Right from “I have no agenda,” to anti-HCA inflammatory hyperbole, very impressive.




To all: From all the years I’ve been involved, this is where the real issue lies. Generally speaking, HCA leadership truly believes that SMOD is right for the class. Part of this belief lies in the concept that opening the sail rules, etc. ADDS costs and lowers fairness. I know, IWCA (and several others here) feel the direct opposite is true, and this is where the primary issue lies (in my opinion).

Here’s the SMOD argument: It seems very hard to argue that allowing third party sails lowers cost. Maybe for a replacement sail, but definitely not for a new (or like-new) boat. They come with a sail, adding a third party sail to “be more competitive” by definition adds costs, and one could say, turns it into an arms race, not a true test of who’s better on the water.

In any organization, the easiest thing to do is always nothing; keep the status quo. However, the HCA has been recently open to the idea of allowing IWCA rules to see if it will have a positive result on regatta attendance.

One common theme that comes up in discussion is this: Will this help us or hurt us? If we’re going to get ripped apart (verbally, online, etc.) no matter what we do, why should we change our organization to appease the whims of others?

This is what needs to be addressed. Coming out in online rants, refusing to play nicely and attend regattas, etc. does not give the impression that the HCA will be better with you in it.

I really hope no one takes offense to this, because I’m actually trying to help by telling you what the results of your words and actions can be causing.

Mike

I just went back are re read a couple posts and for Karl to get pissed about the 'broad stroke' statements I made about the cost of an F18 and the skill it takes to operate one. I am mystified. I don't care what you say, the cheapest used F18 still costs more than a brand new Wave and most Hobie 16s (not that this statement makes any difference, but just a source of comparison) and so therefore my 'broad statement' about big money (should have said 'relative' big money)pretty much holds true. And as far as inferring that all F18 sailors fall into the 'expert skill' sailing category: I apologize from the bottom of my heart for making that wild and outlandish statement. I am sure that anyone can jump on a Formula 18, and make it go without much experience. The Spin system just looks really simple to operate and doing the WildThing just comes naturally. Whatever.

at the mercy of the Board (guys and girls from all over the region) to dictate what we (HCA) can and can't do..You guys beating Mike and Matt and me into the ground are just shooting the messengers.

So to advance cat sailing we need to dumb it down?

Yes.

Your average Joe doesn't have the $$ or the experience to deal with a spin boat out of the box. Why do you think they use Waves and Getaways at resorts (other than they're indestructible)?

You want more people to play? Keep it simple. Spinnaker boats are not simple.

For rentals maybe for racing, I sure hope not. That's WEAK! I don't have a problem with a wave, I've been thinking of getting one, I just don't think it's the answer to all cat racing. Not even close. It's like saying the Prius is the answer to car racing.

John like Wave. Wave good boat. John like sail Wave with many friend of John. Many pretty girl sail Wave. John like many pretty girl. Wave make pretty girl giggle. More Wave, say John.

How's that for dumbing it down?

John like Wave. Wave good boat. John like sail Wave with many friend of John. Many pretty girl sail Wave. John like many pretty girl. Wave make pretty girl giggle. More Wave, say John.

You know... I think I did join the HCA class.... at Nigel's Spring Fever Regatta years ago and then I was not allowed to join the following year.... something about not owning a Hobie....

I also have a problem with joining a class where my vote is irrelevant. I have this thing about a democratic process.

I don't have a problem with a wave, I've been thinking of getting one, I just don't think it's the answer to all cat racing. Not even close. It's like saying the Prius is the answer to car racing.

Actually, the Wave is a POS compared to what I would call "real" catamarans. I would rank in the Yugo category if you compare Cats to cars.

However, even Yugos would be fun to race if everyone had one. Some of the most successful racing series (cars) are for spec cars...like Spec Miata.

However, even a Yugo would be no fun at all if it had shitty tires, worn out shocks, badly tuned engine and such.

If you let guys tune them up, adjust a few things and get decent rubber, then bring it on.

The Wave is the same way. Decent sail, rudders that aren't both warped in the same direction (lee helm on one tack/weather helm on the other) etc.

We are only asking to be able to fix some of the flaws that don't present themselves in a rental environment.

John like Wave. Wave good boat. John like sail Wave with many friend of John. Many pretty girl sail Wave. John like many pretty girl. Wave make pretty girl giggle. More Wave, say John.

How's that for dumbing it down?