Its good that local dealers would be supportive, but Hobie needs some skin in the game. Since you are starting new sailors on a Hobie, it a good chance that if they stick with it, their first boat will be a Hobie. Even if they get a used boat, it benefits Hobie. A sailing Hobie looks like fun. One that never moves off the beach just looks sad. Any new activity caused by youth programs will eventually result in the sale of new boats. The profits from the selling of just one extra new boat would pay for endless sets of wires.

With all the safety talk about those stupid comp tips, the safety benefit of new wires is realisticly going to prevent more accidental injuries. If you are teaching new sailors on old boats with old wires, a de-masting is going to leave an impression on the students, even if no one gets hurt.

Hobie could re-imburse local dealers that provide new wires to youth programs.


Jeff Peterson
H-16 Sail #23721
Big Marine Lake, MN