Bob, I can’t speak for the committee, I can only speak for myself. However, based on my participation as a member of the committee I would guess that the Alter Cup Committee would say that it, in general, defines classes as any US Sailing recognized class. (The committee is after all a committee of US Sailing).

First a little on classes in general:

The Hobie 16 Class Association, the Hobie 17 Class Association, the Hobie 20 Class Association, and the Hobie Tiger Class Association are currently all paid up US Sailing recognized one-design classes.

The International Nacra Class Association and the Inter 20 Class Association are listed as one-design class associations that have not paid their dues. There also is a “Hobie” or “Intl Hobie Class Association” that is listed as a one-design class association that has not paid it’s dues. The North America Formula 18 Class is also listed as a class which has not paid it’s dues

If you browse around the US Sailing website you can find a lot of good information.


Now a little on the Alter Cup

The Alter Cup Conditions clearly outline how competitors are selected for the event. Very few of the competitors are selected based on class criteria. The first 10 come from the area qualifiers, Portsmouth events. The HCA chair selects 2 representatives from the HCA. Two representatives from classes manufactured by Performance Catamaran are selected by Performance Catamaran. The Alter Cup Committee selects a class (doesn’t specify one-design, formula, etc..) The Olympic multihull class sends a rep.

So out of 20 teams I count 6 that are selected by class.

Now just to make sure I directly address your last point (not a question right?). You are correct in your statement assuming that you are referring to the fact that Performance selected the 1st and 3rd place finishers from the Nacra 20 class to be it’s representatives. Cool huh!