of the event sponsor(s) as required by the Organizing Committee. ENTRIES Entries shall be made on the Official Entry Form (available at www.hca-na.org or from the address below) only and returned with registration fees and proof of insurance to: 2007 /20 NA Championship c/o Mary Ann Hess 262 Monte Vista Drive Napa, CA 94559 USA

ENTRY FEES Early Registration $350.00 (USD) Received After June 15, 2007 $400.00 (USD) On-Site $425.00 (USD) Registration fees are non-refundable. Make checks payable to 2007 Hobie 16/20 North American Championships. Credit card payments will not be accepted for this event. Returned checks will be subject to a $50.00 (USD) processing fee.

EQUIPMENT All boats will be weighed and inspected prior to competing. It is the responsibility of each skipper to have their boat weighed and inspected. A limited number of boats will be available for charter. Contact Paul Hess at (707) 252-8410.

INSURANCE Each Competitor must show proof of Liability Insurance with a minimum coverage in the amount of $100,000.00 (USD) with valid coverage for organized racing in the United States.

ON SITE REGISTRATION AND BOAT INSPECTION The Registration Office and Weigh Station will be open as follows: Saturday, July 28 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sunday, July 29 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM NOTICE OF RACE Monday, July 30 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM 2007 HOBIE 16 AND 20 NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHEDULE OF RACES JULY 30 – AUGUST 3, 2007 July 29 TBA Practice Races VENUE July 30 9:30 AM Competitor Meeting Robert Memorial Beach, Alameda, CA. July 30 11:00 AM First Signal July 31 – Aug 3 Schedule to be announced ORGANIZING AUTHORITY HCA Division 3 in conjunction with the Hobie Class SCORING SYSTEM Association of North America (HCA-NA) and the IHCA The low point scoring system will apply; ISAF RRS Appendix A and IHCA Class Rule 22 RULES The event will be governed by the ISAF Racing Rules of INSTRUCTIONS Sailing (RRS), as prescribed by US SAILING, the 2007 IHCA The Sailing Instructions will be made available at registration. Class Rules and this Notice of Race except as modified by the Sailing Instructions. RRS 44.1 and 44.2 (Alternative PRIZES Penalties) will be changed so that only one turn, including Awards will be presented to the top five finishers in each class at a minimum. The one tack and one jibe, is required. overall winners will be declared the 2007 Hobie 16 and 20 North American Champions. ELIGIBILITY The ISAF Competitors’ Eligibility Code applies (ISAF ACCOMMODATIONS Regulation 19). Both crew members must be paid members The host hotel for the event is the Coral Reef Inn and Suites, located of the Hobie Class Association of North America (or other approximately 1½ miles from the race site: 400 Park Street, Alameda, CA 94501 National Hobie Class Association) and their MNA (US (800)444-6835, ask for Rico to get special rate of $89 /night. SAILING, CYA, Federacion Mexicana de Vela, etc.). There will be no overnight RV parking at the race site, but plenty of parking on a ADVERTISING CATEGORY day use basis. We are currently arranging a secure site for RVs nearby. Check the This event shall rank as a Category C event in accordance web site or contact the event chair for the latest information with ISAF Regulation 20. The boats shall display advertising ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Website: www.hca-na.org Event Chair: Michael Valenta [email protected] 925-743-0156 seeyouonthewater

If it Ain’t Broke, Don't Fix It

hanks to Mike Madge for the informative interview with IHCA President Colin Whitehead in this issue of T the HOTLINE. Colin’s story is a fantastic example of how family-oriented the Hobie class is and will hopefully remain for decades to come. The Official Publication of the Hobie It is apparent from Colin’s last comment that the Hobie 16 Class Association of North America spinnaker debate is still ongoing. Colin has asked all the IHCA Regions to poll their MAR – APR 2007 membership in regards to allowing spinnakers in open Hobie 16 class racing. The VOLUME 36, NUMBER 2 HCA-NA conducted such a poll in 2005 and published the results in the Jan/Feb 2006 HOTLINE. An overwhelming 85.8% of you were against this initiative. We Officers Chair Membership Chair received many thoughtful responses and I’d like to share some that expressed why Bob Merrick Tara Ames people voted the way they did: 1st Vice Chair Secretary Phil Collins Kathy Ward 2nd Vice Chair Treasurer “The beauty of the 16 is its simplicity and ease of sailing. When you’re ready for more com- Chris Wessels Steve Reese plicated sailing, get a bigger boat. Don’t ruin a great boat and class this way.” - Tom Youth Program Dir. Race Director Mimi Appel Paul Ulibarri “I would not want to show up at a regatta, and end up going back home because all the 16s HOTLINE Staff were racing with spinnakers.” - Teri Editor Contributors Matt Bounds Mimi Appel Mike Madge Cover Matt Miller “Adding the spinnaker is not just about the initial cost of retrofitting the 16. It will be a Photo by Rich McVeigh much more expensive boat to race competitively. Take this from someone who buys two new Steve Billups Bob Merrick Chris Wessels spinnakers a year. If you want to race with a spinnaker, buy a Tiger.” - Olli Review Committee Laurie Bounds Theresa White “Two of my crews last year were youths on the 16 for the first time. They had their hands Cindy Phipps full, but left the regatta feeling good about themselves and wanting to do it again. This Matt Miller would never happen with a spinnaker and would end up with a couple of very frustrated and intimidated newcomers.” - Slim

The Hobie Class Association HOTLINE is the offi- cial publication of the Hobie Class Association of “In 20 years of sailing the 16 in the USA, I have never heard someone say, they wished the North America (HCANA). Contents © 2007 HCANA. All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or in part 16 had a spinnaker.” - Pat without permission is prohibited. It is distributed six times a year to HCANA Members. Its goal is to keep the North American Region informed of the business of the Class Association. Questions and suggestions “A spinnaker will definitely fragment the class and fragmenting the class might even cause should be directed to the address below. The HCANA is proud to be a member of the United States Sailing its death. The Hobie 18 Magnum and Hobie 18 SX definitely fragmented the H-18 and Association (US SAILING). definitely hastened its death.” - Sean The purpose of the Hobie Class Association of North America is to establish and promote the highest standards of sailing/racing in its geographic boundaries in collaboration with the National and We will not conduct a new poll on this issue, but we would still like to hear your International sailing authorities. opinions. We want to accurately represent the North American Region’s position at HOBIE CLASS ASSOCIATION HOTLINE Matthew P. Bounds, Editor 3798 Damas Dr. the 2007 IHCA AGM in Fiji. Please send me your thoughts via e-mail. Commerce Township, MI 48382 [email protected]

The name Hobie Cat®, and the “flying H” logo are See you on the water, used by permission and are registered and li- censed trademarks of the Hobie Cat Company, Bob Merrick P.O. Box 1008, Oceanside, CA 92051. [email protected] HOBIE CLASS mar / apr 2007 contents

features 12 What’s My Line Lines, halyards, rode, rope, painters … Is a rope a rope?

