Here I go again... I should just shoot myself now but...

Carl,

I think you are shooting at the wrong issue here. It's not about the classes.

I am sure you will agree that local clubs host regattas for their members and regional colleagues. Each club is trying to get turnout AND maximize the fun racing for the event. They probably don't give a damn about the national implications of any descions they make on running the regatta. If they have a strong one design or formula group that wants to come racing.... they accomodate. If they have 10 types of boats... they accomodate. The problem is not so much classes or formula class and the rules of formula racing... its simply sheer numbers of sailors.

You need large numbers of racers so that everyone finds a level of competition that suits them AND enough other sailors at their level to enjoy the racing experience.

The other problem is that if you have 15 boats... 10 of them one design or formula.... When you split out the 10 and leave 5 in a seperate race... you will pretty much kill off the 5 boats in a short time. The competition that's left will quickly grow old and these racers... will fade away (Rarely... do they convert to a new boat).

The competition problem is the real problem.... Solve this one and our numbers will start to grow again. OCRA seems to have started to grow their fleet from the ashes of the last Hobie pogrom. Take a look at their solution.

Take Care
Mark