts still sailing and racing that have long since broken the century barrier. That may indicate that well-built wooden Stewarts could have at least 50 years of life to look forward to. Some of the earliest overseas fibreglass boats have been going strong for more than 60 years, with no signs that they are nearing an end to their useful life. With the Stewart 34 moulds still in existence, construction of new fibreglass boats is certainly not off the radar screen. As of this writing there were at least seven Stewarts undergoing major refits. Even if the Stewarts themselves have some life left in them,there must also be an enthusiastic,if not passionate group of yachties willing to sail, race and maintain them with an eye towards keeping the spirit of the Class alive. Based on continuing interest by enthusiastic young people getting involved in the class with every passing year, it is felt that the Stewart Class has more than a fleeting chance. Often when there is sufficient history and tradition surrounding any organisation, it can become self-sustaining through the passionate efforts of those members who are loathe to allow a good thing to die. The recent resurgence of the Classic Yacht Association of New Zealand is a prime example. The time, money and love that the owners have put into some of these beautiful examples of NZ yachting history defies all logic. Fortunately, in recent years the average age of the Stewart owners has been decreasing. Many of the “mature” owners have offspring or young protégés waiting to take over the helm of their boats when the time comes. Many of the new owners are young to middle-aged, with plenty of racing and/or cruising years to look forward to. The bulk of the Committee is made up of these people, so they will be navigating the Stewart Class through the challenges of the future. One of the keys to the continued long term success of the Stewart Class is that,like the“Emmys,”they have run an autonomous association, more or less independent of any yacht club or other organisation. Maintaining control of their own destiny and serving their own best interests, they should flourish well into the future. Since the Stewart was designed in 1958, there have been significant gains in modern yacht performance due to improvement in materials and technological innovations. That said, the Stewart 34 still performs quite respectably compared to most yachts of similarsizebeinglaunchedtoday. Undoubtedlyinnovationswillcontinue,makingpresentdayyachtsappearquiteslowbyfuture standards. This always has, and will continue to provide a challenge to the Stewart Class. Should they allow improvements to the boats that will make them faster? If so, at what cost to the owners? What if some owners are opposed? To date, owners have been willing to sacrifice some performance for the good of the class and to keep the boats as identical as possible. Clause 1-B of the Class Rule says “Economical improvements which assist the Class to continue to progress and be competitive are encouraged but members should discuss such improvements with the Committee.” Clearly the Stewart owners have embraced numerous opportunities to improve their boats performance,while leaving others“in the bank” should they need to take the boat’s performance up a notch at some point in the future. The Class’ unofficial policy has been to be prepared to make the necessary changes to remain competitive in mixed handicap racing. Going forward, the Stewart Association membership is also acutely aware of the benefits of solid sponsorship. The 17-year relationship with Canon was tremendously supportive, and the Association is forever grateful to this outstanding sponsor. The Association welcomes its most recent relationship with Hyundai New Zealand and looks forward to nurturing a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship with them in the interest of maintaining the Stewart 34 as an important piece of New Zealand yachting history.