Hey how about a REAL effort at Youth CATAMARAN sailing. It is very obvious, but I don't see any other organization, Becides HCA, making ANY effort to get young kids on cats.
Bash away, but 18 REGISTERED teams for the H16 Youths!!! Every year this event gets bigger. And these kids will definately move on to Tigers, Inters, A's and the gifted, lucky ones to T Boats. But they need to see and sail these boats.
The key is exposure to the sport. I know it works because I see it happening. I get tired of hearing how the sport is declining while I am watching it grow like crazy on an inland lake in Upstate NY.
Take charge!! Start a youth program, take a kid sailing, let them drive, put 6 kids on a wave let them have fun. You have to make the effort!! Give up a night of race practice to focus on utes.
Hmm, What do I get for my HCA dues. A real live and growing youth program.
It's too late for 08, but not too late for 2012. Out of this type of program you will find the talented sailors and them you can pipeline them towards the big time.
Tom Korz NAHCA Youth Program Co-chair 1999-2002 Sailed an Inter 20 1999-2002 (You don't have to sail a Hobie to help) Tiger/F18, H16, Wave & F/C 31
