CVRDA: A Community of Practice
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The document summarizes the Classic & Vintage Racing Dinghy Association (CVRDA), which was established in the 1990s to promote racing and information sharing for classic wooden dinghies. It has become a virtual "Community of Practice" through its exclusive use of an online forum for communication among its 160 members. The forum has grown into a knowledge sharing resource where members collaborate, ask questions, and document the history of vintage boat classes.
![Authors Dr Neil Witt Technical Director – Higher Education Learning Partnerships Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning, University of Plymouth, UK [email_address] Ed Bremner Consultant – Bremweb Imaging, UK Commodore – Classic & Vintage Racing Dinghy Association, UK [email_address] http://www.cvrda.org [email_address] http://www.bremweb.co.uk](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/cvrda-a-community-of-practice-1193436838567400-1/85/CVRDA-A-Community-of-Practice-2-320.jpg)
![Community of Practice Initially set up as a simple discussion forum the CVRDA forum has rapidly evolved into a Community of Practice (CoP) “ Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly” [Wenger]](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/cvrda-a-community-of-practice-1193436838567400-1/85/CVRDA-A-Community-of-Practice-19-320.jpg)
CVRDA: A Community of Practice
- 1. The Classic & Vintage Racing Dinghy Association: A Community of Practice Dr Neil Witt & Ed Bremner
- 2. Authors Dr Neil Witt Technical Director – Higher Education Learning Partnerships Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning, University of Plymouth, UK [email_address] Ed Bremner Consultant – Bremweb Imaging, UK Commodore – Classic & Vintage Racing Dinghy Association, UK [email_address] http://www.cvrda.org [email_address] http://www.bremweb.co.uk
- 3. Summary The CVRDA represents the interests of Classic & Vintage Racing Dinghies Established in the 1990s the internet is used exclusively for all communication It has become a Community of Practice
- 4. The CVRDA The CVRDA was established to: Get Classic & Vintage dinghies racing together Share & disseminate information Keep classic dinghies on the water Raise public awareness of dinghies & the nautical heritage they represent Help & support all owners of these dinghies Help & support class associations
- 5. The History Roots traced back to mid 1990s Classic boats not welcome in modern racing No fair way of handicapping Still some very keen & competitive owners Creates demand for ‘classic’ events Bristol Avon Sailing Club, Fairey Marine 50 th aniv, Shotley Classics, Uffa Fox Centenary… … but then what next?
- 6. The Format Talking with classic boat owners suggested: Racing craft must race not cruise Handicaps must provide good racing Events must be well run – but friendly Events must encourage all to take part Association must remain low-key & fun Organisational overheads must be minimal A community must be made to support aims
- 7. The Boats The CVRDA divides boats into three wings: Vintage Classic Old
- 8. The CVRDA divides boats into three wings: Vintage Classic Old The Vintage Boats Traditional methods Using nail & pin – no glue Mainly solid wood Most pre – WWII Wooden spars Examples include: Uffa Fox 14s Holt Merlins
- 9. The CVRDA divides boats into three wings: Vintage Classic Old The Classic Boats Designed & built pre-65 Mainly plywood or moulded veneer Use glue in construction Some metal spars Examples include: Fairey Marine Boats Glued Clinker Ply Hard chine – home builds
- 10. The CVRDA divides boats into three wings: Vintage Classic Old The Old Boats Over 25 years old From pre-65 development class Some original – Some very modern Examples include: Any of the established classic classes
- 11. Catamarans The CVRDA does not have a separate wing for Catamarans, they race with the mono-hulls… … when there is enough water!
- 12. Lost Classes The CVRDA also does its best to support & remember any lost class These are boats of which only a few were ever made, but never caught on
- 13. The Events The format was established in early days: An easy and non-stressful sail Competitive racing based on an adjusted pre-65 PY handicap Well organised on the water, but low-key off the water Welcoming to all levels of ability Plenty of opportunity for socialising
- 14. A Virtual Association Always planned to use Internet & email for ALL communication: Avoid cost of real-world meetings/newsletters Little bureaucracy – High transparency Minimum of work for committee Expected problems with accessibility – very few Internal communication was good… External communication was incredible!
- 15. Website & Community First forum set up in 2000 Soon became overloaded with posts and queries as its popularity far exceeded initial expectations In 2004 the old forum content was transferred to Snitz Open Source
- 16. CVRDA Community
- 17. CVRDA Community
- 18. CVRDA Community
- 19. Community of Practice Initially set up as a simple discussion forum the CVRDA forum has rapidly evolved into a Community of Practice (CoP) “ Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly” [Wenger]
- 20. Community of Practice A CoP is formed by people who engage in a process of collective learning in a shared domain of interest and requires the following characteristics: Domain Community Practice
- 21. Community Members The CoP members: Share an interest in a topic Understand the pertinent issues Agree on common approaches Interact & build relationships within the community Help solve problems & answer questions Network across geographical & social boundaries
- 22. Community Members The CVRDA members share & develop knowledge by sharing information, insights & best practices to build a knowledge base 160 members who have made in excess of 6,500 contributions At least 1200 other monthly visitors to the community forum who, whilst not contributing, are viewing the material, knowledge & discussions & benefit from the community activity
- 23. Typical CoP activity Problem solving “ How do I rig the Merlin Rocket I’ve just bought off eBay?” Requests for information “ Where can I find a pattern for my centreboard?” Seeking experience “ Has anyone repaired a boom that has split in two?” Re-using assets “ There’s a guide to varnishing technique on the CVRDA website that will help you.” Co-ordination and synergy “ Can we combine our purchases of Le Tonkinois oil to achieve bulk discounts?” Discussing developments “ What do you think of the Spearhead dinghy? Is it really a design that worked?” Documentation projects “ We should document the history and current status of the Pegasus class dinghy.” Visits “ Can I come and see how your boat is rigged?” Mapping knowledge and identifying gaps “ Where can I find out the history of my boat?”
- 24. The Future Supporting the N ational S mall B oat R egister Working with the National Small Boat Collection at Falmouth Register has always been key aim of CVRDA Best method for ongoing curation of privately owned national heritage Extending the Community of Practice
- 25. Do Drop By Please do come and visit us at: http://www.cvrda.org/ And follow link to ‘Forum’