The problem here is, no matter how well argued your position that the
PW-5 should be replaced as the world class glider, you've got a group
of people who've invested alot in these things, and if you take away
the World Class designation their resale value goes off a cliff. I
mean, the PW-5 stands out as a poor performer even among other sub-15m
ships, and they know it. Whenever you see a debate over the PW-5 vs.
Russia, or PW-5 vs. Sparrowhawk, or whatever, the PW5er's always end
up invoking the World Class designation as their ace in the hole.

This group of financially interested PW-5 supporters may not be large
enough to form a viable international racing class, but they are large
enough to stand as a roadblock in the way of an improved World Class
in the future.


Ben Flewett wrote in message ...
Confused Jack wrote:

OK, just one more time...

I DON'T HATE THE PW5. I DON'T HATE THE WORLD CLASS
CONCEPT. IN FACT, I THINK IT'S A GREAT IDEA WHICH
IS WHY I ORIGINALLY POSTED ON THIS SITE.

The PW5 has its place in the world and if people want
to fly them - why would I care? Yes, I believe the
PW5 does not represent value for money but I don?t
care if others disagree. However, it would appear
that only 300 people disagree which is not enough to
make an international class. What I do care about
is THE SELECTION OF THE PW5 FOR THE WORLD CLASS GLIDER.

The World Class is an excellent concept and I wish
it were the most popular class in gliding. However,
as a movement we made a bad selection for the World
Class glider which, as discussed, has led to the failure
of the class. I am raising for discussion the concept
of changing the PW5 for a glider that more people will
want to fly so we can have a successful World Class.


We have a problem in that we have committed to the
PW5 until 2009 but perhaps there is something that
can be done here - some suggestions have already been
made as a result of this discussion.

Ben.