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Problems & Solutions, by Steve (Feel free to insert your own...as if I really have to say that on SA)
The monster in the room is Problem #1: Getting more boats on the water
a) If you own a canoe, take it sailing. If you aren't interested in sailing it, sell it to someone who is.
To get folks sailing, we need events. This is going to happen, initially, by some kind of consensus amongst the three regional collections of boats (East coast, West coast, Gulf coast) whereby they all call each other and get some commitments. Once regattas start happening, even with small fleets, more will come. Props to the Gulf guys for setting up a Midwinters. East coast, West coast, when are the races???c) We need to get the old boats out of the woodwork. I know most people contend that the Nethercotts are obsolote compared to the new rules boats, but they are certianly close enough together in most conditions to make it fun, and there is going to be a One-Design class at the worlds. So, to you prospective canoeists, you can win a class at Worlds with that Nethercott. So...Let's, as a class, track down those old boats and get them on the market. I will happily buy an older boat in need of some TLC, put it together, and loan it out locally until I sell it to a new addict.
d) We need to make newer boats available to those who might have some scratch but be unwilling/unable to put in the time & effort for a full build. I know that on the West Coast, there is talk of building the major peices (hull, seat, carriage, etc) and putting them up on the market for someone to finish out. Anyone interested?
e) Once again, I can't emphasise enough how important it is to get those older boats sailing. Get someone hooked via a boat loan, like Bill got me hooked by loaning me a boat, and eventually they'll end up building themselves a new boat, like I'm doing. And, really, can anyone think of a way to go faster for less than a used Canoe?
Problem #2: Organization of the class, to help solve problem #1
a) We need a website to get general intrest and points of refrence. The old one crashed. I will build this website and pay for it. Tell me what things you want on it, but I've got a good idea. I'm thinking www.international-canoe-usa.org, which is available. A forum for classifieds and discussion, boatbuilding photos and class specs, regattas and events, history, Worlds info, a news feed, etc. Comments?
We need...some kind of class organziation. It's been there in the past, but it has fallen through. I think this class would benifit from young, dumb excitement like mine, but needs to rely on some of the serious experience that's around for senior leadership. So, you old guys, call each other and figure out who's in charge. Tell me where to send the check for my dues. We'll worry about the newsletter later. Now, discuss....but first, rig up the boat and go sailing. Then post.
