Part of the problem with Cat sailing and other sports is many participants have become rather “hard core”. Racers see their fleets shrinking and we need to get some new blood… I had a conversation with a fellow at a recent regatta. His point was that for many of the racers, this was their life. To be competitive and successful consumes a huge amount of time. The travel to the races, and the high overhead (set-up time) take their toll. He went on to say many serious racers end up divorced. I think the target market is the young adults, however without any previous exposure to cats or sailing, it would be hard to see an early 20’s adult taking on this challenge. They might get curious, but to make the jump from non-sailor to hard core is quite a leap. Cats can be intimidating. Some people are just not going to trap out with the shute up in 20Kts. I believe we need to try to encourage some sort of middle ground. More non-competitive gatherings to get boats out, get people to bring their friends, wives and kids. Poker runs, crew swaps, backward sailing, frisbee tag and yes have a real race, but call it a “practice” race or a “beginner” race or a “tuning” race. Help with the rigging; share the company of those with a common interest. Swap boats, do some tuning. It is especially important for the experienced people to attend and make a real effort to help the new folks. Talk to them like they are real people and listen. Realize these people are the future of sailing. When I first started racing, the top guys took a real interest in the new folks. I got lapped in my first (two lap) race. The junior national champion was right there when I landing looking my boat over. We became pretty good friends and spent the summer match racing. I’m sure I learned a lot more than he did! I agree with Mike M, I don’t think it’s the money. If people think it’s worth it they will find the money. It would be nice to get shiny boats to new sailors for 3K. I have helped several people find and work with used boats and it is hard to get new people excited about a 20 year old boat!! In the end it is people that make sailing. I’ve done my share of solo sailing, because I love it that much, but it is more fun with other cats! <br><br>