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Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: John Williams] #143711
05/27/08 11:04 PM
05/27/08 11:04 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,012
South Australia
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I sympathise entirely with the frustration that is evident with most cat sailers over the apparent disdain in which we are currently being treated by the “establishment” that controls ALL yachting, not only nationally but internationally. I have stated previously, and I will not go into great reiteration of my previous opinions, suffice it to say that, ALL that is occurring now is just a repeat of what occurred 25 years ago. Arguments were made then for multihulls to completely disassociate themselves from the “mainstream” yachting authorities as we were just being “used” to top up their finances then completely ignored as far as any benefits and/or input were concerned. The same arguments then, by the more conservative of the day, were made (and won the day) that we should become more “involved” within the management of the appropriate yachting authorities. Many of us, at the time did just that, but after many, many years of “trying from the inside” to improve the situation for multihulls, most, if not all of us from those days, finally recognised the hard reality of the situation, that being that, no matter how hard we tried, and no matter how many rep’s we had “on the inside”, our voices would still not be of great enough number or “loud enough” be taken into any real consideration. That is why I say now, as I did then, that no matter the difficulties, the only way for multihull sailers to receive any equality within sailing administration circles, is to break away and form our own governing body separate from any YA.
As I have said before, if we don’t we will be having this very same debate again in another 20 years.
A leopard doesn’t change its spots and the YA’S are very large “mono” leopards! (cats with only one leg???)

-- Have You Seen This? --
Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: John Williams] #143712
05/28/08 06:20 AM
05/28/08 06:20 AM
Joined: Nov 2002
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Key Largo, FL & Put-in-Bay, OH...
Mary Offline
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I think it is all about money. The multihull sailors and organizations are just a drop in the financial bucket (both for US Sailing and the other National Authorities)compared to the membership monies from the monohull community. Therefore, we have no leverage. If we say we are not going to renew our memberships, US Sailing will just say, "Big deal, who cares."

Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: Mary] #143713
05/28/08 07:10 AM
05/28/08 07:10 AM
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fin. Offline
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So what do we do? If we go down a new path, I'd like to see the rules revisited. Mono vision doesn't account for closing speeds of cats under spin. If we keep playing by their rules, someone is gonna get hurt.

Re: RSA Positions... CBYRA [Re: Mark Schneider] #143714
05/28/08 07:49 AM
05/28/08 07:49 AM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,226
Atlanta
bvining Offline
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Mark,

To be honest I didnt understand what US Sailing did for me prior to the Olympic multihull decision. I wasnt a member, I didnt know what they did. I paid the extra $10 bucks when I was asked.

Since the Olympic event came up, and I've read and researched the US Sailing issue, I'm gotten a very bad taste for the organization and I'm definetly not joining now. There's now way I'm supporting them given the way they've treated the multi-hull community. I didnt see value before, now I see far less.

Its an easy choice for me, dont participate in events that require US Sailing memberships. If I walk up to the desk and they ask for a card in order to sail, I wont be able to sail that race. If I have to pay a couple extra bucks because I'm not a member then thats fine.

I'm looking for excuses to travel less with the cost gas anyway. US Sailing is going to make it easier to decide what races to participate in.

Go read the Sailing Anarchy thread, its not just the mulithull community thats pissed with US Sailing, the mono hull crowd is up in arms too. The mandatory membership issue has them asking the value of US Sailing.

Rules can be rewritten, protests can be held on the beach and we all have our own insurance. We can organize our own races, and get volunteers to do the RC work.

But you are right, the YC's wont go along with a change from US Sailing, that was my thought reading the Sailing Anarchy threads.

But we are already mostly a separate group, with separate events, and a not usually part of a traditional YC scene, so I dont think that not being a member of US Sailing is going to dramatically change the way I race.

This issue really sucks, because I am an advocate of doing more racing with the dighy/mono/YC groups as a way to expose more people to multihulls.
Bill

Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: John Williams] #143715
05/28/08 08:06 AM
05/28/08 08:06 AM
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 160
Connecticut
Eric Anderson Offline
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Connecticut
I would point out that there is an alternative sailing association that has both an international and US class and following. That is the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association. This group has no affiliation with US sailing and holds its own events at, local, national and international levels. Last years worlds had 213 registrants from ~ 16 countries. Multihulls can go their own way also but only with a lot of effort.

