Here are a few thoughts, nothing that hasn't been said before though.

1. Have good web-based info available to curious folks who will poke around on the web. I think this has been addressed. AHPC has a well written page (pretty much a web-based version of their brochure) on the T4.9. I'm guessing the F16HP website has something similar (haven't been there lately). I haven't looked at the websites of the other mfr's. A side note: it wouldn't hurt to have a consistent group of agents in the US. A guy that asked me about my boat at a regatta the other week was under the impression that you can no longer buy a T4.9 in the US – I think he was looking at a website of a former agent.

2. Get out and sail . . . be seen. People WILL ask questions about the boats they aren't used to seeing, providing the owners are approachable. Answer questions with humble enthusiasm. Take people for rides when possible (assuming they're interested).

3. If we can manage to assemble a critical mass of boats at a few regattas a year (doesn't have to be called Nationals), it would help. Looks like the best place for this to happen is the Southeast. The rest of us are pretty spread out.

Additional suggestions are welcome . . .

K Newbury