Hello. I wish I was available to comment on your article. As the past local J22 Fleet #19 Captain and current International Technical Committee Chairman for the International J22 class, your article strikes a particular chord with me. I agree with your article, however, there is more of an explanation as to why “our” numbers are down. Joel Labuzetta’s comment holds its weight in water. A majority of our fleet consists of folks in the 30-mid 40 range, all of which are active with their children and their hobbies (i.e., soccer, baseball, sailing, basketball, etc…you get the jist). As parents, we are tasked with choosing our battles and juggling priorities with what would be the right decision and for whom. On top of that, when an event does come to fruition, then comes the daunting task of nailing down shore-side logistics (babysitter) and incurring doubled fees for the weekend. I think what really frosts me and probably others is the “late fee” clubs impose which I’m to believe what causes parents to shift priorities for the weekend. Why is it that clubs can’t “budget” what could be expected? Because Family A couldn’t get a sitter nailed down for the weekend until after the late entry fee deadline, they shouldn’t be penalized for it. A story I constantly repeat is one that I find should be a principle foundation for how local clubs/regattas should be handled if they want numbers up. At the Buffalo Canoe Club on Lake Erie they have hosted a handful of international and national events to have a process patented on how to attract participants. It was a couple of years ago, BCC was hosting a major Laser event. I think it may have been the Canadian Open or something. Kids from all over Canada and US were showing up with their Lasers strapped to the roofs of their parents hand-me-down sedans chomping at the bit to go racing. They’d park their cars, ask for assistance pulling their boats off and walk into the club to register. They were cheerfully greeted by three little old ladies volunteering their time to get them registered. The entire process took all of maybe 10 minutes. When the race participant was registered, the last words from one of the registration volunteers was, “would you like chips with your sandwich?” Yes, on the water lunch was provided for ALL participants sailing. Like football, it’s one day a week for 16 weeks. Much like the success of Wednesday night racing, and in our case in Annapolis our Thursday night series, it’s one night a week to let it all hang out. We have at times had our children out racing J22’s with us on Thursday nights. Our six year old daughter wants to drive every time, all the time. It’s great. Our nine year old son finds enjoyment in raising and lowering sails. Aside from our children growing up learning how to sail Opti’s, our son has a keen interest in sailing the Open Bic. I’m guessing his sister is not far behind as she is a natural in the Opti. I am hoping there will be a resurgence in sailing in our local area as our children get older. Skip Yales instance on exposure to different boats is also the key to the success of sailing. As active sailing/racing parents, we’re working on that, it just takes time, meticulous planning and the right attitude as to not let them get burned out on one thing. I commend your article posted in Scuttlebutt. Hopefully, those that read it will also take the time to express their concerns too. All the best. Cheers! Regards, Todd M. Hiller, P.E. Naval Architect United States Coast Guard Surface Forces Logistics Center ESD-NAME-SFLC-Naval Architecture Section Phone: 410-762-6772 Fax: 410-762-6226 Email: todd.m.hiller@uscg.mil
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