My wife and I have done 13 regattas a year for the past 2 years and 8 a year the 2 years before that. The more regattas the better. Some of these regattas are low key with only a dozen or so boats. We find them just as fun as the full blowout hootenanny regattas. They are attended by at least 7 dedicated F18 crews so there is always good racing. Our children are now young adults which makes it easier. I will also admit that by mid to late August there's a good blow out on the boat that results in a mutiny by the crew and sometimes even the skipper but we always manage to recover. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

I live in the much referred to Northeast, and even here, you can find enough F18 regattas to support your addiction if you do not have a Hobie Tiger. You will have to travel north of the border where the dollar is at par and gas is VERY expensive, but the additional alcohol content in the beer makes up a little bit of the difference. I would still recommend a Tiger in this area because you would miss out on some great regattas. The bottom line is how is the boat manufacturer and dealer in your area supporting you and your regattas. In this area Hobie and, more in particular, Boat Works does an excellent job. That's why people in this region are so loyal to Hobie.