NAHCA Logic does not protect a one design fleet.
Rob said
“I think that everyone would agree that they would like everyone else to sail the same boat that they do. Under this premise, and under the premise that the NAHCA has the largest classes, if the NAHCA provided one design racing for all classes equally it would be hurting itself and its classes. All the other sailors would be trying to persuade Hobie sailors to their class (as well as the other classes). These other sailors have already proven they do not want to sail a Hobie because the only way they would come to a Hobie event is if they could bring the boat they have, not buy a Hobie, therefore, It is more likely that Hobie sailors would switch to these other classes than the other way around. “
Your argument of why your strategy will protect your Hobie classes is flawed in several ways.
This argument is one which is made by the builder. It is in the self interest of the Builder alone to maintain a monopoly on racing which would be a competitive advantage for their marketing. This cannot be the point of view of any one design sailor in a Hobie class. For instance, If a Hobie 16 sailor of an active Hobie 16 fleet switches to a Hobie 18 for what ever reason. The one design Hobie 16 fleet has suffered a net loss of one sailor. This sailor is lost to your one design fleet no matter what boat he migrated to. Likewise, a Hobie 20 conversion will hurt your Hobie 16 one design class. The Hobie factory on the other hand is very pleased by the defection because they have sold another boat if the monopoly holds. Therefore, to use NAHCA logic... obviously you should not race Hobie 16's and Hobie 18's on the same venue, else they would steal from the other class.
Your argument might be. NACHA is preserving the Hobie 20 fleet by preventing other 19 to 20 foot boats from Tornado, Nacra and Prindle or Inter from pulling away a Hobie 20 fleet member. This argument is also specious because these boats and classes existed long before the Hobie 20 was introduced into this country and the Hobie 20 class grew successfully despite them. ( OR... Perhaps the class grew by cannibalizing the Hobie 18 and Hobie 16 fleets.) NOW, the Hobie Tiger will take direct aim on the Hobie 20 and Hobie 16 class members. Were NAHCA operating with any foresight, your organization would keep all of the sailors in the fold by adapting to the ever changing scene.
NAHCA would have a legitimate concern if hobie sailors saw and purchased a different builders boat and then stopped participating with the hobie fleets. The loss of a sailors willing to help run the organization would be bad in the long run. This has not been the experience though. Most open class racers willingly pitch in, volunteer and in some areas of the country are running the Hobie one design circuit.
In my view, this experience points to the fact that NACHA policy cannot stop the consumer from choosing the current hot boat. Secondly, NAHCA’s strategy for protecting your one design classes, makes no sense when looked at critically.
Perhaps I am unaware where you think your policy has worked or is working. You should point these out.
Should Hobie and Performance stop offering newer cats for the consumer/racer.... NO.... they are in buisness to satisfy the customer. I certainly want choice when I look for my next catamaran.
Take Care
Mark
