Jake, <br> <br>I couldn't agree with you more. As someone that is 31 (just turned last week too) and just reintroduced myself to cat sailing, our targets have to be aimed at the 20s and 30s crowd. Most of my friends don't have a clue what cat sailing is. Most think of sailing as lounging around on a big boat catching some rays. Cat sailing is so different from monohull sailing. We have got to capture the crowd that likes adventure sports. I firmly believe that we need more exposure by media and more cats on the water. Question is, how do we do this. <br> <br>I propose more active involvement with fleets and cat shops to promote fun events. Hopefully, this will draw more boats out and thus more exposure. It isn't often that someone will come down to look at one cat on the beach. If we have even 4-5, that will provoke some interest from the passerby. These people may become interested, especially when told how cheap it is to get into the sport (I just bought a 16 for $550 with trailer). Once they're in, they may want to participate in these "fun" events and eventually buy a larger boat or go into racing. We need to hook these people and show them how much fun we are having. Racing, while it is an absolute blast while out there, is very boring for the casual spectator to watch. <br> <br>In regards to buying new boats. It is my feeling that comparing cat sailors to J boat sailors is ludicrous. As mentioned, I spent $550 for my boat, the boats you mentioned are more than my house. As an adrenaline junky, I have no interest in monohulls, nor will I ever. If we get people to buy used boats and get into the sport, these are the people more likely to buy a new boat at a later time. Youth programs are an excellent idea. If the local sailing clubs were able to offer a program through high schools as credit for gym, we may get some people there. I know I would have done that in a heartbeat. I had the opportunity to make windsurfing an "independent gym study" while in high school, so I know the possibility exists. <br> <br>Hope to see you on the water. Thanks for your time. <br> <br>Kip <br>H16<br><br>
