As discussed in the other thread, and evident to many of us:-
We need people out showing their boats off at regattas. That is what is behind the current drive to include sailing at a regatta as part of the membership qualification.

Showing the F16 boats off "in force" at regattas will help draw people into the class and make it better for all.

I think we all know the above statement to be true.

However I wonder with todays presssures on both families and individuals, will we really get any more people out and about with their boats by threatenng them with regard to eligability of class membership, or will we be just limitting the class's potential growth by turning people away because they can not travel, or alternatively, pissing them off because they are being asked to jump through hoops.

From the very beginning we have promoted "inclusiveness"
as a corner stone of the F16 class's foundation.
This stance has had us inviting all classes of boats that can get themselves inside the box rule to come and sail with us.
So why should we discriminate against the sailors when it comes to membership.

I have always thought the all inclusive attitude to be a great assett to the F16 class and something that should be protected.

Following some consideration regarding memebership qualification and reasoning for it and discussions with Wouter I have come to the conclusion that we should not be limitting memebership to people that travel or even people that race as that would go against the basic "inclusiveness" principal.

Sure, I'd like to see people racing and even travelling to regattas but I would also like to see people involved that are enthused about the concept of one day owning an F16, or people that enjoy hanging around the F16 class for social reasons. Or people that just want an F16 to tinker with and work out better ways of doing things. All the time we stand the opportunity for the infectious level of their enthusiasm to rub off onto others.

Anyone with an interest in the class should be invited to join and be encouraged to be involved at whatever level with which they feel most comfortable.

We must strive to encourage participation at all levels.

Who gets to vote on what is seconadry to the principal of including whoever wants to be involved in spreading the word and building the class. It matters not if they are racing at big regattas, holding up the F16 flag at their local club or socialising around F16 gossip in their local pub. As a matter of principal we should welcome them all.

Now to make this all happen we need to take a careful look at how we present and deliver the F16 Class to each and every person. No matter how they choose to be involved.

It is up to us to make it so people want to be in our corner preaching the F16 word.

Just the way I see it.

Regards,
Phill