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Comments on the proposed Tybee race -
The intent of the proposed Tybee race is towards another major distance racing event comparable to the Worrell 1000, but open to more participants on a variety of 18 and 20-ft boats as stated.
The problem with current thinking has been from the glass if half empty and the rest is evaporating quickly brigade attempting to relegate all events as though they were local races with few boats.
Attempting to apply this to a proposed major event is very limiting in scope and vision long term and condemning all to the imperfections and inequities of rated racing intended for use when class racing is not available to decide the outcome as opposed to which team crossed the line first on reasonably equal boats. The vast majority of catsailors prefer racing either One design or Formula.
New interesting events like the proposed Tybee race provide the opportunity for new teams to form. There are thousands of catsailors that would like to become more active racing, numerous potential racers from other existing classes, and invites more international competition with the draw of sponsors, prize money, and media reporting. -Major media like Sports Illustrated, extensive web coverage, and potential again for televised sports coverage helps provide the exposure and fuel this growth in interest and participation.
Why relegate any new major event to limited thinking treating it as though it was a local club race. Local club racing is great but understand the difference of intent, level of competition in major championship events, and potential for numbers of entrants’ long term.
Point 2- -restriction to O D or rated racing -
One Design is too limited in potential numbers of entrants , and restricting current rated racing as others would propose for this event is not viable for a number of reasons. In attempting to limit or restrict rated type racing fairly to similar length, beam weight and sail area inc. spin.and you logically arrive at a Formula Class solution as the best option.
- F-18 s allow Tigers -N-F18, -Mysteres and others to compete, -F-16s and 18 hts are a great option/ addition to the original proposal, -F-20, -will have a web site up soon and will potentially include all current 8.5 beam 20s within the scope of class rules.
Race Formula Classes as a true test of sailing, navigational, boat prep, tactical, and seamanship racing skill in major distance racing events.
Add an open rated unlimited class if interest is there. Maybe we would see giant shutes, 12 beams, and 10 ft racks again, -great fun but a different type of racing having more to do with design development as was the Worrell / World 1000 race in the late 80s.
Point number five.
Rated racing --set a proposal and send it to race organizers for this class, -if some want it restricted explain who you are excluding, how and why beyond an abstract chosen number .Why shouldn’t it be open, then what are you going to limit, sail area beam racks shutes etc.
Rated racing is set up to rate class boats using av times applied for buoys racing .This breaks down even further when attempting to apply it to highly modified boats for distance racing ,--a different game .
: Third, -Media and sponsors -
It is wonderful to have the option of team sponsorship, -most all really enjoy the coverage of races, particularly here on Catsailor.
: Fourth point Safety.
Right, -read W-1000 rules, -check the web site, -
A similar set of rules would be used including req.safety equipment and team qualifications.
: Point seven. COST.
Given the wide variety of boats available believe a number of charter boats would be available through dealer involvement along with parts supply during the event and from numerous individual boat owners forming teams.
motor homes, group rates help, organizing dinners etc. for teams also helps tremendously. Know the race organizers are working on this aspect.
A sponsor from a local restaurant or biz even partially is also a big help for any team.
: Point eight
A well executed 2-day distance race takes 60-100 hours of legwork on the part of the organizers to do a good job. A 7-day version is a huge amount of work. I am grateful Chuck is even attempting it, and look forward to racing in it.
-Agree well stated last paragraph -
My experience in catsailing began like many in Hobies, 18s for more than a decade in the 70s and 80s, -we sometimes had 300 plus boats show at regional championship regattas in the Midwest at places like Traverse City MI, -GREAT TIMES, spectacular view of 300 + colored sails filling the bay, hard to even imagine now, -H -div 10 has all but disappeared, Attended numerous National and World championship events around the country, spent some time in Hawaii also sailing every day there as well as living in FLA and again have raced over the years in numerous geographic locations .
Raced on then brand new H-21s with Shutes also new to catsailing in 88 in Prosail and the Ultimate Yacht Race in numerous events around the country, some events seen on NBC Sports, -great fun that year, -also raced the Worrell 1000 the previous year in 87.
-Competed in my 6th Worrell 1000 this year, have raced the last five in a row. --whew !-and hope to race more this year and both the Worrell and Tybee race next year.
Realize my experiences and resulting vision for events and the sport are not the experiences of many now.
Many only know small local events with a group of diversely different boats where rated racing is the only option, or only know mfg. One design, along with all the pragmatic problems associated with organizing events that form their experience and resulting opinion. Also understand many have invested a great amount and enjoy smaller local club type racing , will prefer racing on that level and not care to participate in larger events , that is fine .-They need to realize the sport is capable of so much more and that many other catsailors will prefer to go on to racing in larger major events, at least the opportunity to do so should be available . We need to organize and provide more great events like the Tybee race along with Formula classes now finally getting organized in N A as the vehicles for these events that include a broad base of builders, and wide variety of sailors to grow the sport again, --seems we are well on our way! . .
Carl
lease excuse any typos -often do not wear my reading glasses and this type is small -
thanks
