Mark,

The crux of your question is how to get more people to come out and grow the sport. We keep droping into an argument around whats the best format PN, Formula etc, instead of how to get more participation.

The core group that raced in the glory days got old, had kids etc. How can we get those people to come back out and get their kids into sailing. These people raced,are familiar with it and would fit right in.

The other demographic for increased participation is new people who have never sailed or raced before. This group does not know formats and learning how to sail is much more important than sysmantic arguments over systems and numbers. My experience is that those conversations tend to scare off the newbie before they even start.

The core racers are going to come because they are already hooked. The system has to be fun for the rest of them. Years ago I got into racing because the local fleet invited me over when I was at the lake, fed me beer, and threw a great party. I knew nothing about racing and I did not care. Now I am a racing adict. BUT, I go to events for the social aspect as well. If there is not a gathering, party, etc and only a race, I do not care how great the competition, it is not worth packing up the family, kids, sitters and stuff to attend.

If there is enough attendance, the grouping for the race will sort themselves out. In the short term, we will never get rid of all the inequities, but have to maintain the flexibility to try and avoid gouping the lone 6.0 with the lone Wave in the lost boat fleet. Put the board boats together and like, modify the scoring. It means a little more work for the commitee, but with computers its not that bad.

Sail fun

Matt