Some class building ideas that I have checked out:



From the Nacra 6.0NAs in New England-

1-Chose an existing class that has numbers, although is a little long in the tooth. Take the older design and upgrade it. The N6.0 NA New England guys chose a specific chute and snuffer system and added it as a class. They have lots of older boats to chose from at better prices than new.

2-Work hard to be included in existing events.

3-Be active in "pushing" the class in the forums and media.

4-Secure an anchor person (Rick Bliss).

5-Be active in high profile events, like the NE100 and Tybee 500





From the F-18HTs:

1-Work hard to be included in existing events .

2-Start a class circuit and make it easier for members to participate (ie class multi-boat trailers).

3-Maintain an active website and inform potential members of the classes activites

4-Find ways to keep the cost of ownership as low as possible.

5-If possible, get top sailors into the class. These sailors are a wealth of knowledge for the class as a whole.

6-Recruit members from other sailing classes (ie 49ers/dinghys, Melges 24/Sport boats), and groups (collegate sailors for example)

7-Expose the boat to the media and public by having the boat featured in print and in boat shows, as a class.

8-Make it fun!



Things to avoid:

1-Knocking other classes

2-Trying to make class rules too complicated

3-Attempting to include or fit too many designs into a class





These are a few ideas that seem to be working for these two classes.



Michael