Hey Rick,

Thanks for the congrats, very cool.

<<I know that the upstate NY Hobie folks are staunchly Hobie. Meaning, the IWCA Waves would not be eligible to sail there, similarly to the Mega, because we would comply with the IHCA Rules.>>


Fleet 204 has enjoyed 33 years of OD Hobie racing, I'm proud to be a part of that. The Korzs (Korzeniewski, my maiden name) were part of the first 5 boats that were awarded our Fleet charter in the 70's from the World Hobie Class Association. I remember the Buffalo regatta used to have to limit the number of boats to 200, if you didn't pre-register, you didn't get in:< Those were the days, my friend!

Jump to 2009... Attendance is down everywhere, Madcatter included, but people still come from all over (read Puerto Ricans with massive amounts of rum) to race on the sometimes snowy, usually cold Oneida Lake. The race is the vehicle that brings a bunch of crazy sailors together.

Within our Fleet, there are rules for racing, just as there are rules for Fleet parties. Newbies learn quickly that a dish to pass, or a bottle to share is not only good manners, but an unwritten requirement, everyone brings something to the table. The same is true of the boats we prefer; we all follow the same rules, OD Hobies make it easy to focus less on the boats and more on the party. Its all part of that ‘keep it simple’ stuff, it sometimes come off as pretentious, but no harm is meant.

Now back to the main point, how do we come together to race Waves? How can we simplify the rules so everyone brings a dish they can be proud of? I know this analogy is kind of out there, but it’s what I’m bringing to the table this Thanksgiving weekend.

Comments, suggestions????