I give Mr Capron huge accolades for actually taking the time to reply to my E-Mails. If would be very easy for him to have ignored me as a waste of his time. It is VERY nice to know that our concerns are being heard. That alone has given me reason to be more open to accepting olive branches that may be offered in the future. Altho, it would need to be something that shows a significant shift in position, not just a token gesture.



In a message dated 6/9/2008 4:07:47 P.M. Mountain Standard Time, JCapron@capron.com writes:

Stephen,

You are right. The quote, taken from a marketing report at the spring meeting, does not mention multihull or lots of the mainstream sailing, including what I race. The multihull, as well as many one-design disciplines like dinghy and keelboat, are not specifically mentioned beyond the "many more" at the end of the quote. The point of the reference was to show the diversity, not to make an exhaustive list of every sailing discipline.

Jim
and my reply to Mr Capron.


Jim,

Given the hue and cry that resulted from USSA's initial position with regard eliminating the multihull discipline from the slate of Olympic events in 2012, and then, the position USSA took when the issue came up a second time, USSA's actions speak far louder than any words of reconciliation that you may have to offer.

I am sure you have much better things to do than bicker with a single, small minded catamaran sailor such as myself. However, while I can not and do not speak for anyone but myself, there are many others in the Multihull community that feel as I do.

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my E-Mails. That shows a measure of class that I had not anticipated. Unfortunately, from my admittedly narrow perspective, the wounds are far too deep to be cured by mere words. It will take actions that show that multihulll sailors as a group will be shown some modicum of respect.

Just a thought, it appears that the next America's Cup event may be sailed on Catamaran's. Also, it will be sailed at a venue and a time that will garner more viewers than many America's Cup events of the past,. Further if it is indeed sailed on Catamaran's it may well be one of the most exciting televised America's Cup races in history. What a shame for all of us that your organization, has treated the multihull community here in the United States so poorly, and as a result, multihull sailors from around the world will be denied the opportunity to compete at the Olympic level.

It is way past time for the old guard of your organization to recognize that the only thing constant in life is change, and if you as an organization continue to try and do things the way they have always been done instead of embracing change, USSA is doomed to go the way of the Dodo bird and the buggy whip.

Respectfully,
Stephen