First, I want to straighten out the timeline regarding the alleged scheduling conflict. The idea for a "Hobie Class World Championship" event was first discussed in August, 2000 during the Hobie 20 Continentals in Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Yacht Club (Larry Harteck) was very interested in hosting a Worlds. We started with small weekend regattas in the mid-90's which morphed into the North/South Challenge then California State Championships (NACRA, Prindle and Hobie combined). Then moving to the Alter Cup in 1998, the Hobie 20 Continentals in August, 2000 with the Tiger Worlds being officially awarded in February, 2003. The dates were chosen for two main reasons...first was European participation (boat transit times from Europe would interfere with their season if the Worlds were scheduled during summer/fall) and second was the availability of the beachside (venue) parking lot. This lot is used during the school year by Santa Barbara City College for student parking. The Worlds will be held during their spring break.

As far as the Spring Fever Regatta...Nigel puts on a great event (even though I personally don't like the "Mars Mud") and it will survive without Tiger participation for one year. Granted there will be a few Tiger owners who elect not to go to California for this premier event. But there is nothing more valuable (competition wise) than a Worlds experience. Tiger racers who are not thinking about going should re-consider. The logistics and cost of doing this kind of event in North America is one with the least amount of hassle (did a BYOB Tiger Worlds in Singapore in 2003). When was the last time you where at a one design event with 100 boats? It can only make you a better sailor.

The decisions to hold an event of this magnitude do not happen overnight. It has been years in the making and promises to be one of the best. See you all on the beach in SoCal in March.

John Bauldry
Hobie Tiger 1317
Commodore, Hobie Fleet 276
Detroit, MI