I was down on the AC? I really don't remember that. Was it just a particular detail?

The membership issue has always been a problem, historically even here in Area A. The Olympic decision turned a lot of people here on CS off from USSA.

I am a GA member of USSA, and always make a Youth donation, so I'm personally not against joining (I don't like the Olympic decision).

The sticky part for the OA is what to do with the non-conforming boats (not meeting eligibility). It can be considered that having them on the same starting line as the "real" competitors can be unfair to those actually competing for the title (ROW, collisions, etc. could affect the results).

It's somewhat less of an issue if they're in a different start on the same course, because then it's just like any other mixed event. BUT, since these are supposed to be eliminations for a USSA championship, they should be held to a "higher standard", and an argument can be made that this should be conducted on a course free from any other racing. Not to say it can't be combined with another event, just that the racing should be done on separate circles.

I know, the reality is that the numbers are probably not going to support that in most areas, but that's my impression of what is expected.

Mike

Mike, I can't and won't disagree with anything you've said there. Ideally that's the way it should be done. So far I haven't received any complaints about the ineligibles being on the course but it just might be the rope waiting to hang me you never know. I can usually a$$hole up with the best of them but telling someone there is no love for non-members, man that would be tough.

"...telling someone there is no love for non-members, man that would be tough."

That's a perception that needs to change. This is a special event, and has special rules. It's not a typical weekend fun event. It's actually less fair to those who do join to allow this practice (although most would probably not complain).

I know, no good deed goes unpunished...

Mike

No, wrong. You asked me to be honest. I was. There would be no doubt about losing me or not, and that ain't really the point. It is a choice I have to make, Cuba Run vs. my chances of winning my area qualifier. I look at the Cuba Run as an opportunity of a lifetime (item checked off of the 'ole bucket list). I look at my chances of winning the elims a long shot. Additionally, I usually follow through on my commitments.

I plan to be at Steeplechase and Tradewinds, so I would like to hear everyones thoughts on this. The question is, is the Cuba Run going to be the real deal? It does seem like it is not being taken too seriously. . .

I'm guessing that nobody probably knew the date of the Cuba Run when the elim date was picked. My original question was simple, was the Cuba Run date taken into consideration? It was a fair assumption that it might have been an oversite.

Pete, here's the info on the Golden Anchor program, on their web site you can click and join with a credit card.

http://membership.ussailing.org/Membership_Options/Golden_Anchor.htm

I thought there was a way to identify yourself as a multihull sailor via the Golden Anchor program. Was I wrong, again?

Eeeww- Multihull sailor? What is a multihull sailor?