Poster: Mary
In many parts of the country the only racing structure available to all the boats was the Hobie Class structure, which for years allowed non-Hobies to participate in an Open Class at their regattas. When the Hobie Class decided to close the door to non-Hobies, it was feared that many catamaran sailors would be left with no way to race and no way to put on regattas. It appeared that perhaps NAMSA was needed again to provide a structure similar to the Hobie Class structure, but for all the non-Hobies (and Hobies, too, of course) because NAMSA is an organization open to ALL multihulls.
Ok Mary Define the scope of the problem!
Have you surveyed the NAHCA regions and reported on how these Divisions have resolved the NAHCA mandate for their members. Its time for schedules to be created... decisions must have been made. For example, You published a letter in Catsailor that the Texas Division has told NAHCA … No Thanks for that kool aid! How many other Fleets or entire Divisions? How Big a problem is this turning out to be? MAYBE its only a problem in a handful of areas in the US. Perhaps the issue will be solved If some NAHCA Fleets/Divisions DO host Hobie only races… But their member clubs ALSO create open regattas to serve their other members? If a region is mostly Hobie and HAS no other racers…again not much of a problem… This is something that needs reporting on by you!
If NAHCA’s mandate does have a negative impact and sailors don’t have local races to attend… THEN we have an issue and can look for solutions.
If NAHCA's mandate does not generate any problems... can NAMSA go away?
I plan to take a deep breath and respond to the rest of your letter a bit later.
Take Care
Mark
