Obviously, having a larger event helps keep the costs down. I do not think having this as a stand-alone event is a good idea. The best format that I’ve seen is to tie in with an existing, non-cat regatta (such as Lipton Cup at Quincy in Area A). This way, all the cats that show up are there to race the elims, and you avoid the issues of people wanting to not join and sail the “fun event,” etc. As a bonus, we get exposure to the mono world.
Mike
Personally I won't combine the Qualifier with a preexisting multihull event again, it just over complicates the regatta and causes confusion with the sailors and the organizers.
As for hanging the multihull qualifier off a exiting monohull event, that could work.
I don't see any relaxation of the membership requirement for the qualifiers in the future. It is a USSailing qualifier after all.
