So we have an answer from an OMRA guy who won't consider being a member of the Naviga affiliate in the UK
Sorry Ian, I would have let this lie, as we have already had a similar conversation last year, but you really have the wrong idea about the UK set-up and I would hate others reading this forum to have the same impression.
I have not said that I would NEVER join the MPBA but I really don't see why I should have to -
OMRA has the same level of insurance as the MPBA
OMRA has more competitions than the MPBA
OMRA has more racing members than the MPBA
OMRA has a National Championship for each class
OMRA has a more regular newsletter
OMRA has a more up to date website (even before I took it over)
OMRA membership is cheaper than the MPBA
All of these points are relating to offshore/FSR-O/circuit type races and NOT FSR-V which in the UK operates as a different and very specific MPBA section (which appears to contribute to the problem).
So the current 160 OMRA members should just shut up and let the "professionals" of the MPBA get on with it? That's what they have had to do for years. NAVIGA (as far as I am aware) do not even know the existence of the OMRA group. Do you believe that we should feel truly represented?
That's like saying that if you want to vote in UK elections, you have to join the Labour party but if you want to vote Conservative or join the Conservative party, not only will you not be allowed to vote, but the Labour politicians in power will not acknowledge your existence or represent you.
Who is NAVIGA run by - Robert Mugabe?
No - I won't be setting up an international association for offshore racing as I devote what little extra time I have to helping the ones who help me ie OMRA and this forum. I would be happy if we (OMRA) were even allowed to compete in NAVIGA events. Would it be SO difficult for NAVIGA to recognise that we exist or for the MPBA to have OMRA as a seperate section as they did with Electra!
Sorry if this conflicts with your idea of cosy international competition but maybe democracy is different in Sweden?
Danny