15 The Ultimate Sail Pattern Guide Part 2 – and Hobie 20

20 Trailer Troubles 1 Mile Ahead Give Your Trailer a Little Love

24 Personal Profile IHCA President Colin Whitehead

12 15 photo / illustration Cover – Steve Billups credits See You on the Water – Stuart Crabbe Contents – Greg Thomas, Mick Minette, Jim Wood, Colin Whitehead Hobie History – Hobie Cat USA / Hobie HOTLINE Just in off the Wire – IHCA, Alan Aplin, Rick Buchanan Youth Program – Mimi Appel What’s My Line – Greg Thomas, Layline, Annapolis Performance Sailing Sail Pattern Guide – Hobie HOTLINE, Hobie Cat USA Trailer Troubles – Reader’s Digest, Matt Bounds, Stuart Crabbe Colin Whitehead Interview – Pierrick Contin Youth Program Grants – Mike Walker Hobie’s Profiles – Teresa Dailey , Don Atchley

2 MAR / APR 2007 ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA

6 Hobie History columns 15, 25 and 35 Years Ago

8 Just In Off the Wire Late Breaking News and Notes

10 Youth Program Yout’s on the Move

20 24

resources 4 2007 Regatta Schedule

29 HCANA Officers and Council Members

30 Youth Program Grants

31 2007 HCA / US Sailing Membership Applications

on the cover The Kaleidoscope of Colors – Hobie 17s head downwind at the 2005 North American Championships. Photo by Steve Billups www.hca-na.org 3 2007regattaschedule

World Championships www.hobieworlds.com Area Championships Hobie 16 Oct 9–19, 2007 Fiji Midwinter’s East Mar 10–11 Panama City, FL www.hca-na.org /Dragoon Mar 3–8, 2008 Langebaan, South Africa North Central May 19–20 Clear Lake, IA www.division7.org Madcatter May 18–20 Syracuse, NY www.fleet204.com Mid Americas July 7–9 Lake Texoma, TX www.hca-na.org North American Championships www.hca-na.org H-14, H-16 Women / Youth July 20–22 Geneva, NY Hobie 17 / Hobie 18 July 23–27 Geneva, NY Other Events Hobie 16 / Hobie 20 Jul 30 –Aug 3 Alameda, CA ISAF Youth Worlds July 12-21 Kingston, CAN Pan Am Games Hobie 16 July 13-29 Rio de Janerio, BRA F-18 North Americans October 8–12 Galveston, Texas

HCA Sanctioned Division Regattas Division 2—Southern CA / AZ / NV Division 4—Pacific Northwest www.hobiedivision2.com www.div4.hobieclass.com

Division 5—Mountain States www.hobiediv5.org

Division 3—Northern CA www.hobie3.org

The following divisions do not have sanctioned regattas or have not submitted their schedules for 2007: Division 6—South TX, Eastern LA Contact: Chris Green–281•352•1325, [email protected] Division 8—South Florida Contact: Bob Johnson –813•960•1937, [email protected] Division 9—Southern Atlantic www.hobiediv9.org Contact: Loyd Graves–919•787•0222, [email protected] Division 12—New England www.hobie-div12.org Contact: Dave Heroux –401•647•3203, [email protected]

4 MAR / APR 2007 Division 7—Prairie States Division 13—Mexico/Caribbean/Central America www.hobiecatdivision7.org Contact: Alfredo Figueroa–[email protected]

Division 10—Great Lakes / Midwest www.HCADivision10.com

Division 11—Mid-Atlantic www.div11.hobieclass.com

Division 15—FL Panhandle, E. LA, AL, MS, W. TN Division 14—N. TX, OK, AR, S. KS Contact Scott Beach - [email protected] www.div14.hobieclass.com

Division 16—Upstate NY, Ontario www.nahca-div16.org

www.hca-na.org 5 hobiehistory 15, 25 & 35 Years Ago 1972 In the Jan/Feb Hobie History, we ran a photo of Wayne Schafer and his crew at the awards for the 1972 Catch 22 Regatta. We mis- identified the person at left in the picture as Van Bagley, when in fact, it is Keith Fuller.

Keith was the first Race Director for the Hobie Class and was never far from his bullhorn (see below). Check out that 2-way radio!

à The may have started out as a line drawing in the sand, but the real shape of Hobie Cats up to and including the Hobie 17 was the handiwork of Phil Edwards, shown above driving a 16 with his wife, Mary. Hobie Alter relied on Phil’s mastery of shaping surfboards to create the distinctive hull shapes of his creations.

à A real shortcoming in the first Hobie 14s and 16s was the design of the main traveller. This diagram, from the Mar/Apr 1972 HOTLINE, shows what would eventually be the traveller system adopted for nearly all beach cats, not just Hobies. 1982

 By 1982, sailors (and manufacturers) were searching for a safer alternative to the traditional trapeze hook. One innovation that is still in use today is the ball and socket trapeze hook.

à Jeff Alter (back to camera) continues to promote his sportwear company. However, the remarkable thing about this ad is the Hobie Cat in the background. It’s the first recorded sighting of the new, multicolored (prism) sailcloth.

6 MAR / APR 2007 1982

 1982 must have been the year that Hobie sailors were having problems keeping up their pants, with all the belt buckle ads and give-aways.

Here’s yet another ad for a Hobie belt.

à Paul Ulibarri - Male Model?! Yes, our Race Director participated in a photo shoot on Lake Lopez back in 1982. Sporting the latest Hobie spray gear (and a lot more hair), PU flies a hull for the camera. 1992

Á More high-end  The best thing ads from the to happen to tiller HOTLINE - connectors since Marine figures that they were invented. there are enough The Hobie 20 style older Hobie sailors tiller connector is that want to sail introduced. something a little dryer and more comfortable than a Hobie 16.

Ä As true as it was in 1992 – the proper way to read the tell-tales on your , from an article on Hobie 16 tuning.

www.hca-na.org 7 justinoffthewire Late Breaking News and Notes

Class Rule Change Class Rule Change Proposal - Hobie Tiger Proposal - Hobie 14 For years, the manufacturer Hobie Cat has submit- tion would require tooling mold (Hobie Cat Europe) has wanted to ted a request pursuant to that of modifications in order to allow for change the bridle tang fitting. First some Hobie 14 sailors, mainly from attachment to the deck. During of all it is very heavy and time Germany, to move the attachment production of then new hull, consuming to install with the Tiger of the shroud from the sidebar to additional glass reinforcement hull. Secondly, the fitting requires a the hull glue seam (similar to the would be laminated in both hull cut-out of the deck plate and Hobie 16) on the production of and deck in order to protect from finishing has always been an issue. new Hobie Cat 14s. The shroud additional strain on the glue seam, Hobie Cat Europe would like the presently attaches to the sidebar prior to hull and deck being association to kindly consider the with a stainless steel chain plate bonded together. The proposed change in the fitting as being a and rivets, which with time, causes change is foreseen to be class legal small upgrade, in the spirit of corrosion of the aluminium sidebar, on new boats/hulls manufactured keeping the Tiger as high quality as resulting in eventual failure of the from 2007 and onwards under possible. The proposed change is sidebar. Attaching the shroud to provision of IHCA and ISAF foreseen to be class legal on 2007 the hull glue seam, as in the Hobie approval. production boats/hulls and 16, would result in a stronger onwards under provision of IHCA connection and corrosion would Hobie Cat Halts and ISAF approval. not be a factor. Design modifica- Production of Hobie 17 Hobie Cat Co. Announcement: Hobie Cat has once again been forced to reevaluate the viability of continuing to build the Hobie 17 SE and Hobie 17 Sport. As many of you will recall, we announced in October of 2003 that we would no longer build these boats. In February of 2004, as a gesture to support new representation in the Hobie Class Association and their planned push to increase the size of the fleet, we reinstated the Hobie (Above) The current Tiger bridle attachment point 17. Despite their best efforts, we

(Left) The proposed Tiger bridle attachment point sold very few Hobie 17s in the ensuing years, and, of the few boats we sold, most were Hobie 17 Sports not sold to class racers.

