While we're discussing Catfest, does anybody have a preference on how fleets/starts are broken down? That is, would you like to race one-design with a separate start for your class, one-design with combined starts, or handicap with mixed fleet(s)?

I ask, because my personal preference is combined starts or handicap. I suspect that's unusual. Isotopes typically put around 12 boats on the line at club racing, so traveling to race in a fleet of 5 doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I view away regattas as a chance to mix it up with other designs, and that's what I'm hoping for at Catfest. For example, a Hobie 16 and a 2-up Isotope have close portsmouth numbers. Likewise, Hobie 17s, 18s, and 1-up Isotopes have close ratings. I'd be more than happy to start with, or even race handicap with those boats (and the Wave too) - even if enough Isotopes were present to make a one-design fleet.

Is that heresy, or does anybody else feel the same way?

Regards,
Eric

While we're discussing Catfest, does anybody have a preference on how fleets/starts are broken down? That is, would you like to race one-design with a separate start for your class, one-design with combined starts, or handicap with mixed fleet(s)?

I ask, because my personal preference is combined starts or handicap. I suspect that's unusual. Isotopes typically put around 12 boats on the line at club racing, so traveling to race in a fleet of 5 doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I view away regattas as a chance to mix it up with other designs, and that's what I'm hoping for at Catfest. For example, a Hobie 16 and a 2-up Isotope have close portsmouth numbers. Likewise, Hobie 17s, 18s, and 1-up Isotopes have close ratings. I'd be more than happy to start with, or even race handicap with those boats (and the Wave too) - even if enough Isotopes were present to make a one-design fleet.

Is that heresy, or does anybody else feel the same way?

Regards,
Eric

35 boats registered so far

37 now.

I spotted an Isotope heading west on 64 near Tarboro NC Monday afternoon. Tow vehicle was a white Escalade. Anyone know who it was and if they are going to Catfest?

Deja Vu ... Shades of Wine and Roses

It's all about expectations... what does the NOR say?

If it doesn't ... perhaps the OA should resolve the class splits now and announce them before you get in the car and drive!

Sorry Jake... I think when you say... well... if 5 boats show up then they should get their own start.... begs the question... what happens to the oddball who would have competed against the 5 boats, traveled, paid and is now in a non competitive class. It really is too late to decide this sort of thing at the skippers meeting.

Put in the NOR... or have the OA make their best guess at attendance, declare the class splits and let the racers know ahead of time.