The H16's are the only fleet that consistently get a class. The I20 & TheMightyHobie18 fleet do okay, we can usually get 5 or more at specific events.
They highly recomend smaller fleets race in the approriate PHRF band and get those numbers up in order to foster compettion. Makes a lot of sense to me!
Makes a lot of sense to me too. If you have to sail handicap then that's a good way to do it. My point is... I hate handicap racing! It's a hassle to travel, spend a crap load of money then end up sailing open. I can think of a lot more ways to spend that money.
When the I20's can't field a class at bouy regatta's then I see a F18, H16 or maybe an MC Scow in my future. I'm done racing open!
Ding