Associate memberships were envisioned to allow smaller classes that either didn't have or want international status, smaller regional multihull organizations, and manufacturers a seat at the table. It also lends considerable heft to the mission of the IMC to be able to show significant grass-root participation when we sit down with ISAF. The targets of associate membership are less likely to have a large population from which to draw dues, so membership is free.
Now I am really confused. Let's take two examples. The Wave Class is a member of US Sailing. It paid its $100 dues to US Sailing. So does that mean the Wave Class will automatically be an affiliate member of the IMC, but not have to pay anything separately to the IMC but will be represented on IMC through the US Sailing Multihull Council?
And the F16 Class in the U.S. probably has NOT paid dues to be a member of US Sailing. So does that mean the F16 Class will NOT be an affiliate member of IMC through the Multihull Council?
Somebody has to pay dues to somebody somewhere along the line; right?