Sail Fast,
Take chances,
Eric Anderson
IDNIYRA US 5193

Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: Eric Anderson] #143716
05/28/08 09:28 AM
05/28/08 09:28 AM
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 5,558
Key Largo, FL & Put-in-Bay, OH...
Mary Offline
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Quote
I would point out that there is an alternative sailing association that has both an international and US class and following. That is the International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association. This group has no affiliation with US sailing and holds its own events at, local, national and international levels. Last years worlds had 213 registrants from ~ 16 countries. Multihulls can go their own way also but only with a lot of effort.

Interesting that you should bring that up, Eric, because I have been wondering for years why ISAF does not crack down on the iceboaters for holding world events and does not penalize the sailors by banning them from sailing in ISAF-sanctioned events on soft water.
And then, of course, there are also the landsailors, and ISAF does not seem to be bothering them, either.

Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: Mary] #143717
05/28/08 10:08 AM
05/28/08 10:08 AM
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Reno NV
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Maybe there's parts of the US where the multis could go it alone, but not in the Northern California area. Since the hobie/non-hobie split, the non-hobies have become increasingly dependent on monohulls. Both to provide multihull starts at primarily monohull regattas and to show up to primarily multihull regattas. There's just not enough events and registrants (revenue) otherwise.

Turning this into a monohull vs. multihull war will kill us. Turning this into a Sailors (multi and mono) vs. the US Sailing Junta is our only hope.

Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: Rhino1302] #143718
05/28/08 10:44 AM
05/28/08 10:44 AM
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Posts: 109
Fl
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My two cents...maybe 1 1/2 cents... Look in the mirror. I have gone to US Sailing meetings for almost 20 years. I was a local Hobie Fleet commodore, Yacht Club Commodore, Florida Sailing association Commodore, race committee everything on the multihull committees at US Sailing etc. At any US Sailing meeting you could put all of the multihull attendees at one dinner table. Associations need money to run and most importantly volunteers. US Sailing does not get much from the multihull sailors. Neither do Yacht Clubs for that matter. Put your money where your mouth is...ring a bell? The mono put in lots of money and time. Plenty of volunteers. We have a very few who do spend a lot of money and time, John Williams (thanks by the way) to name one. Were we represented? Yes, even on the elite board of US Sailing was a Hobie Cat dealer and that person was not even in our camp. Now, I could point fingers at the Olympic multihull sailors themselves..are they on committees at US Sailing? They got the money. (But it was not much money, they will say) The problem really is not so much the money as the people, your time(in case you havenot noticed, is very expensive). Whether we are talking the Yacht Club level, the race committee level or the US Sailing level, cat sailors suck at volunteering. When my local Hobie Fleet was doing well, I wanted them to join me at the local Sailing Club and get with the progam. No, they had the beach, they do not need to join a Club. You know freedom ,no strings..just sail...Well the local Fleet is dead as far as Hobie Cat is concerned, the sailors long gone. Guess what, more monohulls sailors carry the water than we do. Also the real issue for them (big heavy keel boats) is they are dying. They are fighting for their lives. Catamarans are popular we are not dying.
So you want to have your own Association? Great! Who is going to run it? Start charging money, getting volunteers to represent different areas, have meetings. Spend money etc. Then of course, that Association won't represent me. Yeah, we want to round to port or whatever the variation of the day is... it will be a success or failure based on the volunteers who put in the time and energy to make it successful. I can't wait to see the sign up list. You have two choices, work on the current wheel or re-invent a new one. Eitherway, you better look in the mirror to see who needs to do the work if it going to be successful. Because even on this board, most haven't even sent in their money, let alone done anything. Yep, whatever the solution, it is going to take you. Until then, ranting on a computer is just like the fantasy games. (but it feels good anyway)

Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: Kaos] #143719
05/28/08 11:19 AM
05/28/08 11:19 AM
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,590
Naples, FL
waterbug_wpb Offline
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I certainly agree with that point. No effort + no money = no success.

NAMSA was originally the springboard for divergence with the monohull mantra, which was revived again when Hobie made their "edict".

Why hasn't the multi community stepped up and bolstered NAMSA's mission?


