Mark your calendars for November 2,3,4 and 5! 

We're going back to Clearwater, Florida for the 2018 Formula 16 North American Championships.

And I expect Red Gear Racing will be offering training opportunity prior to the racing days. Details on that will be announced as they become available.

Once again we will be including the Nacra 15s in our event, to contribute to the development of youth catamaran sailing, and to gain exposure for the F16 among teams who may eventually step up to the F16.

Same as 2017, we will be racing together with a single start, though the fleets will be scored separately. Yes, there is potential that boats not racing against each other could get tangled up, but it's the same possibility for all competitors. It's really nothing to fret about, so bring your best stuff and join us for a great time!

In 2019, I am very hopeful that the stars will align, and the Formula 16 and Formula 18 Fleets will come together for a combined North American Championships. There would be many advantages both for organizers and competitors. The North Cape Yacht Club in Michigan has been discussed as a potential venue for such an event. For a regatta this large, racing might take place as separate fleets on separate courses, but it sure would be fun to bring all these North American cat sailors together in one place. It's happening in other parts of the world, so let's keep the dialog flowing. The 18s will be together for their Worlds in Sarasota in October, and we'll be together for our NAs in November. Hopefully both groups will be behind the idea after those events and we'll break new ground in 2019!

That's all I've got for now.

Happy New Year to all!

Best,

Daniel Hearn
USF-16 Chairman

(Submitted by Daniel Hearn, Class Chairman)

Four of the top five spots at the event recently completed in Clearwater, Florida were captured by teams tipping the half century mark at both helm and typically crew. After three consecutive 4-race days in double trapeze conditions, the team of Robbie Daniel (Florida) and Gary Chu (Wisconsin) came out on top with six bullets and no other finish lower than a three. Second Place was captured by husband and wife team, Matt and Gina McDonald (Florida), with impressive throws of just a three and a four. Defending Champions, and the only Top Five team without gray hair on board, were youth team, Mark Brunsvold and Dylan Heinz (Florida) finishing in Third. The single-handed Champion was Ken Marshack (Washington).

Embracing the importance of attracting more youth to catamaran sailing, the Formula 16 Fleet invited the Nacra 15s to participate in the event. The two fleets shared a single start, amounting to 23 boats on the line. The youth teams sailed exceptionally well, gathering valuable bigger fleet experience. Matthew Monts (South Carolina) and Carlyn Blauvelt (Georgia) claimed First Place in the N15 Fleet. Great sportsmanship was displayed by all sailors throughout the event, as evidenced by the fact that the Protest Committee was not called upon a single time throughout the week. The Race Committee also conducted a flawless event, much appreciated by all participants. Special thanks go out to lead sponsor, Red Gear Racing, and to Jill Nickerson for her never-ending support.

At the Class Meeting, which preceded a spectacular dinner, the new leadership team was nominated and elected. Meeting Minutes will be published at USF16.org soon detailing all agreements. Plans are also in the works for a 2018 Championship. The leadership team expects to make an official announcement before year-end.

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