Well after our discussion last week about Gary Jobson being the Pres. of US Sailing, I called his office and left a message of congratulations, and my ph. number.

He just now called me back and we had a good conversation about what he wants to do with US Sailing.

I mentioned my "grass roots" approach and I also menioned Mark Schnider's "Only for racing" approach to how to spend dues money. Mark, he wants you to call him. Seriously, he said it several times. So here's his number.

http://www.jobsonsailing.com/jsi/

The long and short of it is this; he certainly does NOT hate multihulls, he used to own a Hobie cat, he would love to see a Deed of Gift match race on the big Tri's, and he is all for getting a multihull back into the Olympics. So There!

Now, for a guy as busy as he is to take time out of his day to call some schmuck like me, well, I am very glad to hear that is the man we will have leading US Sailing into the future.

JW, Just after I hung up I remembered you said you were going to take him out on the Cap. Sorry but I forgot to mention that to him, I really wanted to encourage him to do that with you, I hope the wind is good.

And Mark, please call him, he is very interested to hear input from all US Sailing members, even cat sailors.

Good work Tim. We need more folks with as much energy as you have, and who are willing to go further than just whining about stuff.

Good thing flyin' jets is only a part time job!

Thanks Jack, my wife might differ on the energy thing, seems to her I have -no energy- when it comes time to clean the house...

But it was he who called me, so I think that says more good about him than me. He is activly pushing ISAF to get a Multihull back in for the 2012 games.

JW, please don't hurt him if it's blowing! We need him to straighten out US Sailing first!

For Florida/ GA racers- Gary Jobson is speechifyin' at the Rudder Club in Jacksonville, FL this SATURDAY NIGHT. Good opportunity for any questioners of the Status Quo to make your feelings known. (Nobody at US Sailing ever cared before, IMHO, except for the wonderful Darline Hobock).

Ouch.

Ah yes it's always good to hear from Mr. Sunshine. Exactly what have you given back to the sport Dave?

Ok... I took the challenge from Timbo.

I spoke with Gary this morning and had a very positive conversation. Gary certainly has points of view on many of the issues we hold near and dear and I believe him that he has voiced them privately to USSA while serving in the past.

He is now in a public listening mode (as Timbo discovered) and based on my conversation I believe he is a good listener. I believe he is going to do his best to further the sport as the next USSA president. He clearly recognizes the need and opportunity for leadership.

He promises to read any well thought out suggestions that individuals or organizations wish to send him during this period. We have a month or so to get some thoughts together. So, you need to make your proposal, support the argument and send it to him. I wish him well and he certainly deserves my support.

Mark Schneider

Perhaps a well thought-out, concise statement could be developed on this forum and sent to him?

Or does he prefer a flurry of submissions from individuals?

Uhhhh...have we ever been capable of anything other than a flurry of submissions and wide ranging thought and polar opposite ideas here? Come to think of it...why do I bother?

here we go again

let's focus on building our sport.

So, first off I would say if you want input and have your views heard, maybe even acted upon by US Sailing, you should join US Sailing, or at least tell them you would join if they would support a multihull in the Olympics, if that is "your issue".

I'm not happy about how the whole thing went down but the Olympics is not my issue. My issue is growing the sport overall, by putting the sport of sailing in the face of J.Q. Public, through better advertising, better TV coverage of all sailing events, not just Olympics (Gary has been trying this for years) and easier access to sailing lessons, boats, public sailing centers, etc.

He is ready and willing to listen so if you think you have a good idea, call or email him.