A spark of an idea first mooted at Sailboat 2003 led to seven UK classes uniting for last year’s Symmetric Grand Prix. Following the success of this event the Javelin, Hornet, 505, fireball, Osprey and 470 classes have officially united to form The Fastsail Organisation. While each class association will maintain its own identity and continue to organise events just for its members, Fastsail is aiming to provide exciting additional events and to promote all the classes using the range of skills, contacts and ideas throughout the classes for the benefit of all. For this year’s RYA Dinghy Sailing Show at Alexandra Palace on 6-7 March, the Fastsail Organisation will have its own large stand comprising Javelin, Hornet, Flying Dutchman, 505, Fireball, Osprey and 470 classes. At ‘Sym City’ five of the seven boats will be on display and it willbe possible meet representatives of all the classes and receive impartial advice about all the symmetric boats.

In addition the organisation will be welcoming a number of influential guest speakers to the stand to give demonstrations, revealing the secrets behind the latest design thinking and one-to-one advice on how to get the best from your equipment.