If we are consolidating racers into one or two double handed performance classes... How big will the F18 class grow?
2005 Total Nationals/worlds US and Canada Hobie 20’s 160 total and 32 national Tigers 96 total and 43 national Nacra 20’s ~125 total and 15 national Nacra F18’s ~50 total and 20 national Tornado ~25 total and 8 national
Totals 431 total and 118 national
~ = my wild butt guess as to the number of boats that competed in one race
Hobie numbers seem to include all class members... not neccarily those that competed in one race (76 H20's were scored with total points)
My point is simply that the number of racers who WANT to compete as a two man team is really small and so F18 class growth may start to slow down.
IF.... everyone in North America agreed to sail F18's... (and pigs flew) the total fleet at the nationals would be around 120 boats!
Just a reality check! You still have to solve the problem that these racers are really spread out in the country and getting a decent turnout of 10 boats at a regatta is very very tough.
For a reality check! I think Wouter reported that he would have about 15 or so level rated spin cats at JUST HIS CLUB.!
