CRAM's F17 Fleet has grown to 14 since the end of last season. Stimulation of the fleet can be credited to the addition of Matt Struble (3-time Alter Cup Champion) switching from the F18 Fleet, the close competition from last year between Mark Batchelor (NA Champion), Roger Cochran (also switching from the F18 in 2005) and Bill Gillespie, Roger edging out Bill in Season's Points for the fleet by 9 points, 4412 vs. 4403! The additions include two other converts from the F18 Class, Chad Schwall and Jimmy Cox, Jimmy coming back to the F17 after several seasons in the F18 Fleet. Also returning to the F17 Fleet are Andy Zitkus and me! The competition in the fleet seems to be what is making it grow so rapidly. The special pricing offered by our fellow fleet member and dealer must surely have helped with some of the growth also.

The fleet is talking about holding a debrief on Saturday evening after racing with the skippers sharing what went right and what went wrong out on the water, the objective being to make the whole fleet get better. With Matt Struble suggesting this, I think the fleet has a great deal to look forward to this season with everyone getting faster!

Soon to be sailing the F17 again...