All of the other classes at the event, like most youth events in North America, are BYOB. We were the only class asking for a rotation, and the host was unwilling (understandably) to impact the rest of the fleets by having one fleet rotating boats. The host had already been assured by US SAILING that there was no need to rotate boats - a big mistake that is regretted by those involved. So rotation this year became out of the question at the outset. In the end, if it hadn't been for Jack Young donating the boats and a couple of volunteers putting the boats together, there would not have been a catamaran fleet and a cat team would not be going to Denmark.

As for Hobie 16s - the event has happened here in California before and one of the parents said they could not get decent boats - they spent quite a bit of time and money doing fiberglass work and making up new rigging for several chartered boats. There is a reluctance to repeat that experience, but people made the start line then so I'm sure it could be done again.

While it is true that the Hobie 16 w/spin is 99%-sure being used for the 2009 ISAF Youth Worlds, I understand that is the last time. I think it would be great to have a bunch of spinnaker-rigged Hobie 16s running around, but most people in the NA-class seem to be opposed to the set-up, especially if it is only for one year and there is no prospect for future class racing.

Perhaps the Youth Championship Committee will approach Hobie Cat about providing boats next year... I'm sure it is being considered. I have resigned my position in that Committee, not because it isn't crucial to the health of the sport or rewarding in more ways than I can count, but because the forces involved that are opposed against each other drove me nearly insane in three short months. There is no shortage of self-interested BS. Maybe it was an off year, but running the three-ring Council is a plenty big enough SNAFU without I go looking for more heartburn and frustration.