My personal opinion on olympic status and ISAF is much in line with both the F18 and A-cat classes.

Basically, ISAF is a SMOD minded organisation and is therefore in direct conflict with the core character of the present catamaran sailing scene (Formula based), except the H16/Dart 18 class.

As result, olympic static or even ISAF membership can easily be a kiss of death to the most exiting cat classes. For as good as no real benefits, as ISAF boys really don't care much for cat classes anyway. I have always claimed it is better for cats to be outside of the (dictatorial) ISAF organisation then in. Or more specifically, to be aligned with them ONLY for so far it suits US !

I for one will not going to be appologizing to THEM for beign dismayed about THEIR action to snuff the Tornado as an Olympic class by (favoritish) politics.

I also believe the cat is current not organised well enough to make a fist. I feel that some time on our own may just what they doctor ordered to address this issue.

I feel that we an always get back in the Olympic at a later time if the cat scene wills it. A good first start would be the cooperation between classes. Why not work toward organising combined formula events F18/F16/F12/A-cat. This assumes the F12 gets formed and suits cat sailing newbies and youths. Otherwise I propose including a OD class formed around the Hobie Waves. Such events would provide a fully close cat sailing scene that addresses the needs/desires/budgets for any cat sailor and presents the cat scene a a viable alternative to keel boat or dinghy sailing. The parties will also be massive and each class will grow off the combined promotion and cross polination.

Basically get the Pipeline going and grow our footprint then at a later time negociated from a position of power rather then begging for an Olympic slot.

Wouter