Brian
congradulations on the job you have done with the U.K. youth cat squad.It must be rewarding to see the great results.You might remember I have talked to you before about starting up a similar program here in Canada.You are right the MNA,s need some direction and assistance from ISAF. Here in North America this youth cat sailing is only going to succeed if you have organizations like Hobie Cat and thier volunters to get it done(like they are doing).When I talked to Sailing Canada about setting up a youth cat sailing squad,they thought it was a great idea and said let us know about it when it is up and running.In other words good luck and if it works we will take over.

The other point I agree on is it is not about the boat.You need a good foundation of young cat sailors first.I like the progression model you are using in the U.K.Dragoon,Hobie 16,Tiger,Tornado.Rhodysail has it right,competition builds the skills.Colby himself said he never sailed anything bigger then the hobie 16 before he went over to Europe, and was successfull in the formula 18,s with very little training on one.He credited the 16 as giving him the skills he needed.Any way enough said from a one fingered typer from Canada,who has too much time on his hand (from the N.H.L. season being cancelled).Just one last thing it is refreshing to see posts from respected sailors like Merrick and Phipps.It would be nice to get some of the other rock stars (Colby,Booth,Bunducks,Myers....)on here once and a while to add there views tips & advice