This is a great regatta at one of the best locations in a 500 mile radius (my opinion and any pictures will show it). It has traditionally been a small regatta with a focus on fun. The last few years has seen the attendance grow (70+ boats this year). You cannot manage a large regatta with "fun" rules. Boats are going to be on top of each other all the time. Accomodating 70+ boats and varied racer expectations is going to require more race management personnel.

Mark has been sailing with those sails in one design I20 fleets for at least a year (not every regatta, but some of them), the local I20 sailors should call him on it if they disagree (I personally have not seen an advantage and that may be why they do not call him on it). If they dont care, then let him sail. All it takes is one sailor to kick him to Open Portsmouth (and I bet Mark pulls out a EP I20 sail - dont bitch about the lack of sail development and then crucify Mark for trying something new).

The other complaints are not enforcing the closed start/finish gate and the throw out of the first race for the I20s. This can and should be addressed. It is expensive to travel to a regatta, pay for accomodations, pay for food/beer and any potential boat break downs due to weather (which were plentiful this year). Most people have a limited amount of discretionary spending, it is important to remember that each racer deserves fair conditions and has equal expectations.

I like all the Panhandle guys and they should not be villified. My opinion is that this regatta has outgrown it's orignal intent and the organizers need to decide if it is a "real" race or not. Any issues from this year's race can be fixed.

It should be noted that I was not at this year's regatta, but I've spoken to many racers and none of them were "satisfied".

I will always support Juana's and hope to be there next year. I love the area and the "Good Time". I hope this race not only survives, but continues to prosper.