I realize you have appointed a public relations (PR) committee to promote the class. But it currently includes one person from Norway, two from Belgium, one from Great Britain and one from Australia.

Nobody from the United States.

Since Rick and I put out a print magazine that is distributed primarily throughout the United States, it would be nice if somebody would take responsibility for promoting the class in this country.

The recent regatta at Gulfport YC is a classic example of nobody promoting the class. I'll bet nobody sent a story and pictures to the local newspapers, since they sure didn't send anything to "Catamaran Sailor."

Why should we (Catamaran Sailor magazine) have to beg for information? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

We would be very happy if somebody in the US joined the PR committee. We sure need somebody who can help organize and do some PR work in the USA and Canada. If somebody are interested, PM me and I'll hook you up. We have asked for volunteers earlier but perhaps this is the time it is going to happen <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
What will be asked for is getting reports from events, either writing them yourself or having participants write them. This is just what Mary asked for, and sending them to local press and sailing press. Getting feature materials and participating in what the PR group is working on internationally is the rest of the job description. So far we have worked on translating the most important parts of our website formula16.org and an F16 flyer (Hmmm, Robi. Still planning to do the work we discussed? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> ). There are some upcoming projects as well like getting some good PR videos done, and of course ideas are alway welcome. Not all ideas are possible to implement with the resources we have, but it is amazing how much help and resources we can get if we just ask..

So, if anybody wants to be involved, right now is a perfect time to contact me.


Oh, and one last thing which is very important. We are all F16 PR workers and amassadors. Anytime you post here, go to an F16 event or just go fiddling with your boat or sailing, you represent the F16 class.

I nominate Joanna.

Second! All in favor say Aye!

Aye!

Joanna, hurry up with those two articles from Gulfport and Spring fever, and don't forget the pictures! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Words to live by for sure.

There are regional representatives of the US F16 Class Association (only three as more would have been overkill at this point). These individuals are very active in their region and are EXCELLENT representatives for the F16 community. Unfortunately, none of us could be at Gulfport - AND I agree we need to do a better job reporting stories and pictures (especially in a catamaran based sailing magazine). FREE publicity - wow....

Certainly an area to improve performance.

What??? Why me???

Joanna,

I would say because you are new to the sport, love sailing, level headed, and your excitement will get others excited. Some of us old sailors get caught up with all this boat tech stuff and lose sight of the fun and sailing with friends.

Aye!

Yes, what David said.

Wouter

In other words, it's because you are a woman. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
Plus, you weren't online when you got elected. At catamaran elections it is traditional to elect someone who has just left the meeting to go to the restroom. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Before pressure builds too high, it is a volunteer job..

What pressure, Rolf? It's a fact that, in general, women are better at getting things done than men.

It's also a fact, at least from my experience, that if you leave the room, you will be congratulated about your newly elected position when you get back from the bathroom. It's a compliment, actually, because nobody wants you to have the opportunity to say "No," since everybody truly thinks you are the best person for the job, whether you want it or not.