Brian ive been a member of GYC since Sept 07. For every club race we've seen an increase in numbers. The only fleets we see is F16 average 4 to 6 boats
F18 average 3 boats
A cats average 6 to 8 boats
Last race we had 16 boats on the line. All boats were F16, F18, A cats and one H16.
After talking with the folks around the club, the feeling is there is no need to travel seeing how we have such excellent facilities and launching/retrieving location. We sail in protected water with very little traffic on the weekends. We get good steady ocean breeze on a daily basis as well.
Our location enables us to race three times a month. Twice with Gulfport Yacht Club and once with BCYC Boca Ciega Yacht Club which is our neighbor club and they welcome us to all there races.
Not sure how this will help you but its mostly from what ive seen and talked with the members of Gulfport Yacht Club.