Guess I'd better start pimping this thing, eh?

NOR is posted HERE.

Note that we're feeding you every night - social schedule includes specials on already absurdly cheap drinks and two nights of live music. Lunch isn't included but is available at the on-site galley for very little money. We have plenty of safe beach parking for the boats right next to the club with fresh water rinse, hot showers for sailors, and lots of free parking immediately across the street from the clubhouse. We've got good hotel deals cooking and an on-the-water RV park only 5 miles away. Shirts by Zhik US and Sailing Pro Shop of Long Beach, who will also have a parts van on-site all week long - it is the perfect opportunity to use the $15 gift certificate you got for renewing your class membership.

Also note that you are welcome to attend the two-day warm-up regatta! For the warm-up, we'll be sailing inside the breakwater, but for the Championship, we're splitting our time between the flat, protected waters of the Inner Harbor and the rolling swells of the open Pacific. Surf and plane to your heart's content.

We have professional press on the water, too, so break out the new gear. You don't want your mom seeing you in pictures with tatty duds. Smile!

Competition is looking deep and wide with competitors from South America, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and the EU already RSVP'd on top of the returning champions, Robbie and Hunter, and a host of very serious US sailors, some of whom are making their F18 debut... like Jay and Pease Glaser (uh, yes, the Silver Medalists)... and Pete Melvin (uh, yeah, he designed the Infusion F18). A certain Hobie team is coming out of F18 retirement to show off the Wildcat. There's a gaggle of F18 guys in the Pacific Northwest that are poised to make their championship debut as well - they think they're flying under the radar, but they're not to be underestimated. You've been warned. Also, if you've only sailed in the Eastern US, you might not know names like Christensen, Harteck, Sparkhul and Myrter... come race 'em and you won't forget 'em.

I've been in contact with both Hobie Cat USA and Performance regarding new charter boats (Tigers and Infusions), and there are a couple of privately owned boats that may shake loose. Please send me your requests - there will be more information about available charters on the Class website soon - www.NAF18.com

There will also be a crew exchange page set up - there have been enough inquiries now that I think we'd better have an official page. Again, please send me your requests, and good luck.

Truly, Pensacola Beach and Key Sailing put on a fun event last year - we intend to top it and not just by a little. The West Coast has been waiting for its chance to host the fleet. I know it is a long way to go for some folks, but I guarantee it will be worth the trip. Don't wait - get in on a container, organize a double- or a triple-stack and get here. There's already some plans being made in just about every fleet I know of - call your local "go-to" guy and see what's going on.