Mike, the boat has been out there for 10 + years... Why the sudden interest in organizing a class? ... What do you guys suddenly want to do? (besides get cheaper stuff?)
The factory is running the only class event that I am aware of, called the nationals, because the sailors have not stepped up. The factory rules are... must have all nacra brand stuff if we are to spend money and time and run this event for you.
Do you, or have or ever had the basics.... email list of owners, email list of racers, forum to develop a consensus on class initiatives, liaison with the builder, minutes published from any meeting at the nationals, Regional racing schedule published someplace. promotion of the class to new racers, etc etc.
Yes it is a shame that the Nacra 20 looks doomed because it is a nice boat and targets the larger sailing teams... but forming a class around a common purpose of "getting cheaper stuff" seems a bit of reach at this late date..... Sigh!
The factory has always done a great job of directing this class up to now. The tramp change, rotator change, midpole snuffer, and self tacker were all good. It would have moved much slower with a member run organization. They also have picked good places to host Nationals over the years.
The reason to organize would definitely not be to get stuff cheaper. That was not my point at all. I honestly don't think we would get cheaper sails/equipment outside the class. It would be about the same prices in the end.
The reason to organize a class would be to have input to the factory and to have input from members on class issues. Also to promote and develop the class. I don't want to see it end up like the 6.0 and P19. Lightnings and Scots have kept there classes active for eons by having a good class organization.
The N20 has a problem. It's a great platform, one of the best, and it's not growing. Why? F18 is one reason. But still it should be growing.
By the way Mark I don't try to tell other classes how they should be run. I don't come out and tell H16's that they shouldn't change their downhaul or whatever. You coming in here and telling me this idea is a waste of time is something else. Fact is I personally know most of the active N20 class and have names and numbers for them. They are a great bunch of folks who I've been racing against for years.
Mike Hill
N20 #1005
