So what makes a great location for Nationals? Is it the sailing? Is it the surrounding ammenities? Our Hobie Fleet is considering a bid for the H-18/17 nationals, but we can't decide which location would be best.

Location 'A' has miles of white-sand beach, great water, consistent wind and excellent on-the-beach camping, but nicer hotels are eight miles away and there are few restaurants or other ammenities.

Location 'B' has variable wind with sometimes large shifts - though it is rarely calm. Beaches can be rocky or muddy and the water is chilly. But there are two marinas, and a huge variety of hotels, condos and rentable private homes are everywhere. There are restaurants with every food choice you can imagine within walking distance. The camping is fantastic, and the surrounding views are more beautiful than most places on the planet.

Both locations are large, freshwater lakes; location 'A' is all about the sailing, but lacks the nicer ammenities. Location 'B' has more challenging sailing conditions (for race committee and the sailors), but is a resort setting with awesome surroundings.

Which would you rather attend?

The 17 North Americans tend to be a bunch of guys who are there for the sailing, so having a site in the middle of nowhere is not a big deal. The 18's bring more couples, so you have to cater more to the "female factor" - more amenities closer to the site.

Last year's 17 / 18's were held in Carlyle Lake, IL - about an hour from St. Louis and pretty much in the middle of nowhere. The hotels were at least 10 miles away; restaurant (singular) about the same. The beach was OK and wind was great. Once we found the ice cream place, we were happy campers.

You need to talk to the HCA Event Coordinator, Lori Mohney, if you're serious. I'll send you her e-mail via PM.

Steve, glad to hear you are considering the bid for the 2005 H-17/H-18 North Americans. Michael M. discussed this with us at Monterey, and later at our North West Championship at Lake Quinault in Washington. We have strong fleets of H-17's and H-18's in Div. 4, and probably would have a good turnout going to Colorado. My personal preference would be site A with the better winds and beach. Driving a few miles for the hotels would not be a problem. After all, we are going for the sailing. There are plently of sites to see and visit on the trip there and back. As Matt mentioned, once we find the ice cream place, every thing falls into place.

Caleb Tarleton, Seattle

Site A would definitely be my choice, and I'm a female. I thought Matt had it backwards. I would think that the 17 sailors would be bringing spouses who do not sail and want amenities, whereas the 18 sailors are mostly couples who are going to be so busy sailing they don't need amenities. But maybe things have changed since Rick and I were racing our 18. Amenity? What's that?

Matter of fact, I would love to go to Nationals in Colorado, since we used to live there. We'll have to borrow a Hobie 18 somewhere.

I should probably add some more detail to the two sites we're considering. Site A, with great beach and steady wind, is Lake McConaughy, Nebraska. It's in the southwest corner of the state about 3.5 hours from Denver and the closest town is Ogallala, which is pretty basic. Check out this link for an idea of what it's like: http://www.lakemcconaughy.com/

Site 'B' is Lake Dillon, Colorado. Having lived in Vail, Mary, I'm sure you know what that place is like. The wind can be really nice, but it can also be very shifty. It is classic mountain sailing and even in July or August would require at least a wetsuit and preferably a drysuit, but the surroundings can't be beat. There is lots of sailing on Dillon and in the '80s we had huge Hobie fleets - 200 boats - for regattas. Alas the culture has changed and these days it's mostly monohulls (with a very strong J24 fleet).
Check out the links for a look around:
The first link is a winter panorama of the lake.
http://rockymountainscenery.com/lakedillonqtvr.html
http://www.summitcolorado.com/dillon/dillon-marina.php

Does this change anyone's mind? Mary, if you and Rick were to come out for Nationals, I'm sure we could find you a boat. In fact, I think your presence would probably boost attendance significantly. Who wouldn't want a shot at Mary and Rick? WooooWhoooo!

Wouldn't take much of a shot -- we're old folks. Anyway, does Dillon have water in it again? I heard last year that it was way down, and lots of mud between shore and water. Plus, the wind would be very frustrating for a serious championship.

Rick and I agree that McConaughy would be the best for a Nationals. Sounds like it would be a great place to camp.

Either way, Rick says we can't go.

Dillon is near 100 percent full, but the wind can be frustrating. Big Mac is down, but we've had a really wet year and I suspect this winter will restore lakes to more normal levels.

Thanks for the input.

I used to race on Dillon Reservoir and the high temperature of the water got all the way up to 41 degrees F one year! I think the (extremely) variable winds and cold water make Dillon a poor choice for Championships.

Here's a photo of Dillon lake, taken from Keystone mountain last January.
Jack

100 boats, great organization, killer parties and all for a price you can not afford to turn down!

Sounds like the Hobie 16 NA's in Syracuse put on by 204 204 204!!!

16 NA's web site

beg borrow or ...whatever get a boat and join the fun!!!!

Read this month's Sailing World....you get the picture

Looking at the picture of Dillon from Keystone ski resort, you can see some of the peaks surrounding the lake. It's oh so beautiful, but the sailing can be a challenge. I've raced on the lake in July during a snow storm. If you can handle Dillon, you can handle anything.