One of the issues which is a great point of contention is the perception that MOST Hobie Regattas, races sponsored by Hobie Fleets, do not allow non Hobies to race at all.

I would like to hear from all Hobie Fleets which sponsor a regatta and tell us their position.

I will begint by stating that Hobie Fleet 97, Division 9, Raleigh, NC, has encouraged X boat participation in all events for many years and several years ago allowed X boat owners to join.

I began as a rec. sailor on a Nacra 5.2 and then an 18sq. before I got tired of the dwindling open starts and bought a Hobie 17. I didn't buy a Hobie 17 because it is a great boat, I bought it because we often had fleets of ten or more 17's at Division 9 regattas. Had I been ostracized by the Hobie Fleets because of my Nacra, I could have ended up on a monohull. Had I been told to "Go buy a Hobie and we will be nice to you" I would have told them to KISS MY butt.

The question, as I see it, is which end result do you want?