That sounds like an excellent idea. And since Will was the winner of the first midwinter regatta, he has the responsibility of doing the write-up. Let's see......it now has been almost two weeks so he is now bumped out of his first and now the second place boat gets moved up to a first. Who was it that took second in that race???? I can't seem to remember, let me check the results. :)

Seriously though, this does sound like a good idea. The more interaction and motivation we can get, the better for the fleet.

For those who are not aware, we have implemented a new element for the regular season as well. Each regatta has a designated "coordinator/cheerleader". It is that person's responsibility to gather and distribute the race documentation, as well as, promote the event and get as many boats out as possible. This might include, but is not limited to, getting a sponsored keg for after the racing, or whatever that person can think of that will encourage participation. The idea is to make it so much fun that everyone will want to come out and play! Anyone wishing to volunteer for this position for a specific event, please let me know. A few have already stepped forward and are designated on the website under the event.

-Jason 

:: Jason --
::
:: I do agree that we have been lax in publicizing the boat
:: and our season. I case in point is the last latitude, it
:: mentioned the express class in its one-design coverage,
:: but did not feature the class with the typical
:: head-shott of the winner, etc.
::
:: We do need to do more of that... As Poobah, I should
:: have probably been contacting latitude every month to
:: feed them some stuff. I will sign up to do more of
:: that.... but, I rather like the tradition that we used
:: to have, where the winner of a regatta had to put
:: together a writeup of the conquest... that was a good
:: policy.
::
:: I think we should put some teeth into it -- the winner
:: fails to post a story within one week of the victory his
:: season scoring gets dinged one place :-). Rules and
:: traditions without some kind of enforcement mechanism
:: don't last long....
::
:: Mark
::
:: :: Jason:
:: ::
:: :: Seems like if you want to increase participation you
:: :: need a publicity champion. Someone needs to write up the
:: :: results of every event (social portion
:: :: included/featured) and send them out to publications
:: :: targeting the region you want to grow. I just finished
:: :: reading an article in 'Sail' magazine that was written
:: :: by Kimball Livingston that featured Moore 24s.
:: ::
:: :: The things that make a class popular are:
:: ::
:: :: 1) A boat is fun to sail. (Slam dunk with the Express!)
:: ::
:: :: 2) Affordability. I think we're covered here.
:: ::
:: :: 3) An active, fun class. I think this is likely where
:: :: the Moore 24s have excelled. It's a perception that's
:: :: fueled by information. Hence the need for a tireless
:: :: publicist. People need to KNOW they're missing out on
:: :: great times on a fun, affordable boat, and there's no
:: :: way to do that other than press. It's a never ending
:: :: job, but it's the only thing the works.
:: ::
:: :: ::
:: :: :: I am looking to move off the weight issue and see if
:: :: :: anyone has any other suggestions to increase
:: :: :: participation.
:: :: ::
:: :: :: Anyone????