I'm getting quite concerned about how much it would cost to participate in the Global Challenge. I know that the majority of the organising is currently underway but in my opinion the whole event is too long for just eleven races, two days of measuring? (which you'll have to pay for). The charges for measuring either boat or sails or both haven't be dissclosed yet. Plus you have to be a fully paid up member of the F16 Association (didn't know there was one yet in Europe) How much will that cost?
So taking into account the above plus travel, accommodation and living costs for the duration of the event, which is likely to attract 20 boats isn't looking too appetizing to me or my wallet.
I'm sorry to be so negative but I'm sure it could have been staged in such a way as to cost a lot less. By all means keep it Abroad but it should only take 3 days to run 11 races. Measuring could be carried out by non paid volunteers over the duration of the event and not prior to it, and the waiver of F16 membership fees for all participants of the event are just some ways of reducing the financial burden.
We are still a small Class in a big pond and I'm getting the feeling that the 'Global Challenge' is being taken out of the general F16 context.
Don't get me wrong I hope the Regatta is a big success for both the organisers and competitors but I hope in the future reference will be made to this thread and the following Global Challenge will be made more wallet friendly.