In April, I listened in while Bob Hodges and Randy Smyth were considering bundling the USMC with their Nationals/NAs.

This will not be a "Stand Alone" event which is paramount in the tradition of the US Sailing Multihull Championship as Gordo intended it to be.

The regatta should be separate from other events, and that is why we maintained course with the F 16s last year. Small as it was, the regatta sustained the original purpose, and I am most glad that Sausalito Yacht Club has continued the tradition.

The one crystal clear fact which has arisen from this dialogue is that our history as catamaran or trimaran sailors must be preserved and not compromised by one person's viewpoint.

John, ask Gordon what he knows about Dick Blanchard and his wife Betty, who organized the North American Multihull Sailing Association. Rick White has been the steward of the effort since Dick passed away. I do remember the days when Gene Vernon, Geoff Prindle, Tom Roland, and Pete Melvin struggled to find starting lines for their designs.

There are real heroes that have built the pyramid, that should not disappear in the mist of time. How many of you know Ian Farrier?