So they started a long distance course on Saturday for folks that wanted to do that. Participation has soared.
Mark, there are cat sailors in the RTP area. How about a local distance course run for fun? Low stress. Bring your own food. Just sail? Seems to be a few local cat sailors.
IMO, there are a number of questions that are getting mixed up on this thread. Get the questions right, the answers are easier. One is how to attract participants. The other is how to make a good regatta.
If there are too many "sea lawyers" who enjoy lots of rules just for a good argument, that's a separate problem. (That reminds me of the old saying: Never wrestle with a pig; you both get dirty and the pig likes it.) It's a separate problem from attracting new talent. And, if there is too much tight society, that's a another different problem. I can't think of any way to put a lot of beater boats on the same course as a bunch of A cats and make it fun...
