Wow....it is crystal clear that the south was terribly over scheduled.
an A class event in NC same weekend.
Pensocola Midwinters Cancelled and now could be rising from the dead.
Several inland lake regattas about this time frame..
All competing for an ever smaller number of racers time and money...
I believe the Mr Ernie and the Spring Fever team are to be applauded... They pulled the plug at the right time. They have their standards for what the Spring Fever regatta was about, They always delivered on what they promised and I acknowledge their integrity in holding to their vision.
IMO, the SPORT is far better off when we kill of an event BEFORE you piss off the volunteers putting it on....
All that is left to say is Thank you for hosting a signature regatta for these many years.
Mark,
I don't know that it's as simple as over scheduling. The A-cat event did have some impact and the Nacra 17's have something going on in Europe that took away a few teams. That still doesn't explain the many other boats and classes that have attended Spring Fever in the past. I'm a little surprised that attendance dropped off like it did and would be interested to hear from people that have attended in the past but weren't going this year. As far as I know, there wasn't an F18 conflict but there wasn't even a handful signed up that weren't local. I'm baffled.
I do agree with your last statements, though. They knew when to pull the plug. Not only did the event need to have a minimum number of entries to justify the expenses related to the campground and other costs, major sponsors like Zhik, Honey Baked Ham, Subway, etc. need to have that exposure or they'll soon realize they're not getting their money's worth and they'll be lost forever. That was one of the many factors that lead to the cancellation. I know from direct involvement that Ernie and Nigel put an incredible amount of time and energy (and money) into the event to make it what it was. Hopefully it will be back.
