Model of True One Design Adherence

The Nantucket International One Design Fleet Association (NIODFA) recently celebrated its first 20 years as an IOD fleet, recognizing the original founders that began NIODFA with six boats in 1997.

The NIODFA is a model of true one design adherence. Now with 15 boats in the fleet, no one boat is owned by an individual, but instead by 65 shareholders, each of which is a member in one of the 15 syndicates owning the boats. A system of rotation ensures that each syndicate sails a different boat each race day throughout the season.

A fleet manager maintains the boats so any change or improvement to one boat is carried throughout the entire fleet. Each boat is in almost identical condition, therefore racing results are based on a sailor’s skill, not his boat.

Nantucket’s execution of equalizing all the boats, plus spreading maintenance expenses across the fleet, translates into an undivided interest in the entire fleet by members, plus an opportunity for any interested sailor to join and be part of the fleet.

The NIODFA is part of the IOD World Class Association which is celebrating its 80th year.

Source: Susan Wayne