Kirt,

Thank you for asking for clarification in a respectful manner. It is much nicer to discuss topics this way.



In regards to the events that are "Hobie only" there are five. And as I mentioned there are over 100 events sanctioned by the NAHCA. This is not by any means excluding x-class from an over welming number of events. It basically comes down to 1 event in 20 that is not open to every one. This is to give the Hobie Class a more prestigious event and is suppose to be larger than the average regatta. If you look at other classes many of them have championships that no other class is invited to. Unlike monohulls the racing cicuit is run predominately by Hobie fleets, in monohulls it is run by yacht clubs. Most yacht clubs run races for a number of different classes and open handicap fleets of some sort. But a few decide to run regattas with limited classes. This is what NAHCA is trying to do. But as soon as they dare try to be like the rest of the sailing communtiy, they are called racist, or exclusive and many other mean and nasty things.



The area championships are not being forced down anyones throat. The local fleet has the choice to run the event or not. They can still run an open event, it may not be an area championship. The NAHCA is not trying to dictate to anyone how to run their events. Just like hosting a Worlds or National Championship, there are requirements for running an area championship.



As far as the x-class itself, it is purely a misunderstanding. If the race committee and the sailors want to race their Hobie in the x-class that is up to them. The guideline is suppose to eliminate starts for individual classes that are not Hobie Cats. This again is to give a reason to sail a Hobie instead of something else.



I think this policy invites everyone to come, race, and enjoy the "Hobie way of Life", and encourages them to do it on a Hobie. I hope this explains the policy a little better, and clarifies things for you.