from the ISAF page

Coca Cola Hobie 16 World Championship
4 - 14 May 2004 Cancun, MEXICO

RECORD ENTRIES



A record number of 60 brand new Hobie 16s, rotating between 200 entries, will be at the starting line-up of the Coca Cola Hobie 16 World Championships, May 4-14 in Cancun, Mexico.

The boats are all being supplied by Hobie Cat Company, the Oceanside, California manufacturer of the Hobie 16. Hobie Cat Company president, Doug SKIDMORE, stepped up to the plate by giving race organisers the extra boats they needed to accommodate the outstanding racer turnout. "It is our way of encouraging as many people as possible to get out on the water and enjoy Hobie sailing and racing," commented Skidmore.

The 2004 World Championships promise to be the most exciting ever. The Open, Grand Masters, and Masters entries have already reached maximum capacities. There are still limited entries available for the Youth and Women's divisions, but they are quickly getting filled. While other sailing classes may be struggling, this unprecedented enthusiasm proves that the Hobie 16 class, the largest catamaran racing fleet in the world, is only getting stronger.

The entry list is an impressive one, including sailors from 25 different nations. Defending champions Gavin COLBY and SimonE MATTFIELD (AUS) will be back to try and reclaim their title in the open division, as will the current Women's World Champions Lauren PELEN and Lea JEANDOTT (FRA) and Youth World Champion Robbie LOVIG (AUS).
Other entrants include Enrique FIGUEROA (PUR) who is ranked 11 in the Tornado in the ISAF World Sailing Rankings, up and coming young Australian match racer, Katie SPITHILL and Taylor BOOTH (AUS) the 2002 silver medallist crewing for his father Mitch who is now helming with Murray WRIGHT as his crew.

Every sailor will get half an hour to prepare and then will get to sail one of the new Hobie 16s one time during the race. This rule promises to match the skill of each racer with the proven performance of each Hobie 16.

Coverage will be posted on the event website via the link below.

Event Website
www.hobieworlds.com

[color:"red"] Over 50 teams from the USA [/color]

Am I paranoid or just imagining it, but is this the new Hobie strategy, to bombard every chat site and egroup, both in the US and Europe with news of the H 16 Worlds and other H events. I certainly don't see the other classes doing this. Every other day the UK cat egroup receives postings about this event and there are very few UK, and no Irish sailors, travelling to it. Other classes post this information on their own sites, where those interested know to check if they want information.

The shields have gone up now , so H sailors, Fire Away

I'd say paranoia...

This is a Multihull website and this is, by far, the largest class of multihulls in the World. This is also likely the largest ever Hobie 16 Worlds to date. This certianly has a place as a news item for these forums.

In addition... this is just one of the many competitions reported on in the forum.

Oh yeah... and it is marketing of course. This is one of the things that has gotten the word out about the event and made it go off the charts!

I think it's pretty darn cool. It is certainly newsworthy AND they have paid for an add for the worlds on this site. I don't see anything wrong with using the available avenues to bring catamaran sailing to a new level. It's great for the sport!

I think the predicted turnout for the Hobie 16 Worlds is absolutely wonderful! And the continuing survival and success of the Hobie 16 class should be an inspiration to all of us (like me, for instance) who are dedicated to one-design racing.

I'm not at all surprised. This is clearly the way to go; package a first rate vacation so that all you have to do is write a check and show up.

I'll risk a couple of predictions: the Worlds will be wildly successful from a business point of view and in the future the Hobie Co. will add a rental fleet of their "social boats" for those that want to be part of the scene without competing. With this strategy, Hobie will increase their market share, those companies who do not follow suite,i.e, Performance Catamaran, will loose market share.

Pete

Yes, clearly the way to go in my book.

Just to clarify. The Hobie 16 class has been having World Championships every two years since the 1976 event in Honolulu, Hawaii.
As far as I know boats have always been provided and the location has usually been some kind of tropical paradise.
Also keep in mind that this event is organized by the Hobie Class Association, not the Hobie Cat Company. We are however very fortunate to have outstanding support from Hobie Cat.
It will be an amazing event.