8 MAR / APR 2007 Because it is not economically Hobie Class Now Offers viable for us to continue to build Online Membership the Hobie 17 Special Editions and After several weeks of testing, Hobie 17 Sports, we will no longer the HCA-NA is pleased to offer its be able to supply these boats. members the opportunity to join or For the foreseeable future, we renew their membership via the will have a reasonable inventory of Internet. A link is available off the replacement parts to support boats HCA-NA.org web site, or you can in the field. We appreciate your go directly to: support of the Hobie 17 products through the years and value your www.hca-na.net/registration/ continued business. MembershipForm.php

According to Hobie Cat Not only is this a great conve- representatives, a great limiting nience for our members and regatta factor in the continued production organizers (you can sign up was the availability of crossbar members directly as long as you extrusions. The H-17 uses a thin- have an Internet connection), but it walled oval extrusion for its greatly streamlines the membership crossbars that is not used on any process. travelling to Fiji for the Hobie 16 other model. The most recent Worlds this fall. Contact Steve at: production run was completed with 2007 Hobie 16 Worlds www.infocuspromo.com crossbars from Hobie Cat Europe, October 9–19, Fiji 562-856-7774 which ceased production of the H- Steve Leo has organized several [email protected] 17 several years ago. travel packages for individuals penaltyturns

In the Jan/Feb HOTLINE, we Also in that issue, the picture in misspelled the name of one of our the middle of page 27 was taken by photo contest participants. The Rick Buchanan, not Brian Joder. correct credit for the photo below The course board is Rick’s design, goes to Alan Aplin. too. It was designed to use in powerboat rod holders or to clip onto the lifelines of a . It even has a tube welded on the upwind side to accommodate a class flag (this frees up an extra hand for a few minutes during the start sequence). This was designed to have a class flag flown directly over the course for the class in their starting sequence. RICK BUCHANAN www.hca-na.org 9 youthprogram Yout’s on the Move Who’s Who in the Hobie Youth Scene

by Mimi Appel, HCA Youth Program Chair

006 was a busy season for Congratulations to: Brighton Sailing Team to sail the Hobie Class Associa- Jordan and Justin Ashley, Clay, NY Hobie Cats at least once and they 2tion’s Youth racers. We Marie Appel, Marcellus, NY have all had a great time. They all crowned a new championship Sam Ingham, Rochester, NY. want one!” team, H-16 skipper Tyler Myers Erin Laporta, Coatsville, PA Teens and juniors that plan on and crew Ryan Mazzeo. We also Erin McNeill, Toronto, Ontario. attending the 2007 Hobie 16 awarded eight Youth Grants. Mike Siau. Bycayne Park, FL Youth Championships, July 20-22, The 2006 Hobie 16 Youth These teenagers secured grants in Geneva, NY, should submit Championships at Sandy Hook from the Class Association. The grant requests early. West coast Beach Cat Club in the Atlantic purpose of the Youth Grant sailors can use the money to help Highlands of New Jersey was a Program is to assist junior and pay for plane fare. Juniors that are huge success. Sixteen teams youth sailors in attending champi- considering the 16 Worlds in Fiji, participated in nine races, over onship Hobie Cat events. The or any other major event, should three days. Event organizer, Kathy grants are made possible from the plan to make a HCA Youth Grant Kulkoski, and her crew of volun- generous donations from the class work for them! Requirements for teers, did an excellent job. Every- membership. the grant are on the Class website one had a great time. Thanks to The teens are thrilled with the and are continually posted in the Mini Cooper USA for their vote of confidence the class has HOTLINE. If you have any sponsorship. demonstrated. The letters they questions, direct them to Laura 2006 Youth event PRO write are full of exceptional reasons Sullivan at [email protected] Santorelli excelled at safely why Hobie racing is popular or [email protected]. running races in-between thunder among the youth: “As a member of In wrapping up 2006, some and storms. Personally, as the Hobie Cat Association for a information from the Youth Report a parent and Class Youth Director, number of years, I have gained to the Board of Directors should be I would like to publicly thank many life long friendships, and repeated for the general Mark. He is an extremely profes- learned the sport of sailing, not membership…”While we spend sional Race Officer, and he keeps only from experience but from the countless hours trying to encourage the human element a huge priority. other members of the Association,” and promote Youth Hobie racing, At the 2003 Youth Championships says Erin McNeill from Canada. the pace that our numbers are in Rehoboth, Delaware, I was very Erin Laporta, from Pennsylvania, growing cannot discourage us. worried about the higher winds in Division 11 competes “because I Teenage children of the new and the kids’ ability. Mark’s am very passionate about sailing.” millennium are incredible over comment was “I’ll treat all of them Sam Ingham, a New York State achievers that are being driven to as if they were my own daughter.” Champion, is practically achieve perfection. Not only are When Mark is in charge, safety is forming his own fleet! “So far, I they expected to be honor students, truly no accident. have brought everyone from the but most compete in full time 10 MAR / APR 2007 2006 Hobie 16 Youth Champions Tyler Myers and Ryan Mazzeo

Tyler Myers is 17 and a senior at Tyler’s crew is Ryan Mazzeo. you concentrate and strategize Ocean City High School in Ocean He is 16 and a sophomore also at constantly or do you go with the City, NJ. He has been racing with Ocean City High School. In flow? his father, Wally, a multiple time addition to racing Hobies, Ryan is Tyler Myers: When I am sailing, I North American 16 and Hobie 17 on the school track team. need to be thinking of tactics and Champion, since the age of 10. Teenagers Katie and Marie not only watch what is going on, Together they have been Division Appel recently conducted an e- but think ahead. I pay attention to 11 Points H-16 Champions for mail interview with Tyler and how the boat is feeling and I watch many years. In 2001 they won the Ryan: the wind. 16 North Americans in Monterey, Katie Appel : How did you prepare Ryan Mazzeo: During the races, I California, making Tyler the for the event? would wait for directions from youngest National Champion, and Tyler Myers: I practiced sailing off Tyler as well as acting on my own Wally the oldest. the beach in Ocean City a few for sail trim and body placement on In 2006, Tyler started skipper- times with my crew Ryan. We the boat. We would talk tactics ing his own boat. He is a US discussed tactics prior to and during the race which allowed us to Sailing Level 1 instructor and has during the event. I also got advice work as a team. been teaching at the local Hobie from my dad and other A fleet Katie Appel: How does the dealer for three years. skippers. aftermath feel? Did it change you? Tyler has been accepted to Ryan Mazzeo: I prepared by Tyler Myers: After the event, I felt Champlain College in Burlington, getting a lot of sleep prior to the very proud of myself. There were Vermont. Plans to study Video event. Tyler and I had some some very good youth sailors that I Game Concept Design. He hoped practice sessions off the beach in had to compete against. It made to find a school with a sailing Ocean City and we would talk me more confident in my sailing. program, but few schools have this about strategies and tactics. Ryan Mazzeo: I also felt proud of field of study. He is looking Marie Appel: What do you think the accomplishment. It made me forward to racing keel boats on about when you are racing? Do enjoy sailing more. Lake Champlain and has looked into instructing while in college.

