Originally Posted by Robi
Originally Posted by Jake
Originally Posted by Robi
I think you have three options.
1. Strictly enforce the rule of be a member or do not compete. Kinda harsh aint it? It can do more damage than good in the long run, pushing people away will leave them bitter.

2. Be lenient and do not enforce anything, if they win then make sure they are members. But then its a catch two because we are not enforcing the rules.

3. Leadership - My favorite. if my subordinate fails I have failed him. A good leader makes sure his people are setup as much as possible to be succesful. If I were area rep, I would start tagging folks early on. I would surely get in touch with the regulars who have a chance at winning the event. I would make sure the top 10 teams are registered and all their paperwork is good to go. I would then work hard on the rest to make sure they show up and give them all the options available.



I keep hearing you guys talk about "my chances of winning the event". I think we would see 3 boats at any regatta if we placed that much value on getting on the podium. Is that REALLY what you guys think the AC eliminator is about? Really?

At the end of the day, it's actually quite an interesting, though provoking, and challenging way to race when you commit yourself to racing an entire fleet on portsmouth handicap. The conversations, the opportunities, the fresh change in strategy (covering a guy you owe three minutes too doesn't help you). It's a freaking regatta. If winning is everything, I expect to see all your boats up for sale effective immediately.

Lastly, you don't have to cater to "the guys that have the best chance of winning". They can play or they can choose not to play. The event is the North American Multihull Championship and whoever wins it has won it regardless of who's name was or wasn't on the roster.
Jake, maybe you are misunderstanding my point. Or maybe you are just enfazicing, I am not sure, but you are quoting me.

My point is, leadership is key. Leaders make things easier for there subordinates. If you have one particular team that you know will win, but there paperwork can jeopardize that podium spot and you are there area rep you wont do anything to help them?
A good leader takes up newbies as well and helps them move up through the ranks teaching them as much as possible.

Obviously this isnt a coaching thing that Dave will make us Golden Olympians or world champs but he can help us all understand the INS and OUTS of being a US Sailing member and competing in such a competition like the Area Qualifiers.


You make the requirements clear and certainly you encourage people to do things the right way. I've just hear two or three people talk about their chances of winning as part of their decision making process and that drives me nuts - especially from folks (like nearly all of us here) that don't have a tall history of winning events...it's not logical. Second, just because someone has a better chance of winning, they don't deserve any special treatment. They are provided explanation and every opportunity to dot i's and cross t's with everyone else. You run the event the same for everyone and THAT actually keeps you out of more trouble than you can imagine.

I had always maintained that all registrants in the qualifier had to be US Sailing members...I know I've had this conversation with US Sailing at some point and this was the intent. However, reading the Conditions again just now (a document I've modified in the past including adding the race and entry requirement in item 2.1), I just NOW realized the wording only applies to regattas that have multiple class starts. However, the view at one time was that your performance in the event could be negatively affected by someone that isn't even eligible for the big picture. While I do completely identify with the motivation behind getting more sailors on the water, we all have a full schedule of other regattas throughout the year for this. This IS a special event for US Sailing...that said, it is going through some significant (and positive) organizational changes so the focus can certainly shift.

Quote
2.1 The Area Elimination events must not include ineligible teams in the same start or fleet with eligible teams at regattas that are hosting multiple fleets. Elimination events must consist of at least three (3) races and have five (5) or more competitors for its results to be considered valid.

Jake Kohl