FLORIDA REGION REPORT

[Submitted by Paul Strauley]

Overall, the Florida Region has maintained a membership level similar to previous year. Despite our ability to maintain membership and offer many Sunfish sailing events throughout the region, participation in events has diminished over the past year. Our ultimate goal for 2007-08 is to increase Sunfish attendance at regional regattas.

Membership Status:

q At end of year 2006, the Florida region had 165 members, a similar achievement to previous year membership. Thus far in 2006 Florida Sunfish membership has reached 150.

150 members June 07

q

84% Renewals

165 Members

Most of our members are renewals (84%). Sixteen percent are new members, similar to the percentage of members who choose not to rejoin the class.

Regional Event Status:

q The Florida Region continues to offer several regional events during the season. Participation at annual regattas, including our Regional and State Championship has dropped off considerably.

q In comparison to two years ago, Sunfish attendance has fallen by 50%. In 2005 we had seen a decrease in Sunfish participation and this decrease was further noticeable in 2006.

q Outside of annual regattas, fleet racing (particularly in Melbourne, Ft. Myers, Port Charlotte, and Marathon) is abundant. Attendance for fleet racing matches or surpasses annual regatta attendance. This suggests that enthusiasm is there but the desire to travel outside ones fleet may be contributing to a decline in participation for annual regional events.

National and International Events:

q The Sunfish International Masters and Midwinters (both held in Southwest Florida) achieved similar participation levels in comparison to previous years of 67 and 76 sailors, respectively.

2006 Status of Goals:

q Continue to grow the Florida region.

This has been an ongoing priority goal of our region. The growth of the Florida region has been incredible over the years. For 2007-08, growth of membership will be secondary to building participation at events.

2007-8 Priority Goal:

q Increase participation at Regional events (outside of fleet sailing).

Participation has been slowly declining over the past 2 years. Last year I stated it was because the Florida region had experienced some hard times economically, which had contributed to sailors “staying closer to home”, choosing fewer regattas to attend, hence participation at any one regatta was primarily comprised of “local” sailor participation. But, this past year, even the “local” sailor participation has dropped, other than for fleet sailing events.

The lack of participation (and the cause of it) is a priority concern for the Florida region. As regional rep for Florida, I won’t presume to know the answer but dedicate this year to finding out and putting a plan in place to address this.

Some initial thoughts on this include……..

1. Due to personal reasons I have been absent from many if not all events and it has been communicated to me that this is very noticeable.

2. Some buzz indicates that fleet sailing is attractive because it is “low key” and those who feel they aren’t experienced enough or strive “to stay out of others ways” are more in their element with fleet sailing.

3. Cost issues relating to regatta fees (particularly junior regattas), travel expenses (gas and accommodations) and early Saturday starts may be preventing some participation.

4. Too many regattas scheduled on top of one another may offer another reason for forgoing events.

First and foremost, I plan to get out there and speak to the sailors to evaluate the situation before I assume to know how to proceed.

Sincerely,

Paul W. Strauley

Florida Regional Representative for Sunfish Class