Anyone know where to find information regarding charters for the 2013 F18 Worlds? We would prefer an Infusion, but would consider another option if the price/availability dictates. Please let me know!

I'd call Jack, Greg, or probably Jaques (sp). Its usually handled by a dealer or the importer, but someone at the factory should be able to get you pointed in the right direction.

I've been in touch with Gunnar, but Nacra is a bit busy with the 17s at the moment! Have emails out to the Italian Nacra dealers, we'll see if I hear back. Not completely opposed to an AHPC boat, but have only sailed them a couple times and we know the Infusion much better.

Bundock would probably be the contact for Europe as he and Caroline do the importing for ahpc. I have no clue other than Jacques for Hobie.

I'm sure I've asked this on the forums but can't find the answer using search and google site search. How are the 10 slots (per here: http://www.catsailingnews.com/2013/02/f18-worlds-2013-marina-di-grosseto.html) being allocated to U.S teams? I'm not planning to attend for 2013 but need to prep for a potential run at 2014.

Spots are allocated based on the USF18 rankings:
http://www.naf18.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=115

It's important to note that the rankings are based on results at regattas around the country. To ensure that you have a ranking, make sure your area rep is reporting results to Alex Van Brunt so he can keep the list updated. Best way to make sure you have a good ranking is to sail lots of events, and preferably bigger ones.

Also worth keeping in mind that rankings follow the skipper only, and the skipper name must match the results. So, be careful when registering!

Those rankings appear to be missing at least 2 MAJOR events and pretty heavily favor the NE with their high number of big regattas. Guess I'll be traveling north this summer...

You also have to be member of class for your scores to count. If you were not a member when you sailed a regatta that regatta cannot be used in your ranking. Alex runs a tight program.

Which events are missing? If you have links to the results I can pass them along to Alex. As I said, the area reps need to make sure they report results to Alex so that the rankings can stay current.

It's also worth noting that for an overseas worlds it is likely that not everyone in the top ten of the rankings will want to attend the event. The invite then travels down the list, so if you are motivated and able to attend the event there is a very good chance you will be able to.

Class membership is understood.

I would think results from the U.S based World Championships should count. I understand if they don't because it's a lot of foreign sailors and split fleets etc, but then maybe the 2011 Nationals results should be included since a nationals wasn't held in 2012?
http://www.abyc.org/upload/F18_World_Championship1.html

I would think things like the SE Area F18 Championship Would show up: http://www.twinhulls.com/springfever2012/12results1/

Also other big SE events like Tradewinds, Charlotte Harbor etc.

2011 NAs were included in the 2011 rankings. As fas as the worlds, I think they are not included because of #5:

A skipper may receive USF18 points in an event provided that:
1. The skipper is registered as the skipper of the boat in the event
2. The event is held in the USA, Canada, or both,
3. Event entrants are informed before racing begins that F18s will be scored separately,
4. The event authority requires all competitors competing as F18s to follow the F18 class rules,
5. The event is open to all USF18 members, and
6. The skipper is a full member in good standing of USF18 at the beginning of the event

Because the worlds is a limited entry, invitation event, I don't think it satisfies #5 above, even though for the just completed worlds every boat that wanted to go could. Not sure why more SE events aren't on the list- I see Charlotte Harbor there.

As Jeff has already pointed out the area reps should be submitting them, but there is nothing preventing anyone else from submitting reuults for that matter, so Sam get crackin.

Why don't you guys send over a container?, if you spread the cost over 10-12 boats it must be cheaper than chartering anyway AND you can sail more races than just the Worlds

Unfortunately, an early July worlds means that we would lose our boats for the entire summer. A middle of summer time frame and lack of charter boats shows how little concern there is for NA boats attending the event.

I was able to find one charter option, bit unfortunately it is looking more likely that the cost will be too high for a couple grad students to attend.

I tried all my guys and nobody is into it. I think there should be a requirement for the organiser to arrange access to charter boats at a realistic cost.

Macca, I really appreciate the help. I haven't given up yet, but 2500 euro for a charter is probably beyond what I can pull off this year. Thinking it might be better to save up this year and try for Ireland.

dude, I love Ireland, but a worlds there is not going to be one to break the bank to attend!!!

tuscanny is awesome!! but at 2500 charter its really expensive! save some bucks or get a few mates together and you can charter a GC32 between you and have more fun!

If you are really desperate you can always borrow my 2005 Tiger but I think you are probably looking for something a bit faster

Having a mandatory quota of charters boats would be ideal but I dont see how you could enforce that, neither the hosting clubs/F18-Org own any boats themselves.
One option would be to spread the cost over all competitors by raising entry fees.

There was a mandatory quota of charter boats for the Long Beach Worlds- the enforcement was the international class saying it would take away hosting rights if the quota was not met. This was only put in place for last year's worlds, no such quota exists for a European worlds...