Hi,

I've been to many, many boat shows in the last 15 to 20 years and am disappointed in the steady decline of beach catamarans at these shows. I know the market's been dwindling, and not much profit is derived from the sale, as a result. However, I still feel better representation should be made at the shows.

I had a few ideas on how to do this that would possibly alleviate the burden on individual dealers and even the manufacturers. One idea was to have the most recent organizing body of catamaran sailing, NAMSA, to sponsor a booth and have individuals (like myself) who have late model, excellent condition catamarans, display their own boat. Not for sale or anything, just something to turn heads, attract would-be cat sailors and promote the sport in general. Maybe add a PC with some footage of past Worrell 1000's, Olympic Tornadoes., etc. Have Catsailor magazine, Multihull Magazine and other publications available too.

It's probably too late to do this for the Fall shows.

I have a 2002 Hobie FX-One that always turns heads and elicits questions wherever I go, especially the younger crowd (10 to 18 year-olds). It's a beautiful and interesting boat and should be seen by as many potential catamaran sailors as possible. My previous Nacra's, and I'm sure many others, do the same. I'd be willing to bring my catamaran to a Hobie booth, or any other at the upcoming shows. It would be essentially a volunteer thing to promote the sport. Possibly NAMSA and/or some of the manufacturers could contribute for minor expenses (tolls, gas or hotel if overnight is necessary).

Just a thought. Let me know what you think.

Steve