Youth Program Continues from page 10: sports, clubs, etc. The competition for kids’ time is intense. I strongly feel that the Hobie Classes largest asset is the high priority we set on FUN. Low-pressure racing, camping and bonus land activities (hacky- sack, card and board games, Ultimate Frisbee, s’mores at a campfire) is huge. The racing (the Class Assoc.) brings them together, the all around fun keeps them coming back.”

See you on the water in 2007! www.hca-na.org 11 feature What’s My Line? Lines, halyards, rode, rope, painters … Is a rope a rope? By Rich McVeigh and Matt Bounds

o you need some new line for your boat. What and their general uses. Some of these fibers are so should you get? If you have shopped for line much stronger than even the early synthetic fibers, that S lately, you noticed that your choices are vast. it is possible to aggressively downsize the line diameter There are many manufacturers making cordage for for a particular application. sailing applications and each one produces different Line Anatomy 102 – Properties types of line to meet a variety of applications. There Stretch, creep, break strength, ultraviolet (UV) light are a dizzying array of choices. resistance, water absorption and abrasion resistance are Manufacturers design lines for properties by which fibers are categorized. When a specific applications. Using a line line stretches under load, it will return to its original in the wrong application at best, length when the load is removed (think of a rubber will result in poor performance; at band). Stretching absorbs energy and a stretchy fiber worst, will result in catastrophic like nylon is perfect for dock and anchor lines. Creep failure. For example, dock lines are is related to stretching, but the line does not return to designed to stretch, allowing the its original length when the load is removed. Fibers line to absorb wave energy and like Dyneema and Spectra will creep initially, and then shielding cleats from shock loads. stop. This is called “strain hardening” as the long Halyard lines are designed to have molecules in the fiber stretch out and line up. Breaking minimal stretch and high strength strength is a rating for a given line diameter and is to hold up a highly loaded sail. Mix listed in most catalogs. These are rated capacities for them up, and you’ll have trouble. new line under ideal conditions with no turns or knots. This article is an attempt to A knot in a line reduces the strength rating by as much explain some of the most common as 50%. UV resistance relates to the fibers ability to GREG THOMAS line options. It is important to note withstand the damaging rays of the sun without losing Hobie Tigers are notorious for having a rat’s that many of these choices are strength. Zylon PBO, despite its incredible strength, is nest of control lines personal preference. In many cases, so UV sensitive that spools must be kept covered in multiple options are available for a given application, storage. UV sensitive fibers must have a protective but there is a balance between cost, durability, and jacket or cover when used in the weather. Water performance. absorption is generally an undesirable attribute of line Line Anatomy 101 – Fibers on a small sailboat (extra weight). However, a wet, Thanks to modern chemistry, all of today’s lines are heavy Dacron mainsheet will resist washing off the made of synthetic (man-made) fibers. They are back of the trampoline in a breeze. Abrasion resistance stronger, lighter and generally more weather resistant will prevent lines from chafing. You can judge how than their natural predecessors. However, each has its abrasion resistant a line is when you cut it with a knife. own characteristics and mechanical properties, which If you’ve ever tried to cut Kevlar fibers, you’ll know suit them for different purposes. Table 1 summarizes immediately how tough and abrasion resistant they the most common fibers used today, their properties are. 12 MAR / APR 2007 Line Anatomy 103 – Construction flexibility and a good hand feel. Stretch is usually not Lines for small generally come in two much of a concern, since the sheets are constantly flavors - single braid and double braid. Double braid moving. Halyards hoist the sails and, with the excep- lines have two layers, a core and a cover. Typically, the tion of spinnaker halyards, are rarely handled on the core carries the load while the cover or jacket provides water. Stretch is a major concern, since these lines are that grippy outer layer. The cover may provide UV under high load and usually set once. Control Lines are protection for the core fibers. Single braids are just all the other little lines that control the shape of the that - they only have one layer. They can be loose, like sails - downhaul, outhaul, mast rotator, barber hauler, a cover without its core, or tight, like a core without its and jib traveller controls. They are handled intermit- cover. Because of their good UV tently and have a variety of property requirements. resistance and high strength, Dyneema Table 2 summarizes a selection of lines currently and Spectra are often found in single available from the major manufacturers and their braid lines. typical applications. To further complicate matters, a Lines for Sheets manufacturer will often blend the fibers Main sheets require a flexible line that is easy to in cores and covers to take advantage of hold and runs freely through blocks. For years, the

Double braid the different properties of the fibers. A choice was a fuzzy finish polyester double braid line, construction classic example of this is Maffioli like Samson’s Trophy Braid. This was standard on Swiftcord. It takes advantage of the low stretch of most Hobie Cat products for many years. This line Dyneema, interwoven with Cordura. This offsets the had great hand feel, but soaked up a lot of water. waxy feel of Dyneema, giving the line a more comfort- Hobie Cat now equips the Hobie 16 with Excel able feel and grip. Marstron main and jib sheets. Excel Marstron is Most modern single and double braid lines can be polypropylene, reasonably priced, very lightweight and easily spliced. As mentioned above, knots severely will not absorb water. However, polypropylene is not reduce the breaking strength of line. You can get a set as durable as polyester. An alternative is Yale Light, a of splicing tools (fids and a pusher) from your Hobie non-water absorbing line that has a polypropylene dealer or West Marine. Splicing instructions for all cover and a Dyneema core. The Dyneema provides types of line are available from most of the manufac- strength and low stretch while the polypropylene cover turers’ web sites. has a nice, slightly fuzzy jacket to hold. Applications In the last few years, a completely new type of The lines on small catamarans fall into three basic composite braided line has appeared. Manufacturers categories. Sheets control the trim of the sails and are blended Dyneema, polyester and Cordura to create a handled almost continuously, placing a premium on new and unique category of line. These include the

