In the late 80's we used to get near on 50 H16's, 20 Yvonne 20' (An aussie classic at that predates even the Hobies and they are still going!), plus god knows how many other boats every Saturday at my club. Then (in their infinite wisdom), the 16 fleet decided to travel around the bay, sailing at a different club every weekend.

They saw it as a great way to experience everybodies facilities for low cost (ie they were't paying their way). Unfortunatly it backfired bigtime. All that happened was the boats got spread in little pockets around the bay dwindling away to only a handfull.

A couple of years ago HCAV decided to go back to club based sailing by setting themselves up as a focal point, directing prospective sailors to those clubs that sail hobie cats - 1 or 2 in each area.

It is a win-win situation - the association only has to organise a couple of regattas per year, the clubs benifit with stronger membership and the sailors win with strong fleets to sail in each weekend. Those that want to travel also have that opportunity.

I am only speaking about Victoria. The other states seem to be following their own strategies with a variety of results.

Tiger Mike