Ok,,, that's enough spinning for this sailor !!



IMHO, enough outrage has been expressed from all directions, and I would suggest it is time to reflect on a few basic facts and truths.



1) The task force report widely printed is just that, a recommendation paper at this point, and not NAHCA policy. NAHCA has not issued a policy as yet, that I know of. At least nothing has reached our fleet's executive members. Now communication has been identified as an area that needs vast improvement within the NAHCA, and I think we have to give Rich a chance to make it so.



2) NAHCA does not control or run the sailing in our area, which is southern Ontario, and I doubt that it does in any region (I can only speak for my own area). A strong and growing spread of regatta's, workshops, and seminars have developed and are run by our area members, both Hobie and Non-Hobie. And we are not about to let anyone or any policy damage that progress. Rob aluded to the open class scoring that I and other open class sailors do in our area. We also scored the Hobie class's as well, at all last seasons events in our area. No big deal,,, just one of the many jobs, including total regatta management, that is routinely handled by many of our members irrespective of thier boat types.



3) In short,,, we have found strength in our diversity, and we are not about to let anyone, or any policy, screw up our success's. I suspect that to be true in most area's wether they are organized as a Hobie Fleet, or as a regional association, or any combination of those two (or any other organization for that matter).



4) I think that most of us, who have been around for a while, are experienced enough to know this. And that includes the executive members of our various organisations. The real power to chart the course of our sailing rests in the hands of our event organisors and our regional association members. I have been fortunate to be able to find the strengths and enjoyment in all the various classes of racing (both open class and one-design) that I have participated in over the years,, and I have met and learned from many amazing people, from each of those classes.



So despite some initial concern about recent developements, I am confident that 2002 will be another great season. I guess that I ultimately have faith in the people sailing beside me.



All the best for the holiday season (I was tempted to say X-mas, ;-),

Alan Maguire

Vice-Commodore Fleet183/ORCA

USSA Portsmouth Committee, and member

NAF-18 Class Association, Canadian Rep.

CYA/OSA

M6.0

H16

Twister