Mike --
It is lamentable that the parents left the scene before youth events could be established. But such as it is, we gotta move on. We had a similar thing happen about 10 years ago. We were lucky enough to find new blood. Some of the old blood even heard about it and came back around, so don't write them all off.
My son is 11. He will be skippering this year on the 16. I'll likely crew for him the first couple of regattas to get him feeling comfortable. We'll sail on lakes, and we won't go out in anything above probably 12k true. Before that, he was on Waves and Optis.
Spinnaker is not an issue. Don't use one! Start them out on a standard set-up. The spin can be introduced after a couple/few years. If the kids are so young that handling a 16 would be an issue, then definitely pack the kite away and keep it on the beach.
For the record, I am personally against the Hobie 16 with spin (for all ages) cuz I believe it will dilute the class. (Hey, if you want to fly a kite, buy an F18!!!) But for one event a year (Youth Multihull Championship), I would be fine with it.
But in terms of organizing something, make your contacts and recruit. Then think of where you could poach some new blood. Boat shows. Schools. Clubs. Fast n Fun.
Plan it so it will be fun and a success if 0-1 kids show up. (But be ready for more.) That way everyone will go home feeling positive or at least neutral rather than feeling like it was a big downer.
Music always 'lifts the spirits' and gets people in a party mood. It is also an attention getter. So get some popular kids music. Have food -- always a crowd pleaser regardless of how big the 'crowd' is (it may just be you and your buddy, but dang that bbq chicken is good!!!) Have shoreside activities planned (frisbee, skateboards, etc.) for those not sailing and/or for the entertainment of the volunteers in case no one shows up. Again, make it fun for EVERYONE, so your volunteers leave feeling energized.
As for the boat to use -- whatever is popular in the area you live. The Hobie 16 is everywhere, so it is an easy choice to talk about. But if there are F12s, Waves, SL16s, or something else around, use them. It really doesn't matter what the logo on the hull says as long as: 1) the boat isn't a piece of crap liable to harm someone; 2) it sails well enough that a person could actually have some fun on it.
Besides that, have patience. These things don't sprout overnight. We've been working on our program for about 3-4 years. You might consider the first couple of 'youth' events a success if no kids showed up BUT you were able to get one or two of your fleet buddies on board the train. Slowly you build your armada. Just like the advertisement -- one sailor at a time.
Best of luck!! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