Jay

Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: Kaos] #143720
05/28/08 11:25 AM
05/28/08 11:25 AM
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Alachua, FL
Mugrace72 Offline
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Obviously there are two distinct issues here that shouldn't be intermingled.

The Olympic multihull issue is totally removed from the mandatory membership issue.

If the multihull community separates from USS, you can count on them to take the anti side forevermore. Whether the other nations that are Cat friendly can swing the tide back without USS support is debatable. It seems that with our support and with respectable dialogue, we might see a more desirable outcome on this issue by the next cycle.

So far as mandatory membership to compete in organized regattas is concerned, that is not a Multihull only issue. It will affect grass roots sailing of all kinds. It makes it less likely that a casual sailor would be able to just show up at a yacht club event and sail. Forcing memberships on casual sailors will only keep them away. Most would pay a slight non-member fee, and they may eventually become members.

I would think that all one-design and open classes, multi or mono, would be affected equally and we should join forces in respectable debate on that issue. I’m sure that there has already been a lot of conversation on both sides of that subject.

One thing is obvious to me, having done a great deal of event organizing in the past…DON”T SPLIT THE PIE NOW!!!

Whatever happens, it will take years for anything good to result, and more likely the downside unintended consequences will be staggering.

As stated by others, volunteers are just not able or willing to do the work that has to be done. Another organization would need very deep pockets on the outset, with a well paid office crew to have any hope of success. Even with that, being recognized by the sailing community would not come quickly or perhaps ever.

Whether we like it or not, yacht clubs are a vital and established force in our sport and they are virtually all aligned with USS. They represent the resources needed to put on quality events which include facilities, manpower and expertise. To do top level events in-house would mean that many top competitors would have to get off their boats and do the organizing and committee work. Trust me, you do not want that.

Jack Woehrle

Last edited by Mugrace72; 05/28/08 11:29 AM.

Jack Woehrle
Hobie Wave #100, Tiger Shark III
HCA-NA 5022-1
USSailing 654799E
Alachua FL/Put-In-Bay
Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: Mary] #143721
05/28/08 11:52 AM
05/28/08 11:52 AM
Joined: Jul 2001
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Western Australia
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there is also the "international canoes" who hold world titles under the Canoe association banner

Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: Mugrace72] #143722
05/28/08 12:27 PM
05/28/08 12:27 PM
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,293
Long Beach, California
John Williams Offline
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Hi Jack -

You and Kaos both echo some of the things going on in my head and that the MHC has already discussed in three meetings in the last year. I have to disagree a little, though on the seperateness of the disatisfaction of multihull sailors and the mandatory membership issue.

Multihull sailors' feelings on Olympic events run the gamut from an unfounded outrage expressed by people who never gave a flip before, to genuine frustration from those who've been "playing the game" but not getting anywhere... and everything in between. Everyone I know has a slightly different take on why it is bad, and some even think it is good. It has been extremely difficult to coalesce a coherent position on the MHC; I and the others on the Council are not complaining - that is just the nature of a representative body and I personally enjoy the work.

But now add to that current sense of disatisfaction the requirement to pay money to the very organization that has put the burr under your saddle. I have been a member since 1998, which is when I decided that my obsession with the sport required me to support the governing body. My level of volunteering has increased year after year. But I was racing cats for years before I ever became aware of US SAILING, happily showing up at regattas and parties while completely ignorant there was a "governing body" beyond the two class associations I belonged to. There is a tremendous number of people like that who will now show up at a race and be told to join US SAILING or leave the boat on the trailer. I just checked and half the F18 fleet that sailed out of our club last weekend are not members. The mandatory membership rule is going to impact that population.

In addition, there is a large contingent of USSA insiders (who aren't multihull sailors) that are using the multihull issue to make the case that the reorganization was bad and that the Board cannot be held accountable by the members anymore. When the House unanimously recommends something to the Board and it is disregarded without consequence, one could legitimately claim the Board is ignoring the membership with impunity.

So, while I appreciate your point and understand your perspective, I have come to feel differently - the Olympic issue has become a part of the mandatory membership issue, all of which relates to a concern about how USSA is currently functioning.

