For 10 years or so I've been trying to figure out how to get more people interested in cats. We've been sending teams out to race at established Yacht Clubs with the sole intent of generating interest within the general sailing community. It seems to be working, albeit slowly. This year I hope to hit it hard by supporting events like the Delta Ditch, the SF NOOD Regatta (F18), and several RYC events just to name a few. And for the past few years I've been running all races through my home club, SCYC. Give me some input, do you think that this is a good direction?
I am writing this now because of the following email from a Yacht Club guy, edited for anonymity and content, kind of hit a chord. I seem to be getting a lot of these types of emails lately. There is a new class of multi that seems to be growing rapidly in this area and I'm not sure why. Is it that they are embracing a certain Yacht Club and due to their visibility they're able to sell the boats? It's perplexing.
Quote:
Seriously, you guys need to come do some **YC events. Having the 5 Nacras at the last event generated quite a buzz in the club. Stirring up some of the Old Guard ("******* Cats!") and intriguing the open minded ("Those things *go fast*!"). With the AC sporting a couple big ******* multis, I think cats and tris are starting to seriously register on people's radar. Might be able to ride that momentum and get people out in more multis instead of Bytes and Laser.
Bring it. What say you?
J