The free food, beer and T-shirts definitely help, especially with the cost of gas, etc. The trouble is, most cat sailors don't think like Mary or mono sailors, they want to "see" something that they're getting for their money.

OK, the REAL problem is, many of these folks have never helped put together an event, or not in a very long time, so they have absolutely no appreciation for the real costs and headaches associated with putting it together. Otherwise, they'd register way in advance and send in extra money...

John, yes that's exactly what I was saying. The danger of a late fee (in reality, that's what an early discount is) is that if people didn't pre-register, that's one MORE reason not to come if the weather forecast is bad, or they don't have crew, etc. Some of us will go no matter what (I can't count how many regattas I've attended with no crew and in the pouring rain), but we're a rare breed.

Mike