But I've Been Busy!

OK, so maybe it's no coincidence that my blogging came to a screeching halt at about the same time that my boat went in the water, but that doesn't mean there's been nothing to report. While some of my fellow bloggers are resorting to lists, I will provide a brief summary of events in my world.

Brokerage sales continue to be strong, with plenty of inventory but few motivated & realistic sellers. Boats that are priced right continue to sell though, and I'm happy to have some great values among my listings.

New boat sales are still extremely sluggish but we're anticipating one significant deal to close next week. As with other downturns, innovation will turn this around. For example:

• Hull #7 of the MJM 40z in now in production, proving there is a market for a fast, efficient 40 footer that can easily entertain 12+ on a single level pilothouse - and dock with a crew of one














• The J/95 is bringing J performance to thin-water sailors everywhere; hull #5 is available so call for a test sail today















• We have delivered 5 highly customized new Alerion Express this spring, and our dealer territory has just been expanded to include New Jersey to Maine
















• The IRC Owners Group here in Western Long Island Sound - an idea that originated at McMichael - is creating closer racing between more boats, and laying the foundation for new boats like the Summit 35

Most importantly, it's summer, the sun is out and the wind is blowing. I think I'll wrap this up and go sailing!

Some Thoughts on IRC

Lately we've been spending a lot of time here at McMichael talking about how successful IRC has been for boats in the 40' + range, and contemplating whether that success will find its way to boats in the mid-30' range that are currently racing in PHRF classes. With a flotilla of new IRC optimized designs hitting the water, it's something for us to pay attention to.

The ideal handicap rating system is one that encourages balanced, versatile boats of moderate designs and controllable costs, and IRC has done a great job with this. When a rule catches on and designers try to exploit it, you can end up with boats that only serve that rule, sacrificing form, performance, and sometimes safety. But IRC avoids this pitfall, in part by keeping some elements of the rule confidential.

The IRC rule also does not play favorites with old vs. new designs. At Key West Race Week this year, the IRC-2 division had 13 entries representing 10 different designs from 37 to 46 feet. Included in this spread were designs dating back to the late '80's all the way up to brand new designs, and all were competing on what seemed to be a level playing field. Taking third place for the week was the oldest design of the season, a J/44, while two new Mark Mills designs occupied the top of the podium.

If IRC can gain a foothold in the mid-30' range, I think it will make for some very exciting and close racing, similar to what we saw at Key West this year. Stay tuned for more posts on this topic.