Never needed the hugs from sailors, but thanks anyway, not that there's anything wrong with that. I just report it as I see it.

When I organized and chaired races, and I did more than most, we had dozens show up for local races, and a hundred or more for nationals and North Americans. I guess you weren't around in those days. Then again, I don't remember anyone named Chums. Sorry, I was just kidding there. I am guessing you are at or near the top of today's sport in your class and I applaud you for that.

We provided T-shirts, food, and handmade trophies worthy of an arts festival. The old timers will remember. Great years those were. The last major race I attended, October maybe, we got hot dogs and hamburgers - but they were good. I think there were 30 boats. Nothing like attendances 20 - 30 years ago. Not my fault for the failings of the present.

The fact is, the quest for the ultimate in cat performance has driven hundreds of sailors away from the sport who only wanted to enjoy high level competition on simple boats. The Wave is the only thing that even comes close and it is not cheap by the standards of discretionary spending that the Hobie 16 and Prindle 16 were in the 70s. You also spoke volumes when you said "OLDER H16s and Prindle 16s. Much older.

I am not bitter by any means, I had decades of very rewarding times on the race course in everything from H-16s, P15s, 16s, 18s, 18-2s, 19s, Nacra 5.2s, 5.8s, G-Cats, and Tornados, both iterations. The reward is in the learning and sharing among others, and watching others get the bug to become the best they can and have fun doing it. I am 20 years beyond my peak years on the course, and only was reflecting back to the best years from my opinion. You folks make it what you want, and enjoy. I don't have a stake in it.

I am happy you get a few boats from every class wherever you are based, but it doesn't happen here unless you consider 2-4 boats to a class a great turnout. By the way, Texas has always had great turnouts for regattas. I enjoyed racing there in Galveston Bay.