Hey All,

I think this is great news for the PNW F18 fleet and a great opportunity to gain valuable exposure in what will be one of the two most publicized events of the year in the PNW. I think a lot of credit for keeping the trapeze dinghys goes to dinghy fleet captains that really pressed CYC and SYC to not abandon the dinghy racing that was traditionally contested at SOCKs (a dinghy event so strong that it once considered for OCR status). Traditionally, midsize OD keelboats comprise the majority of the NOOD events around the US and hearing that NOOD was replacing SOCKS I was concerned this would be a big hit against the dinghy calendar. Fortunately this was not the case.

Now I mention exposure because as an ex Tornado sailor and very active racer competing around the world, I did not even know there was and F18 fleet in the PNW/West Coast until I read an article at www.thedailysail.com about the impressive turnout and fleet cap at the upcoming F18 worlds and searched for North American fleets. The inclusion of the F18 at the NOOD was one of the key reasons for me stepping up my purchase of my Hobie Tiger last week and I am looking forward to racing my new boat this year as much as possible. I also hope to bring in two additional new boat owners and the exposure at the NOOD event is going to be critical in grounding the F18/Tiger in people’s purchase decision set.

I also believe a critical component in youth sailing (in the past I have organized several youth coaching clinics such as ORCA) is showing that there is much more to sailing than struggling slowly upwind in a Laser or crewing on a slow midsize lead mine. If sailing is to inspire youth to participate then they need to see modern alternatives such as the 29r, 49er, I14, A Cat, ad F18s at Yacht Club events, on the water and to have access to the sailors. NOOD will be a good opportunity for this. My own indoctrination into the world of multiple hulls began at dinghy club in the mid-west that supported Sharks and Tornados as well as Snipes and Lightings and I consider myself to be very lucky to have had the opportunities that the Yacht Club and fleet support afforded me (e.g. World Championships, Olympic Trials, etc.).

I look forward to meeting everyone this year and looking to get involved in promoting what is arguably one of the fastest growing fleets in the world.

New F18 fleet member/owner, leadmine program manager, dinghy racer…..

Paul