Hi Matt

I agree with your qualification, I was certainly not trying to characterize all Hobie fleets around the country.
The national politics is important but not the essential factor for revival.

You noted a couple of positive situations:
A recreation centered fleet, Syracuse and Rehoboth.

I would like your comments on why Syracuse and Rehoboth are successful. ... I would also add to those groups, two open fleets, Sandy Hook and WRCRA and the Bristol and West River A boat fleets as other fleets which have experienced great success over the last few years.

It seems to me that they have a couple things in common.
1) They have a facility where the mast is up
2) They have a low key local racing program (OK maybe not Bristol)
3) They have a mission: They focus on growing new sailors by supporting adults in learning to race cats AND/OR they have a juniors program that gets their kids involved.

In the future ... I believe that revival will occur when we integrate with existing yacht clubs and follow these principles.

Take Care
Mark