Originally Posted by Mark Schneider

The point I wanted to make is that the SNOB factor comes into play when you try to fill out the fleet for the US sailing championships....Fact is... many of the top sailors (previous USSA championship racers) did not enter the championships when the Hobie 16 was used. I heard a lot of complaints to this effect.

When participation is skewed one way or the other... (no doubt by choice of many of the individual sailors (not you)) the championship is diminished.


Yes the Hobie 16 reaction was disappointing but I'm of the opinion that a true champion can make any platform work. Having the event on a H16 does NOT diminish the championship in any way IMO. I look at someone like Greg Thomas that wouldn't shy away from doing the Alter Cup on a H16 or a spin boat and as far as I'm concerned that is the mark of a true champion. You really can't let the "SNOB's" as you put it dictate the platform chosen. You simply have to say "Dude if you're scared just say you're scared".

David Ingram
F18 USA 242
http://www.solarwind.solar

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