In the last MHC conference call, we adopted the position that we would not support mandatory membership until additional incentives were developed to replace what we feel are eroded benefits. We recognized that, as irrational as it might be, giving someone some stickers and a free magazine with their membership card made them happy to join. Talking about some free accidental death coverage while you're driving to a regatta doesn't do the trick. I told Jim Capron that the Board should consider adding back in some simple, tangible stuff for a couple of years and phase in mandatory membership at a time when morale is a little higher. I think he's wasting his time going around the country and speaking at yacht club dinners selling membership to people who are already members for all the right reasons. It should be telling that despite these talks, some big YAs have formally written to protest, not just the idea of mandatory membership, but the manner in which the Board is handling it.

Anyway - imagine the scene at the 2009 Hobie 16 Championship registration table... having come out of that class I think I can accurately say that the majority of skippers are not members of USSA, but in the new rulebook, they'll be told they have to be. How HCANA handles that remains to be seen - I expect that they're talking about it right now, just like the Race Management Committee at my YC is, trying to figure out what to do. Leave enforcement to the fleet in the form of boat-on-boat protest? Make it an issue at the registration table? Tacitly agree to ignore it with a wink and a nod? Or do you sit down with a fleet of people who are likely to have heard the slightly inaccurate mantra "US SAILING doesn't support multihulls," and explain to them why things have changed and sell them on joining with a smile? Better wear some dark clothes that don't stain easily - I've found it difficult to dodge every tomato. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

ps - Kaos, people hate to be told to either volunteer or stop complaining. I never say that anymore; haven't for a few years now. It isn't reasonable to state the absolute that if you aren't part of the administration of the sport, you have no right to criticize that administration. You and I can make meetings; not everyone can. Those who do, I think, are obligated to listen to those that don't. You are spot on, though, when you say that a break-away association, whether NAMSA, the MHC or the new IMC, is going to need people as a primary resource.


John Williams

- The harder you practice, the luckier you get -
Gary Player, pro golfer

After watching Lionel Messi play, I realize I need to sail harder.
Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: John Williams] #143723
05/28/08 12:51 PM
05/28/08 12:51 PM
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West coast of Norway
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If I could vote directly for who was to become ISAF president, instead of by representative to the ninth level, John Williams would get my vote.

There are people willing and able to do good work. The trick is to ask them for something they can do and manage the resources well. Just asking "any volunteers?" dont do it. Sorry if that comment rattles some cages.

John Williams for president <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: John Williams] #143724
05/28/08 12:54 PM
05/28/08 12:54 PM
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Annapolis, MD
Mark Schneider Offline
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Why not NAMSA
Because it would have duplicated the efforts of the Multihull Council within US Sailing.

The problem we face is in response to mandatory membership and forces us to ask the questions:
IS US SAILING serving it's Mission?
Are they doing the Admin jobs efficiently and professionally?
Do we multihull sailors have adequate input and access (given our membership and financial commitment).

Right now.. Multihull sailors would say No! US sailing is not serving it's mission. (see Olympic fiasco)

#2. The monohull world is evaluating how well US Sailing does the administrative job of the sport. Why? because they now want to charge a mandatory membership fee to race. The sailing anarchy crowd would argue... They do a poor job of this as admin job as well. BUT... few of the multihull crowd would actually KNOW. Matt Bounds and those in the Race Management business think they do a fair job of training. The Olympic cat crowd has had issues with Bodie and Brenner for years... so they would have a clear negative answer to this question.

#3) Finally, it comes down to the rank and file catamaran sailor... have they joined?, ... have they stepped up and served? Have they recognized the need for the administration of the sport beyond their narrow and immediate interest? It would seem that we do NOT do a good job of stepping up... most are not paying the dues (because in their opinion they don't get anything that they can see for their money) Most are not contributing time and effort at organizing the sport, at their fleet, club, Regional, Class, or National level. As Chaos said... we do a hell of a job bitching that someone else is screwing it up. (I haven't digested John W's latest comments though)

Yes it is true... we could step up and create a new organization and operate like the Ice boaters or even the US Windsurfing organization... but we won't... We usually act like spoiled kids... hell ... we can't event manage a pissing contest between Hobie and Non Hobie catamaran regattas.

The Olympics issue is dead. we lost. Our representatives did a great job in the 11th hour and we thank them.

The immediate focus is... and must be... How do you deal with the bad feelings of this mandatory membership on top of the Olympic fiasco?

