I don't post very often, but the post in the NAMSA article by Alec Thigpen just got to me. I was extremly upset by the reference to pooling NAMSA's resources and to taking the money and run. I do not know where he got his information, but the only pooling of "resources" was the merging of the NAMSA handicap numbers with Portsmouth in order to have one nationwide system. Dick Blanchard and Darline Hobock were the co-chairs of this venture. Dick was also the vice chairman of the first multihull committee of what was then USYRU. NAMSA remained as an organization of it's own and was a member of the Multihull Council. I do not know the cause of the demise of NAMSA, possibly there were no more Dick Blanchards to keep it going.
For those of you that do not know me, I have been involved with the Multihull Council since its inception in 1985. I am still on several committees and have held every position at least once. The Multihull Council is composed of multihull organizations and provides input to the board of directors of US SAILING. Administration of programs is by committees. One of the main thrusts has been to establish a position of influence within US SAILING as it is the governing body for the sport of sailing in this country. All of you that race use the HCP#s, rules, NOR, SI's and other progams provided by US SAILING. Any changes or new programs have to happen at this national level and sometime take years of lobbying to accomplish. Kind of like Washington.
The Council has had people come and serve a few years and a few one meeting wonders that have all the answers. But so far there has always been a core group of dedicated volunteers to keep it up and running. New faces are always welcome.
Sorry this is so long. Misinformation and apathy just gets me going.

Gordon Isco

P.S. I have notes and minutes from 1985 to the present. At my age I can't rely on my memory anymore.