B Fleet North American Championship

Well said Bob, exactly MY thoughts.

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If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, maybe it is time to water your own lawn.

I think this is the best approach.

In the recent past people have not been happy with this approach. When you have 96 boats (as in Matt's example) you don't have much choice but when the fleet was split in Syracuse (70 ish boats) I think you had a bunch of people who just missed the cut and were not happy. The Silver fleet was also feeling short changed when it was announced that they would be sailing an A finish course. Fortunately that didn't happen but it put a big strain on the event when they had to scramble for a second RC. Pat knows more I think. Anyway this is kind of why I was leaning towards and optional B fleet where people could pick where they wanted to be.

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http://hobiebob.blogspot.com/

I think that makes ALL THE SENSE IN THE WORLD. Also, it would be a huge incentive for sailors that are intimidated by the idea of attending a NAC, or apprehensive about being on the start line with top flight world class teams, a reason to take the chance and make the effort to attend.

Two starts, same committee, different A-Mark, or some variation thereof to try and keep the two groups from interfering with one another, Like the A Fleet runs a course 2 while the B-Fleet runs a course 1 should keep "traffic" at the gate to a minimum. and the chance for the B-Fleeters to rub shoulders with the top flight sailors, maybe have short seminars in the mornings for the B-Fleet teams. ANYTHING that would encourage people to attend and hopefully nurture and encourage the next generation of top flight skippers.

Stephen

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If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, maybe it is time to water your own lawn.

Just want to make a clarification on my disposition here. The ideas I have are meant suggestively at most. This coming season is a bit odd since right now HAVAMEGA is the venue for the '09 16NAC, though the Italy worlds potential creates the possibility that this will be changed. As I said at the AGM, my only concern is that we keep 16's as part of HAVAMEGA, whether it is a NAC or points event, or a NAC'B'. Obviously, the event's budget and larger plans could collapse without the largest class in the HCA. We have the potential, if we retain NAC, to have 75 16's on the beach. However, smaller numbers due to a change because of Italy would be acceptable, if we make the 16's event attractive enough.
Finally, I am very concerned about the use of the term 'B Fleet', which is our up and comer fleet at Division events. I think that we need to make sure and create a real distinction between a NAC with B and the 'B Fleet'. since they are quite different in nature. So for now, I'm resting on the comments and suggestions for a while, with the firm belief that everyone wants what is best for the class. Thanks for not climbing on my case about anything that might have been disagreeable to you.

I don't like to sound negative and offer no solutions.
So how do we bring in more novice sailors to the Nationals?

One thought I had was that at the 16 Nationals plan ahead and race everyone together Monday and Tuesday. Then offer the bottom half of the fleet the option to drop to silver fleet the rest of the week.

It would have to be clear that they would get good racing just like the gold fleet. (no A-finish)

I feeling strongly that this is all done at the same venue. No separate event as Bob mentioned.

So you know, I have been cut 3 times at Nationals, made gold fleet,raced in the supplied boat event(loved that) and the no cut single start 60-70 boat events.
So I would like to think my comments are based on experience and feedback as an event organizer.
As always, I could be clueless.

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Pat Bisesi
Fleet 204 Syracuse, NY

Hi guys (and gals), been reading the posts and though I haven't formed an opnion about the B fleet thing yet , here's a little (10 years) history.

The blanks I just can't find (yet). RQ.

I almost forgot - happy talk like a pirate day

Arrrrrrrr

Hobie 14: The second largest NAC of 2008. Wow.

the numbers are nice to see. whats kind of depressing is the number of womens teams we see sailing anymore.

The talk of a "HAVAMEGA" is that lake havaso ?
or where is that scheduled for?
I think i can talk my wife into that for a week of sailing.

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Rich Vilvens
F-18 5150
[email protected]
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/f-185150sailing/

HAVAMEGA - Lake Havasu, AZ - November 7-13, 2009

Hobie 17 / 18 / 20 / Tiger North Americans (for sure)
Hobie 16's are invited, too.

Anyone remember the Lake Havasu Hobie Cat Family Fun and Recreation Retreats during the 80's?

I Do remember the London Bridge Regatta that used to be scheduled in April, around Easter Weekend if I remember correctly.

I also remember getting blown off the water there.

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If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, maybe it is time to water your own lawn.

Steve,

I remember the London Bridge Regattas. Used to race Fleet 51's Las Vegas Grand Prix on Lake Mead. On thing about sailing in the desert...either the wind is full on nuking or you're baking in 110 degree heat. November at Havasu should be a bit cooler

Are you going to the 40th?

John