Dear Fleet [204] members,
Because of the relative importance of some decisions at last night's Fleet meeting, I would like to report to you the following so that you are all up to speed sooner (not have to wait until next Month's Fleet newsletter) and to call you to action.
1. The Fleet voted to reverse our decision to HCA to request the northeastern championship designation for Madcatter in 2010. This decision was made because of new information that transpired since the last meeting. It was learned that Rochester Fleet 295 wanted to allow F18s in their regatta, unfortunately their regatta date conflicts with the national F18 championships, thus hurting their chances of continuing to grow their regatta with F18 participation. Our decision to defer to Fleet 295 the northeastern championships will allow them to advertise as the championships, recieve funding from HCA and hopefully continue to grow their regatta attendance.
2. By our Fleet's not requesting the northeastern championships left open the option of allowing F18s in this year's Madcatter. After a good discussion, Fleet 204 members voted to allow non-hobie F18s to take part in Madcatter. This decision will be made year to year depending on results and participation.
It will now be important to "get the word out" to all F18 sailors to come to Madcatter. I'll count on those of you with connections to talk it up. I will work with Fluffy and other division 16 Fleets who also are considering to allow non-Hobie F18s in their regattas to communicate our decision.
3. The Boat Show starts next week (Wed. 10th-14th). We still need more volunteers to assist in setting up and staffing our new Fleet display. I'll have the latest signup list up on the Home page very soon.
4. Madcatter is only 111 days away. There are some committee assignments still open. If you volunteered last year for a committee and haven't had a chance to sign up yet please give me a call or email me. Otherwise I'll be on the phone to you over the next week. And since we won't be receiving HCA funding as the northeastern championship regatta, we'll need as much help in securing additional sponsorhip/advertiser money as possible. We'll have Madcatter info up soon, look for the sponsorship form to find supporters for Madcatter.
5. Our annual Fleet social meeting is March 9, plant to attend, bring new potential sailors and Fleet members. We'll be announcing some new Fleet activities events to attract new members for the summer at the meeting.
Thanks everyone!
Bruce
