Just received from Open 20 class president Joe Pocreva -
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C'mon out 20's.
Let's show the 18's the big boys are still sailing. This is the first official Open 20 event.
I would like to put in a plug for the Open 20. I know this is a controversial movement but please believe me when i say I want to see all the 20 footers out there racing. I don't see me in a smaller 18 foot boat and as much as i would love an F20c i don't see that coming to my household anytime soon.
20 footers are buying aftermarket sails(Schurr Sails, Glaser Sails, Whirlwind Sails) and adding gear (SNU's, booms, spin poles) to update the aging fleet. I believe our platforms are just as competitive with newer engines. We are sailing in mixed fleets 99% of the time and I hate looking at the sterns of 16's and 18's. (skill not withstanding)
Come out and support the class. Please sign up for the Open 20 class at the regattas. Invite the other 20's to join in. Hobie 20, Nacra 6.0's, etc. I hear a rumor there is a new F20na up north and it's entirely within the Open 20 rule set.
If you want to host your own Open 20 race, have at it! Let us know and hopefully we can all come. Please let me know what races you would like added to the calendar for 2013. How about the GT300?
Note: at the end of the 2012 season, we will sit down and consider the current rule set and make necessary changes. If you want to have a seat at the table, get involved. If you register for an Open 20 race you get a say in the process.
Joe Pocreva
President
Open 20 Class
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2012 Open 20 Race Series:
March
24-25 March - Pensacola Midwinters, Pensacola Beach,FL
April
21 - 22 April - Off the Market Regatta, Pensacola Beach,FL
May
12 May - Sea Bouy - Pensacola Beach,FL
26-27 May - Slip to Ship, OSYC,MS
September
7-9 Sept-Juana's Regatta, Navarre,FL
October
27-28 Oct-Shearwater Regatta, OSYC,MS