The Hobie "open rule" adopted 10 years ago was an attempt to increase attendance, which had dropped dramatically. With the reversal of this rule, I would predict "the Hobie Way of Life" will disappear all together.

I recall a Hobie 16 regatta from around 1976 that had approx 300 entrants and covered about 3 miles of beach front. This was at Sarasota, maybe Lido Key, not really sure.

The last Hobie points regatta I attended had fewer than 25 entrants, not all of which were Hobies.

Folk, this sport is withering, if not dieing. Whatever Hobies hopes are they are in vain. This is a small sport that will only be practiced by the few who genuinely love it. That, of course, will never die.