To whom it may concern:


I am looking for H16s. Any condition. I will pick up anywhere in the state of FL.

I am trying to start a youth program in the Gulfport Yacht Club and I wish to start off with at least three or four boats.

If you know of any boat in any condition please let me know. I am willing to travel to make this happen.

Next day morning bump. I am on my way out to start ironing this program with another sailor. She mostly sails lasers and windmills.

We want to start a strict multihull youth program.

Again any boat will suffice, but I would love to get a few hobie 16s or even any parts laying around that you may have.

I'm far away from Florida but I can help you look. E-mail me your contact information if you would like some help.
I'm at bmerrick(at)sbcglobal.net

Robi, congratulations on your program, and good luck. We started a similar program at Sail Sand Point, in Seattle www.sailsandpoint.org With the help of the local Hobie Sailors, we now have six Hobie 16's in good shape in the program. The H-16's classes always sell out. All the H-16's have been donated, and we keep the best parts to upgrade the fleet. Our sailors have also been very generous in donating parts and sails, along with $$ for new parts.

Caleb Tarleton

Thanks guys so far I have two Hobie 16s lined up. One club boat and one privately owned boat that the owner told me I can use it whenever I so chose so. Its people like that, who make things like this happen.

Bob I am emailing you shortly.

Maybe you can convince Hobie (the Company) to donate new wires on a regular basis to youth boat programs. That would be a good way to promote both new sailors and SAFETY. The cost to Hobie would be fairly minor, yet very supportitive to those working hard on youth programs (including finding those lonely and unused old H-16s.)

Or the local dealer. Put a few of his logos on the bows or something like that...

j

Yes true, I heard through the grapevine our local hobie cat dealer is all for stuff like this. I just haven't had the opportunity to meet the guy. I am working towards that.

Its good that local dealers would be supportive, but Hobie needs some skin in the game. Since you are starting new sailors on a Hobie, it a good chance that if they stick with it, their first boat will be a Hobie. Even if they get a used boat, it benefits Hobie. A sailing Hobie looks like fun. One that never moves off the beach just looks sad. Any new activity caused by youth programs will eventually result in the sale of new boats. The profits from the selling of just one extra new boat would pay for endless sets of wires.

With all the safety talk about those stupid comp tips, the safety benefit of new wires is realisticly going to prevent more accidental injuries. If you are teaching new sailors on old boats with old wires, a de-masting is going to leave an impression on the students, even if no one gets hurt.

Hobie could re-imburse local dealers that provide new wires to youth programs.

Just askin: who is the "local" hobie dealer nearest to you Robi?

Tackleshack

I dont know anyone at that shop yet.

It's Andy Levine at Tackle Shack in N. St. Pete. He is a way cool dude and will surely help.

Thanks I will keep this in mind when going to the store.

actually its pinellas park... but close to the n st pete area. Thats who i thought. just curious if there was someonme i didnt know about.

His brother Jimmi is a very nice guy too.


Robi, if you put together a flier i will post it in our "local" sail shop (Ellies in clearwater)

www.tackleshack.com
7801 66th St
Pinellas Park, FL 33781
(727) 546-5080

Robi and All,

I understand that the Hobie Class Association, through Gordon Bagley, has a "501 C (3)" account, and this account allows them to refurbish Hobies and sell/provide boats to such a project as you have mentioned. I presented a proposal to the MHC during our meeting in Houston on behalf of youth and women training. I have spoken with Smyth and Curry about setting up such a program at FWYC with Hobie 16s as our trainer of choice.
Jaimie Livingston would be the real "go to guy" since he designed the program at MYC, and he is on the youth committee for US Sailing.

I spoke with Nichole Beuchler during the Alter Cup, from the CCSC, and she claimed they ran the kids through prams/Lasers before training them on the Hobies. After working with junior sailors for over twenty years out of Pensacola Yacht Club, I am in favor of that. Again - How does Jaimie's program work?

Perhaps needle-working through the US Sailing Multihull Council may result in establishing several camps around the country just as you have encouraged. A little curriculum planning and credible base can result in Grant Money, especially for underprivileged/at - risk middle and high schoolers.

Bert Rice, Secretary US Sailing MHC

The program at Sail Sand Point in Seattle, a 501(C)3 organization works this way. Local sailors donate boats, parts, and cash directly to SSP. Donated boats used in our programs are accepted and intergrated into the program. Some times the best parts are retained, and the other parts salvaged. Boats accepted, but not used in our program are sold, with the proceeds put into the program. Volunteers help in this process.

Caleb Tarleton
www.sailsandpoint.org