Table 1 Fiber Types and Properties

www.hca-na.org 13 very popular Maffioli’s Swiftcord and New Swift; New halyard inside the mast track and too thick of a line England Ropes Salsa and Bzzz Line; Yale Conception will not work. If it’s too thin, the line will “sneak out” and Samson Apex lines. These lines have a unique feel between the track and the sail’s bolt rope. and are very limp – almost like boiled spaghetti. They The jib halyard systems vary amongst the different are exceptionally free running. They also are very soft boats but none is more critical than on the Hobie 16. on the hands, extremely light and do not absorb water. The Australian halyard system sold on the boats now Durability is better than polypropylene, but not quite requires special attention. For years, Hobie Cat as good as polyester. provided the new boats with a moderately low stretch Another unique line choice is line from Ropes. Some people liked this line Rooster Rope. Rooster is now the but many racers thought it was too stretchy. The choice for a mainsheet. Australian halyard system uses more line, which is Rooster is a composite line that has under high load. In this application, you want as little minimal water absorption and is stretch as possible. If you use a stretchy line, your mast designed to be tangle free. This line rake will vary depending on the mainsheet tension. is a polyester covered double braid Currently, Hobie Cat equips the Hobie 16 with where the cover is very tightly Marlow Excel D12, a 12-strand Dyneema single braid bound to the core. The line has line as the jib halyard. An aftermarket alternative is a great longevity and nice feel. It is double braid Vectran or Dyneema line, such as New unusual in that the cover is the load England V100. The advantage of the double braid is bearing part of the line. that the line is less susceptible to wear from abrasion When deciding on a new main and is more UV resistant. Which is best? The jury is The “New Kids” on the mainsheet block (from sheet, line size is also an important still out, but either single braid or double braid Vectran top): Maffioli Swiftcord, Yale Conception, New consideration. The mainsheet or Dyneema appear to be the best choices for the England Ropes Bzzz Line and Salsa Line. blocks on the Hobie 16 are smaller Hobie 16 jib halyard. The big line retailers like Layline than they used to be. While this allows more mast now say that Vectran is preferred over Dyneema for rake, it also requires a reduction in line size. Too large, upwind halyards, as Vectran does not creep. and the sheet will not run well when released. Too The Hobie Tiger spinnaker halyard is a highly small, and it will be uncomfortable to hold. Each block loaded line that demands low stretch, but also requires is designed to work with a specific size range of line, so some hand feel and good cleating. This is essential for be sure you chose a size that is appropriate. Hobie 16s rapid hoists and drops (and no slips in the cleat!). now come standard with 5/16" diameter main sheets, Dyneema or Vectran cored lines with a polyester cover whereas they used to have 3/8" sheets. would be a good choice. Spinnaker sheets are a special category. Ideally, they Line tapering and splicing is allowed in some class should be lightweight, free running and non-water rules, most notably those for the Tiger. This allows you absorbing. Yale Light is a good choice for this applica- to strip the cover off the part of the line you never tion as is Marlow Excel Lite and Samson Ultra-Lite. touch to reduce its size and weight but still have a Halyards fatter covered tail to hold onto. This is becoming Unlike most , the main halyard on Hobie popular among the Tiger sailors for spinnaker and Cats is used to hoist the sail until the sail is secured by main sheets. a locking mechanism at the top of the mast. Since the Control Lines main halyard does not support the sail beyond raising This is really confusing. There are such a wide it, this line is not as critical as the jib halyard. A good variety of lines available, in various constructions, low stretch durable line will suffice for most main halyards. However, you do need to ensure the diameter What’s My Line? is appropriate for your boat. Some boats run the main continues on page 22 14 MAR / APR 2007 feature

Part 2 – The Hobie 17 and Hobie 20

nlike the Hobie 14 and 16 sails, Hobie 17s developed in the mid-to-late 1990’s. Custom sail and Hobie 20s have had colored sail patterns patterns became more prevalent and several well from the time of their introduction. When the known ones are shown from this period. H-17 was introduced in 1984, Hobie Cat knew that A brighter, sunnier palette was called for in the colored sails sold more boats. The H-17 vertical cut early 2000’s, reflecting Hobie Cat’s “back to the beach” sails (and later the Hobie 20 tri-radial cut) brought theme. The latest introduction, Smoke, evokes a bit of new aspects to the kaleidoscope of colors on the water. the Tiger’s smoke colored sails. The sails were more transparent than solid Dacron, For the introduction of the Hobie 20 in 1991, creating different shades of color depending on wheth- Hobie Cat had Skip Elliot design and produce the er the sun was shining on them or through them. Bat- first sails. These had a pastel palette and looked very ten pockets, reinforcing patches on the corners and much like the sails produced by Elliot Sailmakers for extra leech reinforcement panels made the sails asym- NACRA. Production was brought in-house within a metric – the two sides had different color patterns. couple of years, and the colors brightened significantly, Hobie Cat’s original offering for the Hobie 17 was differentiating the Hobie 20 from its chief competi- a conventional, horizontal cut sail made from one of tors. the most advanced sail materials available at the time. The Hobie 20 jib has always been white Dacron – The new material was a two-ply laminated Mylar with except for the reinforcing patches at the corners. Five scrim. Most of these horizontal patterns (numbers 1-5 different colors have been used – white, blue, red, and 35 on the chart) are now exceedingly rare. Pattern green and very rarely, yellow. There didn’t seem to be #35 was the factory-supplied sail at the 1990 H-17 much reason as to which color was used, except for the Worlds in Toronto, but it was really a dressed-up “Wild Thing” pattern in which each corner had a overstock from the mid-80’s. different color. At that time of the Hobie 17 introduction, the In 1994, to celebrate Hobie 20 #500, Hobie Cat sailboard industry was booming and because of that, produced a one-of-kind red-hulled boat. This was the technology for sails was changing rapidly. Hobie sailed at the H-20 Nationals in St. Joe, Michigan. The Cat realized early that a vertical cut sail was best red hulls stood out like a sore thumb amongst the fleet solution for the H-17. Hobie quickly replaced the of white hulls. Even though it had a white sail, we’ve original sails with the new modern vertical cut sails. included that boat as #18 on the chart. However, their sail loft did not have any experience These days, with the exception of the Smoke making them, so sailboard sail maker Neil Pryde pattern on the H-17, the only standard color for both produced the first vertical cut sails for the H-17. These the H-17 and the H-20 is white. Colored sail material patterns, which had no name at the time, were highly is expensive in small quantities and there’s not much of sought after by racers. Bright, neon colors were the a demand for replacement sails. You can still order order of the day. Many of these became the basis for custom patterns, but the availability is limited to the the first named patterns in 1987, when Hobie started colors of cloth on hand. producing their own vertical cut sails for the H-17. Do you know of an unusual pattern or know a Hobie 17 sales tapered off sharply in the early pattern name we missed? Send us an e-mail at 1990’s and so did the introduction of new sail patterns. [email protected] and let us know about it! You Like the H-16 sails, a more somber palette was never know – it might be in the next HOTLINE! www.hca-na.org 15 1985 12345

1986 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17

Nationals Nationals Nationals Nationals 1987 1988 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Desparado Enforcer Frantech Zoomer Zinger Stars & Stripes 1988 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Cote d’Azur Midnight Ice Nationals Sundance Maui Worlds Maui Worlds Maui Worlds 1989 1990 32 33 34 35

Dayglo Formula 1 Toronto Worlds 1991 36 37 38 39

Mardi Gras Nationals Raspberry Wedge Custom Version 1 19921993 Version 1 1995 1998 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

St. Tropez Raspberry Wedge Mardi Gras Twilight Wild Thing Custom Version 2 1998 Version 2 1999 2000 47 48 49 50 51 52 53

StardustCustom Custom Saffire Trestles Nationals 2002 2005 2006 54 55 56 57 58 59 60

Sunkissed Blast 2 Custom Custom Custom Smoke 1991 1234

1992 5 678

1993 9 101112131415

1994 1995 16 17 1819 20 21 22

Nationals Red Boat Northern Lights Wild Thing Twilight 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 23 24 25 26 2728 29

