Mark, I think it is very relevant to the subject of this thread if one of the results of the Hobie edict has been to create more open venues where one-design racing and formula racing is allowed for all classes, as well as handicap racing.

The former Hobie policy, which allowed one open class of non-Hobies, discouraged development of non-Hobie one-design classes (at least in some areas of the country). That policy also perpetuated the myth that only Hobies race one-design and that the only way you can race one-design is by owning a Hobie.

From some of the comments in this thread, it seems that my prediction last year may be starting to come true -- that the Hobie edict might actually be a benefit to some non-Hobie classes and increase the numbers racing both one-design and formula.

Now people have more incentive to promote and develop one-design and formula classes. It is too early to tell whether there will be a strong trend in that direction and whether this will affect the sizes of the open handicap classes.

Obviously, many people just plain prefer handicap racing or else have no choice in the matter because they can't afford a different boat or don't want a different boat and/or can't get enough of their class together to race as a fleet.

All I am saying one of the secondary effects of the Hobie edict is that there are now more options available to racing sailors.