Hi Michael



I agree with you that it nice to discuss these ideas without name-calling…but I think it has more to do with the integrity of the participants than the artificial restraints of the forum format. Even on the open forum the two of us could exchange ideas without letting our emotions get the best of us. I have meaningful debates on other internet forums on a regular basis…and I would like to think you do to…facts and logic are thrown out the window the first time either party makes a personal attack…at which point the discussion becomes worthless



If we chose to “flair up” every time someone questioned our position, we would soon end up self-destructing. There must be unity in the class, even when individuals don’t see eye to eye.



We both have our point of views…we both have valid points…and now that we have had this chance to discuss it…I am much more aware or your position, and you are of mine…hopefully this has given other Class members food for thought on both sides of the table…So that, what ever decisions are made, will be in the best interest of the F-16HP class…in the US, Europe, and Australia.



In closing…I would like to say it would be wise of us to seek council from our brothers/sisters in Australia when it comes to issues like this…they seem…no they are… way ahead of the US in many aspects of sailing. They have already been there…done that…and could probably help us avoid a lot of the traps lying in wait to snare a new class such as our own…I would be very curious as to Phil’s comments concerning this issue…



To many, my comments in these last few posts may make me appear to be over reacting…but from my perspective…decisions like these, early on, will set us on a course that will either nurture this class into a world wide phenomenon or snuff the life out of it. We are at another fork in the road, which path are we going to choose?

It has much larger ramifications than how it effects you and I personally…

Just remember "if you do things the way you have always done them, you will get the results you have always got in the past”.



Looking at the long list of boats on the “dead boat society roster” we might want to stay on our more creative course, because whatever they tried didn’t work. These are serious issues…we need vote for what is best for the class.





Thank you for letting me present my perspective…



Bob Hall