Jammin’ Killer Dana Outrigger

18 MAR / APR 2007 www.hca-na.org 19 feature Trailer Troubles $ 1 Mile Ahead Give Your Trailer a Little Love By Matt Bounds

hen you stop to think about it, your boat have a nasty habit of rusting from the inside out, so probably spends more time on its trailer you don’t necessarily notice a structural problem until W than it does in the water. So why do so it’s too late. Galvanized trailers last much longer, but many people give their trailers hardly a second cost half again as much as a painted trailer. Aluminum thought? We abuse our trailers – dunking them in cor- trailers are the Cadillacs of the trailer world – they last rosive salt water and letting them sit unattended for longer, but they cost twice as much as a steel trailer. It months. Yet we expect them to take our boats to far boils down to your budget and intended use. If the away locations without incident. As we begin the sail- trailer’s only going to and from the lake once a year, ing season, maybe it’s time we give the lowly trailer a then go with a plain steel trailer. If you’re a road little TLC to help get us through the season. warrior, travelling to many regattas a year, then aluminum is the ticket. The Right Tool for the Right Job Most people buy their trailer when they get their Wheels and Bearings boat. If it’s a used boat, you probably bought a used Bearings are invisible little demons that hide inside trailer. Used trailers must have a thorough initial the wheel hub. They lull you into complacency, then inspection. You don’t know where it’s been or how it’s strike without warning, seizing up when you’re a 100 been used (or abused). Structural integrity, wheel miles down the road. At least once a year, you should bearings, tires and lights need to be completely jack up the trailer and spin the wheel by hand. It checked out before you take it home. should turn easily and coast gently to a stop. If you Is the trailer properly sized for what you intend to hear any groaning, clicking or other strange sounds, it’s carry? All trailers come with a load rating (usually a time to check the bearings. Pull the wheels off, pry off sticker on the frame). The boat, sailbox, gear, etc. can the dust caps and look at the grease. If it has a creamy, quickly add up to over 1500 pounds – the most small coffee color, water has gotten into the grease and the trailers can usually carry. The load rating is bearings need repacking at a minimum. A good article Repacking wheel bearings is a messy job, but one that’s especially important if you on how to repack bearings can be found at easy to do. Wearing vinyl gloves keeps your hands clean. plan to double stack boats. www.rd.com/familyhandyman/content/17452. Bearings If you have the oppor- are cheap – carry an extra set and some grease on the tunity to buy a new trailer, trailer so you’ll never get stranded by the demons. you have a major decision While you’ve got the tires off, go over them to make: steel or alumi- thoroughly, looking for damage, wear and cracking. num? Steel trailers come in Tires left in the sun and weather will degrade from two varieties – painted or exposure long before the tread is worn. Make sure the galvanized. Painted steel tires are rated for the weight you plan to carry. An- trailers are the least other consideration is tire size. Little 8" wheels turn expensive, but they require much faster to cover the same distance as larger, 12" diligent maintenance to wheels. Get larger wheels and save some wear on the READER’S DIGEST prevent corrosion. They bearings. They’ll also carry more load. 20 MAR / APR 2007 Lights Most lights and wiring that come on trailers are cheap and start acting up in a couple of years. Corro- sion at the bulb contacts is the usual culprit. Tracing down electrical gremlins can be challenging. Get yourself a good circuit test probe (see photo). Usually, power is going to the light fixture, but not getting to the bulb. A permanent solution is to replace the

incandescent light fixtures with LED fixtures. They MATT BOUNDS are more expensive, but they last much longer and, more importantly, are more reliable. The “Poor Man’s Double-Stack” – just some 2x4s and some carpet will do for moderate distances Most wiring problems occur distances, or transporting H-17s, 18s, Tigers or 20s, when the insulation is damaged or you need to have an upper rack for the second boat. brittle from exposure. If the wire is Again, make sure you don’t overload the trailer. stiff and the insulation cracks when Triple stacks are rare, but not unheard of. Usually, bent, it’s time to replace it. Rather it’s three Hobie 16s with the third boat loaded on the Test probes are really handy than just buying another cheap upper rack boat like the “poor man’s double-stack” wiring harness, go to the hardware store and get #12 described in the photo above. Cross winds become a THWN stranded wire. Use solder and heat-shrink real issue and you have to be very careful that the rig tubing on the connections and you’ll never have to doesn’t tip over. You’ll also be getting close to the 13’6" replace the wiring again. maximum height restriction. Watch for low bridges and branches! Accessorize! Cross-country road warriors have special rigs to Three things you should never leave home without carry five or more boats at once. These are heavy-duty – a spare tire, a jack and a lug nut wrench (make sure trailers specially made to carry the weight. Usually, it’s the right size!). Flat tires happen all the time, and several of the boats are partially disassembled. If you’re often in the worst places. Make sure the spare has air interested in building one of these rigs, contact Rob in it. Another handy item to bring along is a 12"x12" Jerry at [email protected], who can point you piece of plywood. Rarely is the side of the road level or in the right direction. firm enough to support the jack. Trailers are an essential piece of equipment for the Almost everyone has a sailbox and they range from road warrior. They take us where we’re going so we can the very simple (piece of plastic sewer pipe) to extraor- have the real fun with our toys. Make sure yours is dinarily complex wooden constructions that are more ready to go this summer so you don’t have any “road- like furniture than trailer accessories. Whichever you side adventures.” Go sailing somewhere you’ve never opt for, make sure it is reasonably water tight, and has been before – and bring a friend along! a ventilation system to allow the contents to dry. Be conscious of how much it and its contents weigh, so you don’t exceed the trailer’s rated capacity.

Double Stacking and Beyond In these days of $3 a gallon gasoline, it makes sense to travel with friends to regattas and share the cost by double-stacking. Hobie 16s and 14s can be doubled up without any special modifications to the trailer. A couple of 2x4s laid across the trampoline sidebars is enough support for the upper boat. Make sure

everything is tied down well and you’re good for at STUART CRABBE least 500 miles. If you’re going to be traveling long

www.hca-na.org 21 What’s My Line? continues from page 14 ranging from super high-tech to downright low-tech, • How much do you want to spend? (high-tech lines that choosing a particular one is often just guess work. are expensive and tend to have short lives; plain old Prime considerations should be: polyester is a good all-around choice that’s inexpen- • Is the line handled often and run through a cleat? sive and long-lasting) (a polyester or polypropylene cover is best; larger • What colors are available? (color-coding your line diameters are kinder to the hands) controls makes crew direction easier - “Pull the red • Is the line left on the boat in the sun? (pick a high line!”) UV resistant line) Fortunately, help is available. Annapolis Perfor- • Does the line run through blocks? (single braids are mance Sailing (www.apsltd.com) and Layline most flexible) (www.layline.com), do a good job of explaining the • Is the line under a lot of static load? (a high-tech, different types of lines and their function. They often low stretch line is called for here) have returns and spool ends of high-tech lines at very • Is it part of a cascaded system, like a Tiger down- reasonable prices. Of course, a visit to your friendly haul? (use a single braid, super low stretch line for Hobie dealer is always a good way to actually see and the purchase; a good hand feel line for the working feel the line you are considering on buying for your Table 2 end) boat. Happy line hunting! Line Applications and Brands

22 MAR / APR 2007 www.hca-na.org 23 feature Personal Profile An Interview with IHCA President Colin Whitehead

Editor’s Note: Once again, our “foreign correspondent”, Mike year with me and then drive his own boat (makes me Madge, has conducted an interview with a Hobie sailor from the feel old – but proud). I will sail the 2008 season on other side of the world. This time, it’s South African Colin the Tiger (crew still unknown). My daughter, Kelli is Whitehead, current IHCA President. keen and can’t wait to get on the 16 with Dad but will HOTLINE: Maybe you could start with your sailing have to wait until after the Tiger Worlds in 2008. background. I understand you were a Hobie World Tracy will possibly sail with Kelli at the Dragoon Champion at a young age, sailing with your father. Worlds in 2008.

