Technically I am a professional, Carolijn is as well, Gill de Bruyne is as well, Hans is. But I would be surprised if anyone was getting paid to be here... This is F16 not X40 or Americas cup.
You are dreaming if you think there is enough money in F16 to pay anyone to be here. Its costing us all to be here, plenty.
Our focus here is promoting F16 and Viper but my main focus is promoting youth.
The young Aussies Jas and Lisa are both 18yrs
My helm Froukje is 17
Thijs Visser is 20, Diemer Feenstra is 17
Chris Sproats crew Rossanna Jury is 18.
These "kids" (now I feel old) are kicking butt. These are names of the future.
and there are chicks sailing F16.. the Lara and Silvia Sicouri are sailing so well (my pick to win)...
They are all loving the boats and having fun.. is time for the next generation. i know everyone doesnt like me refering to F16 as a feeder class but if it gets youth into Catsailing and they hang around 3-4 yrs before they move on.. perfect.
The amount of press that has come out of this week has out done the recent A-Class worlds, F-18 Worlds and Extreme 40 Worlds. Everyone has done well and it can only benefit F16.
I'm just glad you're there! Good on ya dude! Bringing top rated sailors to a F16 regatta can only be good for the sport and for the class. Now, if I could only get you to show up at Racine, sailing Uni...
Seeker: I grew up in Sebring and remember the excitement when the Ferrari team drove into the middle of town for technical inspection, prior to the 12 Hour; the place went wild! At the same time, there were small private teams operating on a shoe string, and one guy who was there all by himself, driving a Morgan iirc! Very few of us ever make the Ferrari team but the excitement they create encourages others to participate at their own level.
I'm just glad there is some excitement. Not long ago it seems everyting was negative. This is very, very positive.
http://catsailingnews.blogspot.com/2010/07/f16-europeans-day-3.html
