Hey Mistro, That is an excellent list of questions. From a Hobie racer who has raced every year since 2002, I'll take a stab at some brief answers. I've avidly raced and studied the sport, racing H14,16,17 and now the Wave. A friend and mentor has repeated often to me a quote he attributes to Paul Elvstrom: 'The smallest boats are the best classroom'. The Wave seems to be no exception. I've been racing the Wave this year, and sailiing every week on Lake Mead, Nevada. The little boat is parked next to my monoslug at Lake Mead Marina. I have a '95 classic version which is in great shape. These boats hold up and hold their value. I'm impressed with the hull design in particular. In strong wind it feels like I'm sailing on marbles.
Here goes:
1. Where is the best place to learn the rules of racing, in a simple format for the newbie?
Get the current RRS (racing rules of sailing) for reference purposes. When you race, things will come up, giving you something to look up and learn from. As you are new, here are a few absolutes that will help.
A. Behavior and sportsmanship - Some skippers like to yell and intimidate their opponents, a violation that if enforced carries a stiff penalty. It is seldom protested or enforced, especially among Hobie Racers. I've developed a reply that helps which is 'Grow Up!'. Otherwise, I say nothing and sail away.
B. Avoid collisions at all costs, even if you are having a great race. The consequenses are usually disqualification, as well as halting a good regatta while the Race Committee comes to the aid of broken boats and possibly hurt sailors or sailorettes (it is rare). The rotomolded Wave can inflict nasty breaks on a fiberglass boat. Learn to sail around pile ups at the start line and racing marks, as well as anything else that looks like trouble. Don't hesitate to stop and help a capsized boatcrew or any situation where somebody needs help. You get redress from Race Committee for the courtesy.
C. Learn Port/Starboard right of way rules and mark rounding rights as well. Going to as many races as possible will be the best classroom on rules as not only will you get front row seating on course, but off you have a lot of experienced racers who are conversant with the rules and can explain most with a drawing in the sand. I consider one race to give you about 10 times the learning experience as a day of sailing and race practice at your closest lake or ocean beach.
2. What if anything will I need to do to my boat?
The IHCA Wave rules are less than two pages long. The boat needs little modification for racing or tuning. Get the 10 hole chain plate for your forestay/bridle connection so you can rake the mast. My experience is that the boat becomes a new animal. install a tiller extension for front of the boat helmsmanship. Needed in light air to weather, as well as downwind in most condiitions. Not much else to do except maybe tapered battens on 2nd and 3rd pockets up.
3. Do I need to join the HCANA? If I don't need to, should I?
For 25 bucks you can read the Hobie Hotline online and be featured in the HCA rankings for Waves. Official scoring and ranking is for members only. Participation is for everyone.
4. I have an aftermarket trampoline on my boat. Am I out of luck or can I race for the fun of it anyway?
The Hobiecat tramps are prettier and last longer, but nobody is going to care at the race about your aftermarket tramp. You'll probably see others as well. My 19 year old Hobie tramp has been in the sun for 19 years and is still strong.
5. Any tuning tips?
Can't think of much you can do. Everything allowed or prohibited is in the brief list of Hobie Wave Class rules
6. Any sailing tips?
TOW - Time On the Water
7. Should I forget the whole idea an just go watch?
That would be a pity. I've won a few regattas and had some shining moments, but nothing beats hanging out with the great people that populate this sport and busting up at the things that happen out there that you got to see up close.
8. Sail numbers? Hobiecat Co. makes them. If you want color have a graphic shop make you a transfer vinyl set. Just make them the proper size so race committee can see them.
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Anyway, here are my questions in no particular order:
Port tack must keep clear of Starboard. Windward needs to keep clear of Leeward.. That is all you NEED to know to enjoy your first boat race... Everything else will come with time or be covered at the skippers meeting.
I can tell you that you will learn more racing in one regatta weekend than you will playing every day all summer on your own.