WHITEHEAD: I started sailing at the age of six on HOTLINE: You have been around Hobies for a long Optimists. At the age of eight or nine, my father, time, what sort of changes have you seen in the way Mick Whitehead, bought our first Hobie 14. I sailed the boats are sailed and the level of competition? it once with him and concluded at this young age that sailing bath tubs was certainly not as exciting as Ho- WHITEHEAD: Over the years, the style of sailing has bies (no disrespect to Optis). My thirst for really exit- changed from late 70’s / early 80’s – sailing with verti- ing, cool sailing had been awakened. cal masts battling this raging machine - to the 90’s We stuck with the Hobie 14 for only a few years, raked mast and much more controlled helming and and purchased our first Hobie 16 when I was just ability to race constructively. twelve. My father and I sailed every weekend, training The boats themselves have obviously evolved over to qualify for the South African team to go to the the years and have always changed for the betterment Texas Worlds in 1978. We succeeded in qualifying of the sport allowing the exceptional Hobie design to and then won the Worlds. keep pace with its competition. Since this time I have sailed in numerous worlds I believe the level of competition is all relevant to and enjoyed many years of exciting and exhilarating the situation of each era of sailors. One cannot say sailing. that at any one time the level of competition or ability I’ve sailed in eight Hobie 16 world championships, of the sailors is higher. We are always changing and the Worrell 1000, the IRYU (now ISAF) Sailing learning. Championships, and most recently, the Tiger Worlds in Cangas, Spain. HOTLINE: What are some of your goals and vision for the class you are trying to implement in your ten- HOTLINE: Sailing seems like a real family activity ure as class president? with you. WHITEHEAD: My wish for the Hobie Class Associ- WHITEHEAD: We have always involved the family ation and sport of sailing (especially Hobie) is that we into our sailing – this is the beauty of Hobies, every- manage to keep the sport interesting and alive for fu- one in the family can do it. ture generations to enjoy. I sailed with Tracy my wife before we had children The Hobie Class Association has a great platform and continued sailing with her until Matt, my son, to build from. I believe that with positive marketing was interested. I have sailed with Matt now for three and enthusiastic input from around the globe we can years since he was ten years old. He will sail this last grow and strengthen the class. 24 MAR / APR 2007 HOTLINE: What are some of your main roles as class HOTLINE: Is there a strong contingent of South Af- president? ricans attending the Hobie 16 Worlds in Fiji?

WHITEHEAD: I fortunately am blessed with very WHITEHEAD: Yes, there are quite a few planning to capable people with in the association that are very make the trip. We have a selection championships this positive and incredibly capable when it comes to man- April in Durban and will have a better idea of numbers aging regions and local associations. after that time. My role so far has been firstly to learn the ins and outs of how the sailing world conducts its business and HOTLINE: What is your view point on the Hobie 16 to ascertain the various aspects affecting the Hobie with spinnaker? Will this be healthy for the class? Fleet. Over the past year I have been involved with the Cangas Tiger Worlds, Fiji Hobie 16 Worlds 2007 WHITEHEAD: This is a very sensitive issue and (this will be a great event), and with the South African needs plenty of thought. The class as it is has been bid to host Tiger Worlds 2008. very successful (the most successful I believe). Howev- I find myself sometimes being mediator to issues er, the youth currently sailing on Dragoons and con- that face the Association and so far have managed to verting to 16s wish to continue with a three sail boat sort out most issues. I would like to take this moment (“much more fun and exciting” they say). Mostly, they and thank all involved in administration within the are still too young for a Tiger or financing stands in world of Hobie for their continued efforts to keep the the way. Other classes are sailing with spinnaker and sport alive. Thank you. we stand a chance of loosing some sailors this way. We also have to weigh the problems this change HOTLINE: Were you at the recent ISAF Confer- might bring with splitting an already strong fleet into ence? If so, was there any news concerning Hobies? two factions. This decision will not be made lightly and will certainly be debated at our next AGM in WHITEHEAD: There are always issues concerning detail by the council. Hobie at ISAF. The continued support of ISAF by Hobie is relevant as ISAF is our link to international HOTLINE: Is the Hobie Class Association still trying recognition and world status. to pursue being an Olympic class? It is important that Hobie sailors world wide increase efforts to bring more youth into our class. WHITEHEAD: The benefits of being an Olympic ISAF has been given ultimatums by the International class are not always good for the class – but I would Olympic Committee to ensure the continuance of certainly not rule it out. sailing in the Olympics. All this can be found on the Colin Whitehead sails in the 2005 Hobie 16 Worlds with his son, Matt ISAF web site (www.sailing.org).

HOTLINE: There have been quite a few South Afri- can Hobie champions. Are there young sailors ready for Dodds, Ferry and Lawrence to pass the torch to?

WHITEHEAD: Yes, there certainly are. This once again comes down to youth programs being imple- mented by local associations or private sailing schools driven by people passionate about sailing. South Africa for some years has been very slow in promoting youth sailing but has recently formed a Hobie Youth Club and has already identified five or six exceptionally tal- ented sailors (both boys and girls). PIERRICK CONTIN www.hca-na.org 25 26 MAR / APR 2007 www.hca-na.org 27 28 MAR / APR 2007 resources 2007hcaboardofdirectors

elected officers voting members

Chair DIVISION 1 DIVISION 5 DIVISION 9 DIVISION 13 Bob Merrick Dan Williams Stephen Cooley Loyd Graves Alfredo Figueroa 141 Short Beach Rd. 45-155 Unahe Place 10952 W Hampden Place 4709 Glen Forest Drive 921 Verdi St., Reparto Sevilla Branford, CT 06405 Kaneohe, HI 96744 Lakewood, CO 80227 Raleigh, NC 27612 San Juan, PR 00924 203•488•7820 808•864•6067 303•619•0572 919.787.0222 (787)-607-1381 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

1st Vice Chair DIVISION 2 DIVISION 6 DIVISION 10 DIVISION 14 Phil Collins Dave Dixon Chris Green Jeff Rabidoux Bev Collins 8500 North West 118th St. 16831 Orchard Bend Road 2220 Brae Lane 5705 Lake St., P.O. Box 524 8500 North West 118th St. Oklahoma City OK 73162 Poway, CA 82064 League City, TX 77586 Glen Arbor, MI 49636 Oklahoma City OK 73162 405•721•0737 858.487.9303 281.352.1325 248•361•1266 405•721•0737 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Women’s DIVISION 3 DIVISION 7 DIVISION 11 DIVISION 15 2nd Vice Chair Representative Jason Moore Andy Larson Ron LaPorta Scott Beach Chris Wessels Danielle Burns 8360 N. Poplar 1021 N. Mae 120 Netherwood Dr. 8221 Grand Bay Blvd. 5600 Lakeview Dr. 4601 Shisler Rd Fresno, CA 93711 Storm Lake, IA 50588 Coatesville, PA 19320-1467 Panama City Beach, FL 32408 Clear Lake, IA 50428 Clarence, NY 14031 559.906.5336 712•732•1532 610.384.8443 850.234.5220 641•357•4577 / 641•423•7638 716.759.1908 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

