Mary,
The 2004 and 2005 versions were limited to F16 1-up setups; this year however the event invites both the 1-up and 2-up versions. In effect they have decided to run it in the intended F16 setup where 1-up boats and 2-up boats share a start and race eachother. No handicap numbers, just first across the line wins. This was one of the main goals of the F16 setup as you will remember.
If you go to the following post
confirmed attendence list on 1 march 2006 then you'll see that at least 3 other crews will be 2-up. Tom Shannon (new owner) and "mystery crew" are expected to be 2-up as well. Currently Chuck Harnden is listed being 1-up; but I doubt whether he'll stick to that when faced with such a 2-up fleet. Mavis Harnden has been crew for Chuck plenty of times in 2005 so I don't expect her to stay away unless there is a compelling reason. In addition, Hans Geissler has not explicitly declared whether he will singlehand or doublehand his entry. He only confirmed that a G-cat F16 with him will be out. So it may turn out that he goes 2-up as well. I've only put him down as 1-up as that was erring on the safe side. You and Rick will be at least the 4th 2-up crew and in the extreme case the 8th.
What I'm trying to say here is that it looks like a good sized 2-up fleet will be out. The dynamics of pre-regatta crew make-up developments seem to point that way.
Anyway, I am working on Rick for us to be there with our boat, because I think it is important to help the class.
Ahh, you sweetheart !
You helped the class so very much in the past already, with the catsailor mag articles and such. This new help is again much appreciated.
If we bring our boat and if Robi charters his boat to somebody, that would make 10 boats; right?
Yeah that it right, I had forgotten about Robi's boat completely.
Actually if this happens we can even make the GYC event the 2006 USA F16 nationals !
Enough boats for it will be present !
Still, I know Robi mentioned an exciting development but I'm not to sure he refered to some crew chartering his boat for the GYC event. Robi can you shed some more light on this.
I don't know about Rick and I sailing together, but if there are other two-person teams on the F16's, maybe we would give it a try. (We haven't sailed together for at least 16 years, which is why we are both still alive.)
Mary, personally I think it most cool that this F16 event might just see you two race together again since such a long time. I regard you two just considering it to be a great honour.
Now I would love to see it happen but don't feel you are under great pressure. This sailing is supposed to be a fun way to spend your spare time and it's not worth risking ones marriage (or life !) over it !
But seriously feel free to decide either way.
Wouter