Most importantly... how do we deal with the effect on turnout of the casual racer at a regatta. The US Sailing policy will effect the marginal racer and any catamaran sailor who is pissed off like Bill V.

For example, in Div 11, the Wildwood regatta has drawn upwards of 20 or 30 Hobie 16's who only come to this one regatta a year. They come for the good ol regatta party ... If the entry required $40 US Sailing and $40 in Hobie Class dues these causal sailors will not show up. Do we care? Does the host club care? How doe we manage this?

IMO. The Yacht Clubs have an identical stake as the multihull sailors in this issue (eg growth of the sport and participation at club events. We need to affiliate and follow their lead. My organization of yacht clubs, CBYRA evaluated this issue and said... It's going to happen... lets manage it.. I would have preferred they fight it out. But, ... I want the sport to continue in my area and we have to evaluate the fundamental issue. Do the Yacht Clubs in my area support Catamaran Racing. The answer is an overwhelming Yes! Therefore, I will encourage everyone to follow the Yacht club programs as a practical matter and set aside the rightness or wrongness issues.

I think that the Olympics and Gran Prix sailing can be viewed as an entirely different issue now. In the US... they USSA does not want to support this level of the sport, We do not need to suck up to the ISAF and US SAILING mafia if we develop our sport independently. For example… the iSHAREs cup seems to be growing quite nicely. So… I think we should work outside of the MNA organization to have a multihull in the Olympics and do this completely separately from ISAF and US Sailing.... I will support the pro sailors when they get organized and ask the International Olympic committee for a slot in the games separately from ISAF.

Mark Schneider


crac.sailregattas.com
Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: Mark Schneider] #143725
05/28/08 01:22 PM
05/28/08 01:22 PM
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Reno NV
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Rhino1302 Offline
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Reno NV
This whole multihullers don't volunteer idea is BS.

This sport consumes rediculous quantities of volunteer effort all the way down the line. From helping out with a BBQ at a regatta, getting T-shirts printed up, making trophies, serving on Race Committee, holding a position with your local club/fleet/association, etc. etc.
From what I've seen, at least 1/2 of the active racers put in more than 10 hours of volunteer effort a year, and quite a few put in much more. Compared to other sports, I think that's tremendous, and we should be proud of ourselves.

Now we need even more effort. But that's because the problems we face are large, not because we're lazy sacks.

Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: John Williams] #143726
05/28/08 01:31 PM
05/28/08 01:31 PM
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Alachua, FL
Mugrace72 Offline
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<<<So, while I appreciate your point and understand your perspective, I have come to feel differently - the Olympic issue has become a part of the mandatory membership issue, all of which relates to a concern about how USSA is currently functioning.>>>

OK, I see that now, coming from you as an insider. It just seemed like beating a dead horse when there are other horses that need to be ridden.

<<<In the last MHC conference call, we adopted the position that we would not support mandatory membership until additional incentives were developed to replace what we feel are eroded benefits. We recognized that, as irrational as it might be, giving someone some stickers and a free magazine with their membership card made them happy to join.>>>

Freebees do sweeten the pot, especially with casual folks who may feel intimidated to even be there. Never discount the feeling of acceptance when a newbee can put a sticker on his boat or truck that shows he belongs. It may be the only thing that makes him feel good after he gets his butt handed to him on the water. It reminds him he needs to read up and practice and look forward to coming back with better skills. When the magazine arrives in the mail, he is reminded again.

<<<I told Jim Capron that the Board should consider adding back in some simple, tangible stuff for a couple of years and phase in mandatory membership at a time when morale is a little higher.>>>

Makes perfect sense. You are saying then... that there is rank and file discontent beyond the multihull specific issues?

I think my main point still would be to work within the existing structure, whatever that is now. I have just come back to sailing after 25 years of wandering in the vast confusion of race cars and sanctioning bodies. You think sailors have problems?

Count on me to help and offer opinions, whatever they may be worth.

BTW, I noticed my old friend Stan Betts has a position at USS. Do you know him? What side of this would he be on?

