Hobie Alter had a great idea and started something wonderful. It has now gone a bit off course wether from need or not... It is now a problem. Even considering X class is damaging to the original concept. The concept of "you want to have some real fun? Join us and sail a Hobie at a HOBIE event". Not join us and sail... join us and sail a HOBIE. If they had allowed just any boat in the events early on... it would have been a total failure. Think about it.
I would imagine that perhaps one of the major factors leading to the huge Hobie following in the 70's was not due to Hobie marketing but due largely because there were not anywhere near the same proliferation of available catamaran designs that we have today. I am also guessing that Hobie had the greatest dealer network and distribution system. Perhaps Hobie made a mistake by allowing other manufacturer's boats play at their parties but think what might have happened had they not:
Every time NAHCA tries to make a stand and do something that the catamaran community disagrees with, another racing organization arises. If NAHCA had firmly not allowed other x-boats to participate, those x-boaters have to do something so they have somewhere to race. They would create their own organization. One might clearly surmise that if this exclusion policy had ever actually taken place, Hobie would not only be fighting to maintain market share with boat sales, but would be struggling to keep NAHCA alive. Think about it.
Hi Jake
A little bit of history. Hobie fleets did not screw up and invite open class to their events... They invited open class becasue they NEEDED more sailors to compete so that their HOBIE events would be economically viable. They were our friends as well and the attitude of the more the merrier trumped the hobie religion. Many fleets merged into regional cat clubs or folded
NAHCA and Hobie had nothing to do with approving changes... they just are powerless to stem the tide of people doing what it takes to run succesful events and go racing.
Mark,
I think I worded that incorrectly - Like you, I do not think it was a mistake to invite x-boats to Hobie events...quite the contrary. Amongst a number of other reasons, I think the inclusion of other boats is why NAHCA does not have national competition as a catamaran organization and was (and will continue to be) crucial to their survival.
Jake,
What do you mean by, "NAHCA does not have national competition"?
At this time, there is not another catamaran organization that has a nationwide operating racing structure to the degree of organization of NAHCA.
Hello to all,
As the original poster, I thought it wise to give a brief follow up. First, contrary to some replies, the post was not to ruffle feathers, nor make a statement. It was simply to see how other Hobie fleets handled the A class cat. Somehow, the conversation drifted to X class and the acceptance or denial of such.
That topic leads me to the following. As a believer in the supply side market system, I understand that a financial “contract” exists on a voluntary basis. Both buyer and seller agree to such exchange, and both expect to be “better off”. Using this rationale, I sold my Inter 20 (rather sad day, as that is a great, great boat to sail), and I purchased an A cat.
The purchase, as stated was in a group sale, so that I (we) would have an ‘instant fleet’ out of the box. Shortly thereafter, word got out of the ‘mass’ purchase and the infamous letter (email) arrived. Voila! Instant topic for catsailor.
I am surprised at some of the remarks made, and even understand them somewhat. I can applaud and even appreciate loyalty to brands. However, understanding the S and D curve, and the above theory of voluntary exchange for goods and services, I must now consider the following.
Why would I want to buy a product that is not going to give me satisfactory results? Indeed, if 7-10 like boats show up at a race and are merely used to generate revenue, i.e.: not scored, awarded, and honored. I ask again, why would I want to participate? There are other options available that would be beneficial to both parties involved. Thus far, that is my mind set.
In all my web surfing, I have come across several Hobie fleets that recognize and award X boats. There are even Hobie fleets that have more than one X start! Hopefully, this attitude can prevail up here in the Northwest. If the powers that be think that ought not to happen, then all I can say is THANK YOU for all the past races, and good times and memories.
I suppose that is enough for now,
Michael (Interless! In Seattle, Waiting for A cat)
so, im somewhat confused..is the ban just for the As, or for all non-hobie boats?????