Yes indeed Wouter, I am well reminded of it!
I gave up about the time we were told by someone controlling the Association from outside the region, insisted they would organise it as they knew best! We stepped aside and it was pulled from Singapore and taken to Thailand which is even harder to organise events in!
That would be just like us telling you how to organise events in Europe while we sit in Southeast Asia - it just isn't going to work!
TaipanFc is right. When logistics got too hard because someone overlooked a few essentials, sailors started pulling out. It was a learning experience for us!
You've done a great job in forming the Class and getting it this far. And you're right, getting it to a better future is the trick!
We have more Europeans arriving on our shores every week as Singapore is sort of booming right now. It's very interesting to hear a greater majority of these say "they have never hear of the F16 Class before"... I think we'd be well advised to promote the Class properly.
Humour me for a moment. If we take a look at Asia, and if you lived in,
- Hong Kong... you will know the Dart Fleet and the Hobie Fleet (H16 and Tiger)
- Bangkok, Thailand... you will know the Hobie (H16 and Tiger) and Nacra Fleet
- Japan... you will know the Hobie Fleet and some Nacras
- Philippines... you will know the Hobie Fleet (H16)
- Singapore... Nacras, Taipans, Vipers, some Blades and F16.
My point is, the best way to have your Class spread across the globe in the fastest possible manner is to have the big manufacturers involved. If we can't find a way to get them involved its going to grow, but very slowly!
It's really up to you. You can direct it which ever way you wish.
Our fleet will continue to grow as long as Singapore prospers. At the end of the day, an owner will buy a boat that suits their needs and those of the local environment.
Next month our first Nacra 20 will arrive and I'm sure the F16's are going to have their work cut out for them then. It will be very interesting as already 2 F18's have arrived and this signifies a change in our scene.
We always need to look for ways to best represent ALL our sailors, that's the real challenge that lies ahead!
cheers
