7.4 SMALL FLEETS: A fleet of less than five (5) boats may be started with another fleet at the discretion of the Race Committee. This change will be announced at the initial Skippers' Meeting and posted on the Official Regatta Notice Board.



This was grabbed from the IHCA regatta instructions. I have seen 5 Hobie 18's DEMAND their one design start. I have seen ONE sailor out of the 5 insist that they be given the start in accordance with IHCA rules. Without guidance, the PRO is on their own. (the starting line was set up for a 20 boat 16 A fleet start. ) They refused to be combined with H17's or open and point to the standard racing instructions.



Starting policies effect everyone one at the regatta and the major complain is usually... how long they had to wait around ... or how little racing they actually did.



Seems to me that NAHCA should modify this IHCA SI and leave starts up to the PRO's of the fleets . They are the folks who have to make things work out so that everyone has fun.

Mark