My point was, if it's in the NOR, everyone in the elim fleet needs to comply.

David, is this issue really unique to the Alter Cup? Do the other USSA Champs events (monohulls, etc.) require all crew members to be paid members?

If it's not really required by USSA, take it out and make everyone happy. But, my sense is, this is an across-the-board policy.

ksurfer, no one is talking about sending people home from an existing event. They would simply not be allowed to race in the AC elim fleet.

In reality, it rarely works to combine this event with another cat event, because it's viewed as more expensive for the sailors, and lots just opt to sail the cheaper event (they don't have to pay membership). Or, they decide to race in a larger OD fleet. This has happened over and over again, especially in Area A.

I agree with Robi, as leaders we need to show the value of the membership, rather than cram it at people, especially on the day of the event. That is what we strive to do with HCA membership.

Having said that, I disagree that it's OK to follow that with partial compliance. The worst thing to do is have a rule that isn't followed consistently, that just creates bad mojo.

Mike