Bingo.
Back to the original point; There was no decline in this area. TCDYC has been promoting a "First Saturday of the Month" in the sailing season here and there have been no less that 20 boats showing up each time.
That is the important point... ON THE WATER... Racing continued .... just under new managment... So... let the hobie edict go.... The three Hobie classes made their deal and took the factory offer!!! The immediate impact was zero. (setting aside the pissed off factor)
The issue is the future... in 2013... we have national F18, A class and Hobie 16 racing classes that are the most active with small surviving classes of dead boats of N20's, TheMightyHobie18's and H17s and who knows about the F16s and N17s... What policies will keep a viable racing scene going and what classes does each policy appeal to?...
How much cooperation is needed between these classes... Can they work together to make for a well attended multiclass cat regatta. Can they work together to build a handicap class for distance races.... How about handicap buoy races to get critical mass?
What structure gives you the best chance to grow participation...
Club racing... with little or no travel?
Regional racing cirucit?? (like the Hobie travel cirucit)
How about a couple of long national championship events that you binge on in a year with little or no club or regional racing on your calender?
LET THE CRAP GO>>>>
in 2013, It's always about critical mass of boats turning out... You cover your costs at reasonable entry fees and the parties and racing has a chance to be good.
What USEFULL advice would you give a group of sailors in SW Florida about revitalizing the sport?
I propose they partner with a Yacht club in the region and make that work for the YC and the cat sailors.
Other suggestions?
