I have opinions about one design vs. open class just like everyone else here. I pretty much agree with those who feel that an 18 foot boat is the advisable minimum and I prefer a one design event...for lots of varying reasons previously discussed. That being said, I don't care nearly so much about that decision as the point of making the event (in whatever form) the best, most fun, safest, etc., that it can be. I definitely agree that, whatever decision is to be made as regards these particulars, it should be made sooner than later in order to allow teams to adequately prepare for next year; not only in physically training and practicing with their boats but fund raising and setting up an available support team as well. I would love to see more international sailors/teams next year and more time for preparation would be especially beneficial to them.



I do hope that Chuck is tuned into the forum. I owe him a big Thank You for the great job that he and the whole volunteer staff did at this year's event so I will mention this thread to him when I email him just in case a million others haven't done so already! Also, he said that he already knew the dates for next year's race but I don't see them posted on the Tybee 500 site yet. Does anyone remember what they were? I'd like to be able to include that information in my sponsorship seeking materials. To that end, I'm of the opinion that any available updated information posted on the official web site would greatly enhance/improve the image of the event and therefore help teams who are trying to raise sponsorship monies and make decisions as regards potential attendance for 2006. Just my behind-the-scenes two cents.