Hobie 16 membership survey

I urge every HCA member and our friends from other IHCA regions, to take this quick survey on a critically important issue the IHCA is grappling with ... whether or not to introduce a spinnaker into the Hobie 16 Class Rules.

People who have tried this add-on accessory (approximately $1500 USD) from Hobie Cat Europe have mostly agreed that it is a lot of fun. Apparently quite popular in Europe, the Hobie 16 spinnaker is seen as 'modernizing' the Hobie 16. On the other side, many IHCA members are very concerned about the impact this would have on the future of the Hobie 16 class. Would it divide the world's largest and most successful catamaran class into two less effective classes, perhaps even leading to the demise of both? Does it negate the attractiveness of the Hobie 16 as a widely available (worldwide) starter cat for all age groups, easily affordable by everyone due to the numerous excellent condition boats on the market? Will it further fragment our regattas and focus by creating two smaller classes? If the spinnaker becomes part of the class rules, then the Hobie 16 class will either be split into two classes or Hobie 16 events (youth, women, masters and/or open) would allow the spinnaker.

The HCA officers, and ultimately the entire IHCA Council, need to hear what you the sailors and class members really think about this issue. At the upcoming IHCA AGM (Annual General Meeting) on 1 November, this will be a crucial topic on the agenda. The HCA Executive has developed the following survey to get the opinions of the members of the HCA and other regions in regards to changing the Hobie 16 class rules to include a spinnaker. To help make sure we receive only one ballot form each member, please include your name, the region you live in, and your region membership number. We will not be able to count any survey without this information.

Ed Muns
HCA Chair

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