Obviously there are two distinct issues here that shouldn't be intermingled.

The Olympic multihull issue is totally removed from the mandatory membership issue.

If the multihull community separates from USS, you can count on them to take the anti side forevermore. Whether the other nations that are Cat friendly can swing the tide back without USS support is debatable. It seems that with our support and with respectable dialogue, we might see a more desirable outcome on this issue by the next cycle.

So far as mandatory membership to compete in organized regattas is concerned, that is not a Multihull only issue. It will affect grass roots sailing of all kinds. It makes it less likely that a casual sailor would be able to just show up at a yacht club event and sail. Forcing memberships on casual sailors will only keep them away. Most would pay a slight non-member fee, and they may eventually become members.

I would think that all one-design and open classes, multi or mono, would be affected equally and we should join forces in respectable debate on that issue. I’m sure that there has already been a lot of conversation on both sides of that subject.

One thing is obvious to me, having done a great deal of event organizing in the past…DON”T SPLIT THE PIE NOW!!!

Whatever happens, it will take years for anything good to result, and more likely the downside unintended consequences will be staggering.

As stated by others, volunteers are just not able or willing to do the work that has to be done. Another organization would need very deep pockets on the outset, with a well paid office crew to have any hope of success. Even with that, being recognized by the sailing community would not come quickly or perhaps ever.

Whether we like it or not, yacht clubs are a vital and established force in our sport and they are virtually all aligned with USS. They represent the resources needed to put on quality events which include facilities, manpower and expertise. To do top level events in-house would mean that many top competitors would have to get off their boats and do the organizing and committee work. Trust me, you do not want that.

Jack Woehrle