I wonder how many cat sailors out there started on a Hobie 16. I did some 30 years ago, when I rented one on a very windy day, almost drowned and fell in love with sailing. Within a week, I had purchased a Hobie 16, joined Fleet 54 and began racing at all the Division 11 regattas. Back then, we would have 100 or more Hobies attend, consisting of 30-35 Hobie 16s on the start line for each fleet—A, B, & C—and maybe a dozen or so 18s and 14s. I’ve since moved on to 20’ spinnaker cats and distance sailing for the past 15 years.

Last weekend, thanks to the generosity of Rondo LaPorta, who loaned me his Hobie 16, I was able to participate in the 24th annual Wildwoods, NJ regatta. A long-time Hobie friend and present Division 11 Chair, Rondo exemplifies the Hobie lifestyle. He travels to most all of the Division 11 regattas—as well as most other major regattas—with his double-stacked Hobie 16s (one for him and one for his daughter, Erin) and his entourage of son, daughters, nieces and their teen-age friends who are recruited to crew for many of the top sailors and who participate in all the Youth events.

Well, this regatta was a real treat for me. I had my 13-year-old step-son crew for me and he fit in great with the rest of the young crew. I was pleased to see a lot of new young faces on the scene—a tribute to all the hard work the Hobie gang puts into Youth sailing. Many of these young sailor are the sons and daughters of the guys and gals I competed against 20-30 years ago. It was also great to see many old (as in long-time) friends who are still competing on Hobie 16s. Another pleasant surprise was to “catch up” with two fellow Worrell 1000 competitors—Sandra Tartaglino (former Alter Cup Champ), and Susan Korzeniewski, who now competes with her daughter, Erika and together won last years Women’s North American Championship.

The racing was great—nothing is better than buoy racing on the ocean! And the competition was fierce—the top 12-15 finishers would be very competitive on the national level. I was impressed that after all these years, Wally Myers took the top prize with a new young crew who appeared to be about 14 years old. His son Tyler, who has won the last two Youth NA Championship and together with Wally won the 2001 Open NA, placed 4th in this very competitive crowd. Wally has won more national championships than anyone could remember. I’m reminded that good competitive sailing is not dependent on the newest technology or the speed of the boats, but rather on the skills of the sailors. It’s like the Wave regattas Rick White has been promoting in recent years, that draws many very good sailors. The Hobie 16 may be “old tech” but it’s still a simple, travel-friendly boat that is a blast to sail—particularly in big wind and sea. From what I saw last weekend, it’s still the most popular 1-design on the catamaran scene, and it appears to still be very family oriented. All in all, it was a nostalgic trip back to my sailing roots and I got to ride the huge “Wonder Wheel” out on the end of Morey’s Pier once again—this time with my 3 year-old daughter. Maybe we’ll go back in a few years when she’s ready and able to crew.

Have a Hobie Day!
John McLaughlin
Blade F16