I get info for the St. Petersburg Times column "On The Water" mostly by calling the race official in charge. It helps that I've been sailing since cotton sails were in and have sailed just about everything except ice boats. It is tough to BS me on a sailing subject.
As for cats, I have sold my Taipan 4.9. I enjoy the 'lunitic fringe' of sailing. So would rather develop and experiment than sail One Design cats. The Formula 14 has sailed twice. Long way to go before it is up to speed.(Monohulls are different. Go one-design. Just got off the wire of a Flying Dutchman practicing for the 2006 Worlds and next week will race a Windmill, like a lighter Snipe.)
Please note that SOUTHWINDS magazine will have a feature article on how to get your event in the media. Should be in the February issue. I'll link it here if it is.