Making the event convenient to the US EC12 population is not likely to be a prime consideration. As the current head of the class here I will be responsible to the event wherever it will be held, but the decisions to location and other matters will come from a panel of the USA, NZL, AUS and GBR. I intend to invite CAN, FRA and SWE in also.
The location has huge implications in lieu of recent international restrictions placed on baggage. We have been able to carry two pieces at 34 kilos each and this is down to 20 now. US domestic travel will not allow an EC12 as baggage and the rates otherwise are steep and should be avoided.
The time of year in the northern hemisphere is critical. There are windows for almost any part of the country because it is so large in area. October and November have the largest window.
International competitors will be coming here on holiday and sailing will be the prime reason but not the prime attraction for the number of days expended.
Sailing time is a consideration. However, length of days is a critical choice, as we have found out in this country. Too many days are stressful to the competitors and horrendous to the event staff. More than three days of active sailing with four days on site is not likely to happen.
The size of the fleet is part of the sailing time considerations. I think that is safe to say that if there were no restrictions we would have four fleets in a heartbeat and I personally feel this would be a lack of consideration to the international community. We did four fleets one day at Disney 2005 and it is likely to be the last.
12 Discussions will host the private discussions on the forum, as it did for the NZL event. I am open to when they start but certainly no more than in six months from now.
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