I'm glad you looked into it, Macca - while true that two years ago, YA supported the 5/5 approach (as did the US and a number of other countries), just about all of those deferred submissions have been withdrawn. My point is, do you know what YA is supporting next week?

It is essential to understand that you can dislike process and politics, yet still work effectively without losing your soul. You might not like that events are determined before equipment, but that is how it is done. Over the years, I have come to the conclusion that equipment is a fractious topic that divides us, but a much lower hurdle than the event since nearly all cat sailors who feel an event is important are united in that sentiment. Unfortunately, we see those familiar cracks before we have even succeeded at regaining the event.

Keep in mind that, no matter what is selected as equipment, there will be factions that celebrate it and factions that vilify; inevitable. To the viewing public, there is virtually no distinction drawn between a race of 16-foot spinnaker boats and 20-foot spinnaker boats. If we get the medal, I anticipate an evaluation event where many cats will vie for the position - it isn't required to even be a currently existing design or class.

If I sound frustrated, you can bet I am. I miss the days of "any multihull." I knew they would end, just not so soon. Regardless, you have a few days left to make your voice heard, though by and large, the delegations have been working toward their positions for far longer than there has been discussion here. I am in an elected position. US sailors gave me a task and over a long period of consultation as positions evolved, I feel good about our chances to achieve a goal - a multihull event in 2016. As ever, if you are a member of US SAILING or a member of a fleet or club that is a member of the Multihull Council, you can help steer the ship by making your desires known. Contact your Area Rep or class officers. One good outcome from this sort of dissension is the possibility of more oars in the water.