Jack Woehrle


Jack Woehrle
Hobie Wave #100, Tiger Shark III
HCA-NA 5022-1
USSailing 654799E
Alachua FL/Put-In-Bay
Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: Rhino1302] #143727
05/28/08 03:53 PM
05/28/08 03:53 PM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 921
Alachua, FL
Mugrace72 Offline
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<<<<This whole multihullers don't volunteer idea is BS.
The problems we face are large, not because we're lazy sacks.>>>>

I don't think anyone is saying there aren't quality and enthusiastic cat sailor volunteers.

However, most competitors in any sport rarely see very deeply into the organizational side of their passion. You just can’t step in with a whole new scenario and expect consistent results.

Both the current system and a new one would require leagues of volunteers on the beach and on the water. The higher level positions need experience and stability and that usually doesn’t come from casual volunteers.

For Catsailors to strike out on a new tack now would only segment us further. Remember, not everyone will board the boat when it leaves the dock. Once it sets sail and the lines are cast off, fate will take it’s ugly toll. The only option that is viable is to take over from within. That requires understanding the enemy, so to speak, and working within the guidelines set forth. That can be productive with the right people and the right attitude.

I think we have the right people, perhaps they could use more support.


Jack Woehrle
Hobie Wave #100, Tiger Shark III
HCA-NA 5022-1
USSailing 654799E
Alachua FL/Put-In-Bay
Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: Mary] #143728
05/28/08 03:58 PM
05/28/08 03:58 PM
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North-West Europe
Wouter Offline
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Quote

Interesting that you should bring that up, Eric, because I have been wondering for years why ISAF does not crack down on the iceboaters for holding world events and does not penalize the sailors by banning them from sailing in ISAF-sanctioned events on soft water.



Many landyachters and possible iceyachters as well as organised in their own association called FISLY.

At the end of the day ISAF will not pick a fight with a rival organisation of similar international standing.

I think FISLY is even older then ISAF and therefor they will be laughed out of the room if they ever tried anything like that. Also ISAF is not at all interested in landyachts and iceyachts, they are interested in "old boys" monohulls.

Note how the moth class (monohull ?) is having problems with ISAF as well. I'm sure many skiff classes are on a pretty uneven foot with ISAF as well.

Personally I see a good potential for setting up a rival sailing class that encloses all the performance sailboats and sail / kite boards, leaving the archaic monohulls and ocean racers to ISAF. As far as I'm concerned ISAF can have those and continue to live on as a mono ocean racer club.

Wouter

Last edited by Wouter; 05/28/08 03:59 PM.

Wouter Hijink
Formula 16 NED 243 (one-off; homebuild)
The Netherlands
Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: Mugrace72] #143729
05/28/08 04:16 PM
05/28/08 04:16 PM
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 308
Reno NV
R
Rhino1302 Offline
enthusiast
Rhino1302  Offline
enthusiast
R

Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 308
Reno NV
Mugrace72,

I think we're arguing the same point.

As a group we've been doing a lot already. It's not as if we can just roll up our sleeves and take over the world, because we're already working pretty darn hard.

Re: thoughts from the side line [Re: Rhino1302] #143730
05/28/08 05:10 PM
05/28/08 05:10 PM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 921
Alachua, FL
Mugrace72 Offline
old hand
Mugrace72  Offline
old hand

Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 921
Alachua, FL
<<<<<I think we're arguing the same point.>>>>

Amen!!!

Now, here's a thought that just came to me. I don't suppose there are a lot of traditional yacht clubs in the high mountains, yet there are many great lakes to sail in. That is the way the Hobie scene came on in Florida in 1972. We sailed mostly at places that didn't have yacht clubs and just sort of came up with simple rules. Yes, we followed the NAYRU book, but rarely followed the organizational part.

We got along pretty well with just cat sailors doin' cat stuff. Volunteers were friends, wives, girl friends and folks who just enjoyed hangin' around.

Sometimes we were welcome at yacht club events, and Hobie came to town once in awhile with the Mid-Winters or Nationals.

It was a lot simpler then. We didn't have NOR's and PRO's.

The courses weren't always perfectly set. Sometimes the starts weren't even to windward!

It was all done by volunteers.

Now everything is so regimented. I'm not sure which is better, but you can't go back!


Jack Woehrle
Hobie Wave #100, Tiger Shark III
HCA-NA 5022-1
USSailing 654799E
Alachua FL/Put-In-Bay
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