DIVISION 4 DIVISION 8 DIVISION 12 DIVISION 16 appointed Dave Wilder Bob Johnson Dave Heroux Kevin Wilson 2525 Minor Ave E. #103 906 Woodcliff Avenue 27 Foster Center Rd. 8442 Transit Lane Tampa, Florida 33613 officers Seattle, WA 98102 Foster, RI 02825-1326 Baldwinsville, NY 13027 813.960.1937 206.324.2221 401.647.3203 315.430.6678 [email protected] Membership Chair [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Tara Ames 2825 L Jolla Dr. Antioch, CA 94531 774•286•9586 on the web [email protected]

Secretary International Hobie Class Hobie Class Association Kathy Ward 1331 Robertson Way Association of North America Sacramento, CA 95818 www.hobieclass.com www.hca-na.org 916.715.3133 [email protected] Hobie Cat Company USA Women’s Hobie Cat Racing Treasurer www.hobiecat.com www.hca-na.org Steve Reese 131 Skowhegan Ct. San Jose, CA. 95139 Hobie Product Support Guest Expert Program 408•362•0991 www.hobiecat.com/support www.hc-na.org [email protected] 1 HAWAII Youth Program Director Mimi Appel Hobie Community Forums For Local and 3357 Collins Road www.hobiecat.com/community Country contacts: Marcellus, NY 13108-9647 hca-na.org [email protected]

Race Director

Paul Ulibarri additional resources 3334 Fulton Victoria, BC V9C 2T9 Championships Coordinator Guest Expert Program HOTLINE Editor Scorekeeper Web Master Canada Lori Mohney Coordinator Matt Bounds Bill Jeffers Rich McVeigh 250.474.7580 2812 E Shore Drive Kim Edmonds 3798 Damas Dr. Hobie Feet 204 14813 Fireside Ave. [email protected] Portage, MI 49002-6581 13323 Eagle View Land Commerce Twp, MI 48382 Syracuse, NY Silver Spring, MD 20905 269.327.4565 Roland, AR 72135 248.980.7931 (cell) 585.370-9160 301.384.3695 [email protected] 501.868.8801 248.360.7926 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.hca-na.org 29 resources HCA Youth Grants

Purpose of the Youth Grant Selection Process The purpose of the Youth Grant such action. They may sail as a All Youth Grant requests shall shall be to assist Junior and Youth skipper or crew in those events. be submitted to the current HCA sailors in attending Championship Youth Chairperson 60 days prior to Hobie Cat events, including, but Teams must submit the follow- the event. No requests subsequent not limited to: ing documents to apply for an to that date will be considered for HCA Youth Grant: that year. • Youth events sanctioned by the Youth Grant requests shall be Hobie Class Association of 1) An essay explaining why they reviewed by the HCA Council and North America should receive the Grant. awards to qualified teams shall be • Youth events sanctioned and 2) A resume of sailing training and announced a minimum of 30 days organized by the International experience. prior to the event. To be considered Hobie Class Association and 3) Planned expenses for the event for a Youth Grant, all information held in conjunction with other in question. requested must be provided by the IHCA Worlds events 4) A list of HCA sanctioned due date, without exception. regattas attended in the current Youth Grants shall be awarded These Youth Grants shall be year and finish positions. based on several factors, including issued without financial obligation 5) A personal reference (parent or but not limited to: funds available, on the part of the receiving teams, coach, for example) must be number of requests received, needs however, the Youth Grants shall be named to provide assistance in of the individual teams, and subject to the terms and conditions administration, disbursement requirements of established youth as set forth in these guidelines. and management of the Youth programs serving a number of Grant. Youth teams. Grant Request Guidelines Questions should be directed by The following parameters are At the conclusion of the event e-mail to the current HCA Youth those that have been set forth by the following must be submitted: Chairperson: Mimi Appel, the HCA Executive Council as the [email protected] minimum criteria to be met by • A detailed expense report youth teams wishing to apply for a outlining expenditures financial grant for attending and disbursement of the eligible events. Youth Grant monies, • Both skippers and crews must signed by the reference be HCA members. individual. • Skippers must sail in at least • An article about their three (3) HCA-sanctioned experience in the event in events during the qualifying question, to subsequently season prior to petitioning for a be submitted to the grant. Exceptions may be made HOTLINE through the at the Council’s discretion when HCA Youth Chairperson. MIKE WALKER seasonal considerations justify

30 MAR / APR 2007 www.hca-na.org 31 US SAILING is the national governing body for the sport of sailing and merits support through direct membership. USSA’s mission is to encourage participation and promote excellence in sailing and racing in the United States. Here’s what you get: • A $10 discount on annual membership dues. • Discounted entry at every regatta that is hosted by a member club or organization that uses the USSA insurance program. • A $20 West Marine coupon with each renewal. • A free Racing Rules of Sailing book. • Eligibility for USSA’s outstanding one-design insurance for Hobie Cat-manufactured catamarans. • Member discounts on USSA gear, clothing and accessories. Your membership identifies you to US SAILING as a sailor, ensuring your voice is heard at the national level. Participation in your individual class and in the National Governing Body keeps you in touch and on top of the sport. Thanks for supporting US SAILING with your membership – John Williams, Program Administrator

32 MAR / APR 2007 NAME: Gordon (Gordo) Bagley HOME FLEET: 51 on Lake Mead and Lake Mohave AGE: 49; sailing for about six years; a late bloomer. OCCUPATION: Thirty-two years in the drapery and window covering business. LAST BOOK: The Road Less Travelled, by M. Scott Peck LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Remaining calm when people try to tell me how I should conduct my life. HOBBIES: Working on old Hobie 16's for fun and obviously not for profit. Wine tasting with my sweetie, Teresa. WHY I DO WHAT I DO: I am driven by the pursuit of excellence and in some cases an unrealistic idealism. Yet, I am glad to have learned over the years to embrace whatever reality materializes. Hobie racing quenches my thirst for that lifelong pursuit of excellence. QUOTE: “Hobie racing is the best place in all of sailing.” PROFILE: I think I look best from the left side. HIS BOAT: Hobie 17, Scawlded Fog, featured on the cover of Sep/Oct HOTLINE at the Hobie 17 North Americans in San Francisco. That event was the highlight of my year.

NAME: Shane Atchley HOME FLEET: Fleet 95, Seattle Region, Washington State AGE: 14 PROFESSION: I aspire to join the Coast Guard. I would also like to get a degree in Hydro and Aero dynamics. I would like to design high-performance watercraft. LAST BOOK READ: Left for Dead, by Beck Weathers. LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: I tied for first place on the Wave at the Division 4 Area Championships. In 2004 my Dad and I were Division 3 Points Champions on the Hobie 18. HOBBIES: Sailing, snowboarding, and skateboarding. WHY I DO WHAT I DO: I like sailing simply because it’s fast action fun. Sailboat racing is the best because it takes some skill and requires tactics. It’s also been a great way for my Dad and me to spend time together. We always have great stories to tell when we come back from the regattas. It’s never boring that’s for sure! Quote: Now that I think about it, I don’t really have a quote. BRIAN JODER PHOTO Profile: I just like to have fun and be myself. My boat: Hobie Wave (I want a 16!)