I finally had some time to read the letters from the two prospective NAHCA Chairmen and I can't resist making a point (yes, I am a member – and even though it’s probably too late for the vote). Look at the status of cat sailing and racing now – does anyone wish to argue that beach catamaran sailing is in decline? There are two choices on the table.
1) Open up the events to promote cat sailing in general
2) Make the events more restrictive to the 'open' class boats to promote the Hobie boats.
I think Nigel is right on in trying to promote a more open atmosphere. There comes a time (like now) where it is necessary to eliminate the little sects and work toward a bigger goal of reviving catamaran sailing. And yes, that can be accomplished while enhancing the NAHCA. First, let’s examine what “enhancing” the NAHCA is. I would like propose that enhancing the NAHCA can be defined as A) increasing NAHCA membership and consequently the one design fleets and B) promoting the Hobie product. How does this work if you continue to open up the NAHCA events?
A) I own a Hobie but I don't use it for racing (it's an old heavy dog - but still fun). My Nacra is by far my favorite boat for racing but I see the attractiveness of class racing every time out within NAHCA events. I’m not sure what the future holds for ‘skipper Jake’ but it is going to be a 20’ boat – be it a Hobie, a Nacra, an Inter, etc. Once I’ve achieved a certain level of success in my relatively rare boat, that Hobie 20 is going to make a great benchmark for my skill level when I can race among numerous other Hobie 20s. Let me also point out that I am out there racing because I've 'chosen' to race in NAHCA events (i.e. who is the customer here?)
B) Manufacturers, that can continue to supply attractive boats, will benefit from a general revival of cat sailing in the US. Although it would take careful planning, Hobie certainly has the resources and name brand to supply attractive boats and would benefit largely from a general revival of catamaran sailing.
With the reduced popularity and attendance of catamaran events in the US, the benefits from this open approach offer larger rewards for the NAHCA than from shuffling all it's sailors into a corner with their tongue sticking out at the 'outsiders'. If you guys start looking at it like you are
allowing
me to compete in your events and make it more expensive or difficult for me to compete, I'm going to take my boat and go home with a nasty disposition for Hobie.
Instead of this singular approach, I would like to propose that you NOT make it more difficult for open class but to provide more advantages to being a Hobie person (you're probably saying
duh
- but hang on). I like the idea of enhancing the Area Championships: perhaps I'm on my Nacra and there's a sanctioned Area Championship going on in the middle of everything. I'm Joe Blow racing at one event and I'm done on Sunday....BUT, I get to watch, and admire, these guys working for a larger goal of an entire season of work on a Hobie. If I'm interested in this kind of racing, this will entice me to get a Hobie and race NAHCA one design. I will not feel as though I'm being shunned because I'm not allowed in the NAHCA area championship - that would be silly. We don't need to further split our dwindling resources - let's pool them together and make this thing popular again. Sailing cats, of any kind, is awesome!
It’s kind of hard to disagree with some of Rich’s political points:
Youth program – where do I sign up to help? (and yes, darnit, with my Nacra)
IHCA? – how about the winners of the continental get an expense paid trip to the World Championships (perhaps they do – I’m new at this)
Improve communication? – yeah ok (I sell my boss on this one every year).
Improve Race Management? – I have been to TWO events that ran out of beer!!!!
Review (refine) Area Championships? – Heck yeah, it would be cool to root for someone out there! As well as provide me incentive to race a Hobie.
Newsletter – got my boss on this one too.
World Championships – yes but, by golly, get the media involved.
[color]Jake
[color]Nacra 5.2 (2112)
[color]Hobie 18 (???)