Time Commitment for the NAC

Submitted by DE1313 on Mon, 12/01/2014 - 16:42
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Racer's Rap

Can we open a conversation about shortening the time requirement for the NAC's?  We are six months away, and I already have trouble getting any bites to join me for the NACs.  It's just too much time to take off.
Anyone else have an opinion?  
Maybe we can skip the qulifiers, and race Thursday-Sunday.  
 

sawyerspadre

Mon, 12/01/2014 - 21:15

I too have a tough time getting the time off for the NAC or MidWinters.  IMHO, these events are perfectly suited for sailmakers and retired people, who can be there for a week +.  For younger famiies, who have to juggle work, and family vacation commitments, it can get difficult.
I have heard the arguments that the event has to be long, to justify the long drive to some venues, for some of the members, and I have also heard about how we need to keep the length to assure that "seriousness" of the event is maintained.
The two largest turnouts of recent time, were 3-day NACs in Fishing Bay in 2007, and Tom's River in 2008.  Fishing Bay had 119 boats, if memory serves me right.  (Yes, the same week had a big 50th Anniversary of the Class Bash at Deep Creek, and some would say that we had a big turnout due to the 50th.)  Tom's River in 2008 had around 85 boats, for a 3-day NAC.  The turnout for a long-format NAC in Tom's River in 2014 was lower.  My hunch is that a week of summer hotel rates at the Jersey Shore may have been a factor, because Tom's River is a great place to sail.
I also wonder if we are limiting ourselves in terms of venue, as the host club has to come up with about 9 days of volunteers, just to run the actual event.  There is also prep time and promotion which should not be underestimated.  I would guess that the number of clubs that can host us, and devote that amount of time is somewhat limited.
Maybe it's time to try a little experiment:

Three Day NAC, no qualifiers, you choose your division and sandbaggers get flogged.
Low Cost Charter Boats (for boat owning FSSA members, to facilitate flying in.)
Promotion of event in terms of the family-based trophies that are awarded. We currently recognize family boats, but I am not sure we promote it ahead of the event enough.

It may be too late to change for this year, but I think you are right to want it discussed.
BTW, would you go to Bay Waveland, if it were 3-4 days this year?  ( I don't know where you live)  This is also a great venue.

DE1313

Tue, 12/02/2014 - 17:51

I am totally dedicated to 2015 NACs. I just can't find crew that can take the 6-7 days off...I am sure someone will turn up, but it sure would be easier if the NAC format would change to 3 or four days with a weekend included.  
Taking off  Thursday and Friday is infinantly easier than taking off Mon-Fri.  
The argumaent that people wouldn't drive unless it is a 5 day regatta is absurd IMO.  People will drive because it is the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.  We want to race against the best FS Sailors, and the best FS Sailors are at the NAC.  

Brian Dellett

Thu, 12/11/2014 - 21:52

I live in NJ and would have loved to go to this year's event but there was no way to pull off a weeks worth of coverage or vacation time with crew too. I think shorter is better. Just my two cents.

sawyerspadre

Thu, 08/06/2015 - 00:15

2016 is Newport, so start saving vacation days.  Should be fun!