Mike,

Last year marked a change in formatting due to the loss of factory sponsorship. The boats have become so expensive that the old practice of leaning on generosity from NACRA and AHPC was deep - sixed.

US Sailing owns the Deed of Gift for the Hobie Alter Trophy, and that's that.

The name 'Alter Cup' most likely came about due to ease of expression. As Matt has said, the formal name is the Hobie Alter Trophy.

The US Sailing Championship Committee is the formal governing body, and when I was booted off last year, after securing Sausalito, the regatta was intended as a "stand alone" event.

If the winds are true this year and fate has its way, the event will be sharing a time frame with the Red Bull Youth Americas Cup racing.

Look out for a PM regarding some other business brewing Zhik might be interested in.