The Musto Skiff class 2022 Annual Survey results report is now available for all to view online. The survey is run by the International Musto Skiff Class Association (IMSCA) in partnership with class boat builder, Ovington Boats.
The survey aims to gather feedback from class members on the boat experience, training, organised events, class marketing activities, sponsors, and more. The survey also provides an opportunity for sailors from other classes to share feedback on Musto Skiff class activities.
In this latest survey, 19 countries were represented, with Musto Skiff sailors representing 83% of responses, and sailors from other classes representing the remaining 17%. For Musto Skiff sailors in the survey, the most represented country was the UK (55%), followed by Germany (15%), and then Switzerland (10%), Australia (5%) and the Netherlands (4%). For all other sailors, the most represented country in the survey included the UK (85%), followed by Australia, Germany, and Ukraine with an equal share of 4.9% each.
Once again, the survey revealed that the Musto Skiff International class website was the most popular marketing platform with both Musto Skiff sailors and other sailors. The international Facebook page was also the most popular social media page, although many sailors now communicate socially via regional class WhatsApp groups, which continue to see growth year-on-year.
2022 International AGM Participation
For each survey, Musto Skiff Class Association (MSCA) members are invited to take part in an annual online International AGM. The 2022 International AGM included a class member vote on the preferred timeline to vote on whether or not the class should adopt a new mainsail design. Class members could also vote to elect International Committee Members and their Country Representatives for 2023.
The latest AGM included 59 participants representing 6 countries. This was an increase in participation compared to the 2021 Survey, which included 43 class members representing 5 countries.
As well as voting on class matters, all class members who completed the AGM had the opportunity to rate organised events over 2022, share their views on the boat, and provide additional feedback via the extra open comment sections.
Training and Organised Events
Compared to 2021, there was a slight increase in training across the class with 28% of the class participating in organised training over 2022. The class also expressed a keen interest in training, with 70% of respondents in the survey stating they would like to have more regional training sessions over 2023.
Once again, the quality of National Championship events was rated very highly by the class members, with most rating their local event as ‘good to excellent’ overall. The level of competition in the fleet overall was also rated very highly for National events at 91% ‘good to excellent’.
Based on the 2022 AGM responses, just over half of Musto Skiff Class members (52%) attended a National Championship event last year. For the remainder, 35% of Musto Skiff Class members had a Nationals event in their country, but did not attend, and 13% stated there was no Nationals event hosted in their country.
For those that could not attend their Nationals event, family commitments and work commitments were the main reasons for non-attendance.
With a 2023 Worlds due to be hosted at Lake Garda in Italy this July, the class were asked if there were planning to attend. Based on the AGM responses, 38% stated ‘yes’ to attending the 2023 Worlds in Italy, and 35% said ‘maybe’.
Preferred Timeline Vote to Decide the Future of the Mainsail
Finally, an important class member vote in this latest survey included voting on a preferred timeline to decide if the class should adopt a new mainsail design, or not. The voting timeline results were as follows:
- 68% voted for Option 1: Fast-track: Class vote in February/March 2023, aiming to implement a new mainsail design for the 2024 Worlds (should the class vote for any change).
- 32% voted for Option 2: Slower-pace: Class vote at the end of 2023, allowing more time to test the new mainsail, then aiming to implement a new mainsail design for the 2025 Worlds (should the class vote for any change).
With the majority of class members voting for the fast-track option, the committee has now set a date to vote on moving to the new mainsail design or maintaining the current mainsail. This class member vote is now scheduled for 9am on Monday 27th March 2023. Voting will be open for 5 weeks, closing on Sunday 30th April 2023 at 5pm (GMT).
How to View the Latest 2022 Annual Survey Report
The International Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank the class and sailors from the wider sailing community for the many comments and useful feedback shared in the 2022 Annual Survey. The International Committee is now working together to review feedback and progress any required actions and will respond to the class members in due course.
To view the latest 2022 Annual Survey report, as well as all previous class surveys, visit the class website survey page here>>
