Yes you've read this correctly. In the policy for 2003 there is line of thought to analyse the possibility that there will be a Formula 16 worlds event in 2004. This can be beginning of 2004 or nearer to the end of 2004 depending on the future growth of the class.
As of now there is reason to believe that a decent sized World can be held at mid 2004 or one and a halve years from now. However the Worlds can easily be moved to 2005 when required. Main point is that is takes time to organize something like this and one must start early enough.
In talks two basic lines of thinking emerged.
-1- organize the worlds at a location which allready have alot of participants and their boat. (ex. Tampa USA , or Sidney harbour Australia)
-2- Organize the world in a totally paradisic location where everybody needs to fly and ship in their boats but where the weather and "making a holliday of it" are very strong incentives. Ex. Hawai (USA), Bermuda, Rottnest Island Australia.
It is fully intended to have a long and broad discussion about the possible locations where everybody may propose alternatives and to start of will have this poll on what our forummembers view as the best or most attractive line of thought.
Pro's :
Point -1- has the following positive points :
-Garanteed attendence
-Easy to arrange usage of infrastructure, bouys boats etc.
-Relative inexpensive when using local "initiatives".
Point -2- has the following positive points :
- No home water advantage for any crew = increased fairness
- Improved weather conditions and more predictable weather. Locations like rottnest island have mild winds in the morning and strong winds in the afternoon that come and go like clockwork.
- Being a dream event, Warm blue water, no tight dry suits etc, good location for after sail activities.
Cons :
Point -1-
- Definate home water advantage for a sizable portionm of the sailor (the garanteed portion)
- Inequality in costs to attend.
point -2-
- More difficult to arrange facilities although this can be overcome with proper organization and "friends" remember Aruba and Curacau ?
- Shippping of boats need to be arranged in group fashion (this may turn out to be an advantage)
- Relatively more expensive for all due to higher lodging costs, air fairs may well be the same for most; these locations are popular tourist locations remember.
I'm sure that many of you can think of more pro's and con's and please do post them on the forum and let us know.
But before you do please vote in the following "testing the water" poll :
When faced with a decision to attend a Formula 16 worlds with a decent turnout I would prefer the location to be :
This poll will close 31 Januari 2003 and it is by no means a binding poll or a poll that will prevent both options to be further analysed.
Wouter
I can see good points for both, the important thing is to get a good attendance.
Obviously choosing a venue with good local support will help this.
But if we could pull off an event at an exotic location then that will help growth of the class, an example of this is: a few years ago the international 14 decided to have their worlds in San Fransisco Bay. The effect in the Uk was electric, the class attracted numerous sailors who bought boats with a view to attending this event and about 20 boats from the UK attended.
With good organisation costs need not be huge, a container from Europe, a container from Florida, and a container from Aus.Then its just flights and accomadation.
I have been fortunate enough to attend events at some fabulous locations, the best I can think of are: Bermuda, Brisbane in Aus, Buzios in Brasil, and Miami.I have not sailed in the Carribean but believe it to be great.
Brasil is to dificult, Aus will be expensive for US and European crews, but Bermuda and Miami will be expensive for Aus.
I am personally in favour of somewhere a bit special, but we would need to look at costings and where could provide the race management.
For my 2 cents from Australia, our national titles rotation for each January is as follows:
2004 - South Australia (at a small town about an hour from Mt Gambier)
2005 - Queensland (location not decided as yet but last nationals there were at Brisbane)
2006 - New South Wales (too far away to think about locations)
Cheers
JC
Im guessing your talking about the Tiapan titles.. Not the F16 titles..
I'm sure he is, but I think perhaps the implied suggestion is that, like the last U.S. Taipan and F 16HP Nats, the two could run rather concurrently to allow some crews to attend both??
Kirt
Wouter-
Brobru been's talking about the "Big International Regatta in St. Croix" in Feb. - Maybe coordinate w/ that or some other open International regatta at one of the proposed sites?? That way the class could get maximum exposure-
Juat a thought-
Kirt
Good idea Kirt,
And besides Brobu owes us a bit now so ... 
I will put it on the list.
Brobu, where is St Croix island exactly ?
Wouter
Final result :
69 % for a worlds in a location with a strong F16 following
31 % for a world in a paradisic location evenly spaced from potential participants.
Wouter