Huh what ? did somebody call my name ?!


Wouter

Now THAT was funny! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I don't think there's a magic bullet, Pat, but potentially lots of opportunities. I think it requires people who are willing to work hard and risk failure in efforts to promote the sport in a wide range of ways and also a way to connect these people - so they can work together where that's appropriate but also so they can learn from the experiences and ideas of others. Some of the suggestions I've made to Rick are aimed at this.

Ditto, Gotta throw a bone for that one.

I like what WWF is doing.

Mark, I like your idea, and I heard Hulk Hogan is available and looking for crew! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

The name is aristocracy. Democracy is just the way it looks in the surface.

It is the same people at ISAF's council most of the time. Since the rules allow the council to burn all advice coming from democratic processes, the same people are deciding whatever they want whenever they want.

ISAF is an aristocracy poorly disguised as democracy.

I think the majority of what's missing in sailing popularity is obviouslly getting people on the water, hiking out on a cat. Or to simplify it even further, informing people about what cat sailing is. I know I'm speaking from limited experience and a geographically minimal opinion, but I know that myself and most of the people I knew growing up in high school, 30 min away from a lake and 1 1/2 hr. from the beach, had no idea what a catamaran was. Other than the fact that it is a twin hulled boat. I'd of likely never gotten into it if my dad hadn't sailed them before I was born and a buddy's dad had my future boat sitting in his driveway. I think having lively representatives to look up to and strive to perform like, such as skateboarders, snowboarders, etc. is definately something that needs to happen, but I think it is less important now than getting people informed is. Sailing popularity is more or less dependent on geographic location. I'm sure those that grew up on the water know all about cats, but those such as myself who are more or less inland don't see or hear about them as often.

Then there are things such as cost. Sailing, even old, used boat sailing isn't exactly easy on the pocket. You have to get a boat, drive to a location (don't get me started on gas prices), buy parts, buy gear. I understand this is no different than any other sport but when you talk about sailing your talking about more dough. Then there's those who may want to do it but don't have a license. They are dependant on their parents to get them into it, as well as get them to sailing locations. How long do you think a 13 year old will keep his/her interest in sailing if they only get to go a handful of times a year.

In a way sailing takes much more dedication than many of the more popular sports. Don't get me wrong, I think the dedication in sailors is something all athelets should strive for, but it is far easier to grab your board and go than it is to set up your cat for sailing. I personally wouldn't trade it for anything. I tried skating, but didn't like spending so much time on my butt.

Ultimately I think it relies on people actually seeing cats in action. It's hard to become interested in something you've never seen. Maybe you Cali guys can hook up those kids on The Hills with some cats. J/K.

Wouter as Dictator. Id watch that.

A coliseum setting with pitfalls and booby traps while Wouter oversees everything with his staff providing the thumbs up or down.
Now we are getting somewhere with the outside the box thinking.

I'm a fan of old sayings.
A couple that come to mind are:
If you do what you have always done, you get what you have always gotten.

The other that is more toward the sales and marketing aspect of this is:
It's not who you know, it's who knows you.
It seems that there are just not enough people in the right places that know or care about catamarans.

There are already local programs doing a great job.
How do we get those one hundred kids, or young adults that Jeremy mentioned to seek out their local club or dealer.
I'm thinking SI, ESPN the magazine, People, US, Time

How can we get Hannah Montana on a catamaran?

If I'm being a little mental, it's because we already have a bunch of snow and mine brain may be numb. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

"How can we get Hannah Montana on a catamaran?"

Get Disney on board and watch small catamarans go ballistic... One boat with different graphics...A Hannah Montana Model....A Johnny Tsunami Model...A high School Musical model...A Zach and Coty Model...a Raven Model...the possibilities are endless...LOL

Regards,
Bob

You mean like the Walt Disney World Regatta that was held for a number of years in the mid 70's?:

We are isolated from our communities. We need to join them. This is one good way to do it.

http://www.hospiceregattas.org/

The Hell's Kitchen version of sailing, with Wouter as the Gordon "F-ing" Ramsey of the water <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Get Johnny Depp on a cat, Pirates of the Caribean on cats! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

It seems like this same question gets asked every few months, how to increase sailing's popularity? I think sailing just has too many elements against it to ever be popular with the masses (BMX/Skateboard level).

I've taken my 20 something friends out on my hobie in 20+ knots of wind. They've all had a blast, they said it was fun, they've even asked what it cost for a used boat. None of them have bought a boat.

Sailing is expensive, period. You can go to walmart and buy your kid a cheap bike. He may get made fun of, but he'll still have a bike. How many americans would rather own a used hobie cat over their 52" plasma HD TV?

Sailing is difficult. It's not intuitive and it takes a long time to be confident enough to be able to go out and come back in one piece.

Sailing requires a lot logistically. Unless you live right on the water, sailing requires travel, set-up, and generally is a full day activity minimum. Most people aren't willing to make that kind of commitment. I have a friend who's "an avid skier" I think he skis about 2 or 3 times a year.

I would say, however, that products like the Hobie Wave are probably the best bet towards growing the sport.

sm

Hey Matt,

Is that you holding the trophy???

Mike

I think thats Woot in the stripes.

Nahh . . that kid's too young. I was 16 when that picture was taken.

But I had already been sailing a H-16 for four years. Jeezus, I'm old.

Fast and Fun, see http://www.ussailing.org/multihull/fast&fun.htm

It is still alive and growing in Seattle, and many other locations. You can use your own boats and sailors to put on this free outreach program. Try it, and you will be surprised at the results.

Caleb Tarleton
Sail Sand Point
www.sailsandpoint.org

Time is the problem.

I did not read the enire thread, butt, part of the issue is easy access to water that is big enough to sail on, getting the boat to the water, and the setting up, breaking down, getting back home and then cleaning up.

In todays world, it is hard to fit this in between cheerleading, football, soccer, blah, blah, blah.

I spend 4 -6 hours each weekend at the local field, cutting into my sailing schedule. Sailing is not sustainable for the long haul unless the the "whole family" supports sailing or Yacht Club life.

BMX, skating are readily available and do not take any time or logistics.

My .02

See ya'll at Steeplechase.