Unless you're working against a scheduling conflict, I would urge you to make the Youth Nationals in Port Clinton, Ohio. There is no real substitute for the experience of racing in that kind of situation, buth for fun and to sharpen your skills.



One of the teams that will be coming from Area D is Harry Newkirk and Tommy Fruitticher - these boys (mid-teens) - normally race together on an Inter 18, and have put together a string of impressive finishes, including winning the overall fleet in Biloxi last year. They're a good team, but were very uncertain about going to Ohio and sailing a 14-foot boat. Because they make weight on the 18, they felt they could not possibly be competitive together on a smaller platform. At least, they felt that way until they tried the 4.3. In about 10 knots, they flew a hull easily with one on the trap (my boat only has one wire, but the boats for the Championship are rigged for double trap). Downwind, they had a blast - I got to go out with Harry later in the afternoon, and we stuffed both hulls past the front beam, and the boat recovered beautifully. It really is fun, and seems to not be nearly as weight-sensitive as I thought it would be - light and heavy teams and single-handers seem to be able to handle the boat well.



What else can I say - go, go, go. This is just the beginning of new youth-based initiatives being pursued by US Sailing and other national organizations. The adults in the sailing community are very serious about affording you opportunities like this one - please take advantage of them whenever you can and help keep the future of the sport growing.



And - stay tuned. As was discussed at last October's NAHCA membership meeting, and several times over the last two years by US Sailing, plans are moving forward to have the Youth Championship in conjunction with the Alter Cup as early as next year.



Hope you can make it -



John