The problem with all race management functions is pre-registrations. No one does. And I understand this because sailors need mama's blessing and then there is the costs, to day even a bigger problem. Coordinating crew is another problem and making plans months ahead is difficult. If we could jointly agree to pre-registration of intent to compete, without up front money and no penalty for cancellations, race management would be a lot easier.
This is a pipe dream... and a total croc of xxx ! (I seem to remember about 10 boast pre registered for Steeplechase and yet 20 raced)
If there is no penalty... there is no commitment.
Do you buy a 150 dollar ticket to Broadway three months in advance and think you will get you money back if you can't make it...? If you want the option of that care free... just like the good ol days... show up at the door and buy a pair of tickets... Prepare to pay the scalper 250 per ticket.
Procrastination should cost the children you speak of (mamma's blessing!} ... not the regatta chair.
IMO... Use an online regatta service....(See the A cat Florida series for example) set up the deadlines as you need and charge the on site registration guys at least 25% or at least 50 bucks.... If the event doesn't need the money... give it to a sailing charity.
You are NOT being a good guy by letting the slackers slide... Realize... You are doing a REAL SERVICE TO THE FLEET by making the event happen... don't screw yourself catering to the BS of the ... would have .. could have crowd....
For those that haven't run a regatta in a while
Realize that "on the water" regatta insurance costs you $365.... It just covers the RC personnel while on the water. If you have to insure your launch and landing sites for this racing.. add 150.... If you have to ensure the property owner of that launch site... Double it. For a 10 boat distance race that equals 40 bucks per boat at the Minimum!
Either people support the race at the level needed or it needs to go away. The racers will see the need to support the next event in the season or at least agree on the schedule.
