I agree that we should not look back to the '70s and '80s and accept the reality that WE are the future. A relatively small group of people that enjoy what we do!

My personal approach will be to participate in the Harken Bouy series with my new Blade. I think that as people come to understand what the boat can do, they will be motivated to upgrade their older boats. That in itself will promote growth, much like the A cat and Wave fleets are doing. If that happens, Florida will have 3 active racing classes plus the distance racers. That, I think, is a good solid sailing population that will perpetuate itself.

When has the beach cat community had such an assortment of high quality boats to choose from? Tornado, Wave, A cat, F18, F16, Hobie 16. There is something for everyone and I just don't think all those builders can be wrong.

I think these are exciting times for beach cats and the future looks very good indeed.

btw- a local club is trying to establish mastup beach access for cats, as a way of funding their Opti program. The site they are looking at is nearly perfect!