Thanks, Rick -



It was good to see you last week - rare treat!



On your suggestion regarding the Alter Cup - that's a sore point with me as well, but I'd like some more info from your perspective. Please clarify what you mean by the regatta being damaged. Do you feel there are too many participants? How would you feel about the same number of participants, but MORE areas (e.g., 12-15 areas sending teams rather than the current 10)? Keep in mind that US Sailing does not currently recognize the Alter Cup as a Championship due to the three petition positions. One of my personal goals is to see that the Cup gets full Championship status back.



Regarding ratings - are you referring to boat or crew weight? What, in your opinion, makes the rating unuseable by not having one or both specified by Portsmouth or by Class Association? Can you give me an example - I think I'm missing your point...



Distance spin mod - got ya. I'll pass it along.



On Youth Sailing - Art Stevens has been steaming along with the Fast and Fun program and the Youth Multihull Championship - I'll see if we can't get some specifics together of where that's all headed and what's planned for the upcoming year. I believe we are still seeking to have the Youth Championship event someday (2004?) combined with the Alter Cup. I'll get you more info so that cooperation with NAMSA is maxed.



Thanks so much for the input - hope to hear more.



John