The event was named for Hobie Alter because he once promoted the one-design aspect of a regatta. The Alter Cup is based on the premise that a round-robin rotation on provided boats where tuning is restricted is more fair and equal than "run what you brung." I would contend that it is more fair and equal than any other one-design event. Even for the Hobie 16 events where boats are provided, there are those that "know" how to tune a boat. The Alter Cup tries to get at those who "know" how to sail it.

I'm not making any judgement about other events here! I'm just stating what is different about Alter Cup.