While thankfully he's not aggressively "anti-NAMSA", I'm a little surprised that Jamie chose to make his position so public about the catsailor - NAMSA relationship. I spoke with Jamie on the phone a couple of weeks ago and we discussed US Sailing (he's a very active member and multihull supporter) and their OCRA catamaran organization in Ohio and how NAMSA works. Jamie feels that we, as catsailors, have done very little to try and make an impact within US Sailing but that there are existing avenues to effect change available to us within US Sailing if we show a commitment to pitch in (US Sailing is a volunteer organization). I think as an organization NAMSA can provide a strong amount of help - but we need to attend US Sailing meetings and do some leg work in the future. Jamie has put a lot of effort into US Sailing and he does not wish NAMSA any ill - he hopes we do well, but he does not think we are going about it in the 'best' way.
I'm letting the thread play itself out - I don't necessarily disagree with his post - but I'm watching for any incorrect facts and will repute those if they appear. I just wanted to let you guys know before anybody jumped in to go head on with Jamie. He is a great person and truly an asset to our sport. However, I do not think he would back down if challenged and he is certainly a strong debater.
HI Jake,
As I posted elsewhere I am on the road. At first I was dismayed by his comments. When I mentioned that I should step down at Pres. there were two or three folks shooting at me -- Mark Schneider, Jamie Diamond, and another from CRAM. So, no surprise.
Jamie because he resents me coming to PIB and winning a lot. I have seen more DPN numbers and Mods change because of what I bring to PIB. Long Story.
Mark.., I have no idea.
Interestingly, I think the threads show that Jamie has no good reason to bow out.
I think his main problem is being heavily involved in the Multihull Council and somehow some of them feel that we are competition.., Geez, how can they think that? We can do nothing but help them.
Mary answered Jamie pretty well, but posts like that only seem to help us -- no apparent reason to object.
Thanks for keeping an eye on things, Jake. Love ya' & keep ut the vigilance.
Rick
PS: last communication until the 6th or April