What JC means here is that, for example, when Matt Struble won the event three times in a row, his Area (E) had some pretty big bragging rights. Area D and Area J have been enjoying a pretty good rivalry for many years about where the trophy lives from Championship to Championship. No requirements about hosting the event are attached to the trophy. I'll be eternally greatful that JC let me hold it for a few months - presenting it to my home club was a feeling I'll never forget. I felt like I'd hunted down and killed a mastadon single-handedly and brought the tribe back enough meat for a year. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I think what we're seeing from Mark is the angst of someone who respects the event, but as the organizer of the Eliminations he's feeling a deep frustration in the perceived lack of interest from sailors in his Area. I know just how he feels because I've been there. Moreso as the National Chair for a time - I saw a vast difference between Area events and participation, and felt ineffectual in trying to address it on a national scale. I told Jake when he took the job that raising the level of the Eliminations was my greatest failure as Alter Cup Chair, and I could offer no suggestions on how to bring about greater consistency.

Don't get me wrong - I think the Championship itself is flourishing and that some Areas are doing very well at hosting a meaningful qualifying event. Like JC and many others, the "why" of an Eliminations is elementary to me: I want to race against the best, at any event. But I also recognize that the reasons people sail are as many as the stars. I may be unique in that I have been DFL and first at both the Qualifier and at the Championship, as well as having the honour of an administrative role - Jake is aligning himself well to be the second person to follow that winding path. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />



The Hobie Class Association has declared and demonstrated repeatedly that they are solidly in favour of the Championship which bears the venerable name of the Alters. I am certain, based on past experience, that the Qualifiers can be scheduled in cooperation with Hobie fleets to prevent conflicts. Alot of Hobie sailors want into the Championship, too! I suspect this is the ONLY x-class regatta that is endorsed by Paul Ulibari, because the Area events are the best ticket into the ultimate one-design event; ten identical boats rotated through the fleet with no rigging adjustments allowed.

Two things make me happy ATM:

1. This has been a hotter topic than I could have hoped.
2. John Casey doubled his Catsailor wordcount to date. He's never written that much at once to his girlfriend! Oh, wait. Strike that. To his Mother! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />