Slightly different road this time around.

By "census" I meant trying to determine who would like to attend a number of regattas in a given year. You and I are examples. For the last year or two we've posted a list of regattas we would like to attend. I don't make good on all of mine, but I do try, and actually make good on the majority. If we encourage others to do the same we would have a core group of active sailors, a census.

Budget is a little tricker in that it involves money and time. Most people don't want to speak openly about money but time is a little easier. They will say how far they're willing to drive and on what dates.

I offer this insight. My wife didn't attend Tradewinds because we couldn't come to terms on accommodations and she had a number of other things going on. As a result, she stayed home and I slept in a hovel. Cheap, clean (no bedbugs)close to the regatta site. A few others stayed at the same place. Tback on the other hand is a genius at finding nice places to stay at very low prices. Next year the whole crew will probably stay wherever he stays and my wife will come with me. The trick is to count yourself in. Let him know beforehand so he has an accurate headcount. I'm sure there are other sub-groups who could do the same.

These two items exemplify the need for communication. Showing an interest in what others are interested in invites participation.

My experience is that successful groups expend a fair amount of energy contacting their membership, asking about their wants, and INVITING them to participate. This isn't happening in Florida. We are a loose coalition with
no structure for people to attach themselves and claim membership.