Having fairly recently moved from a very strong "Hobie" area to Florida, where they sail everything, I do not see where the current Hobie stance is going to do anything other than provide a lot of non-productive debating. If they force the issue, in the end we miss out on some regatta give aways and some questionable brand recognition for advertizing events. Big deal.

I have heard a lot of talk especially on this site about NAMSA. Can someone please enlighten me on what the purpose of this is, as it keeps being plugged as a replacement for NAHCA in some respects?

I am of the opinion that the primary purpose of a national dues collecting organization would be to organize and run national and regional type events. Am I missing the point, because that is why I joint and work with our local fleet, and why I was a memeber of NAHCA before? Can someone please help us with what the charter of NAMSA is.

Thanks

Matt

Matt,

Here's Rick's post from another thread:

As I have posted here and in other place, NAMSA had been set and in the starters box for over a year. It is incorporated, has rules/bylaws in place, allows each individual member a full vote, has officers in place, can sanction events and allow liability insurance.

NAMSA needs a lot of help and ideas to get things really rolling, as well as membership money to implement the ideas.

For starters, to join NAMSA, send $10 to:

Robert Earl Blackington, Treasurer
7131 Sand Crest View, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Tel 719-532-1092 (w), 719-622-8333 (h), Fax 719-567-9937 (w), 719-622-0737 (h)
E-Mail: lemarindechats@aol.com (h), Robert.Blackington@schriever.af.mil (w)

You can also find out more about NAMSA by going to its website at http://www.multihullsailing.org

And to express your ideas or to assist in anyway, NAMSA's Forum is located at:
http://www.catsailor.com/forums/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=NAMSA

Rick

Matt,

NAMSA is anything you want it to be but you did hit one of the goals; to have regional and national events. However, NAMSA can provide aid in countless other areas. How about if we established some resources to help protect launch facilities from local government? How about if we consider slightly modifying the US Sailing sailing courses so we can better compensate for the high and varying speeds of our boats in a regatta (i.e. less time spent between races)? We are already members of, and intend to work closely within, US Sailing to help provide multihull sailors a stronger voice. The bottom line is that NAMSA can be whatever you want because it is made by you - for you.

Regarding NAHCA, we never intended for NAMSA to compete directly with NAHCA or any other organization but we felt that we can help our multihull sailors in areas that aren't being delt with by any existing organization. However, I think it's pretty clear that the recent NAHCA policy changes have highlighted the need for a multihull organization that is not influenced by manufacturers but answers directly to those who are taking part in the sport.

Jake ,
Thanks for a good concise answer to the "What's NAMSA gonna do for me" question. Been wondering myself and all the other answers sound like AMWAY sales ads.
Todd A. Hart

Bob and Jake, Thanks for the clear explanations! Not having raced yet,the signifigance of NAHCA's decision is limited for me. I am still very dissappointed by it! I try to attend at least two regattas a season, and have been hoping to race open class. I seem to always get sidetracked by my very good friends that just fun sail. I still hold hopes of racing, and guess I'll either have to go to other organizations, or return my boat to stock set up. Niether of these is appealing to me. I modified my boat to maximize it's performance, and increase it's load carrying capacity. I like it this way! I also LOVE my Fleet! But if I can't register, or race, I suspect my money will go somewhere else, or my fleet will divide, and I'll go with the X boats. A sad day for cat sailors! Brian, Hobie17 Sport conversion, Fleet 448 PS: I'll have to get my NAMSA dues in soon!