Letter to the US Class

Dearest Mothistas!

As I'm sure you've read, I have taken on the role of Class President for the US, continuing the great tradition (well 2) of having a Brit (Welsh really) in the firing line. Firstly I really want to thank Nigel for all the hard work he has put into the Class, helping us build membership with active boats, and leading us through a very successful World championship. Clearly, a large pair of shoes to fill, and thanks Nige for staying on in the Treasurer Secretary role. Kudos brother!

First a little about me for those I've not met. I started sailing Mirror dinghies as a kid, growing up through 470s and University team racing. Career family and our son Christian put sailing on hold for far too many years before a posting to Sydney rekindled the flame. After a quick flirtation with sailing big boats off shore, I saw my first foiling Moth and the die were cast. I had to have one. June 2008 the Black Pearl arrived (X8) and I took those first faltering steps toward foiling we all know so well. Hands up all of you who remember to the detail where and when you first foiled. Yup, thoughts so! 2 years on, I've got Deus ex Machina, my Mach 2, and I'm loving every minute of it!

I've got a huge amount of respect for this class and particularly the people in it. With people like Bora Gulari and Charlie Mckee we have world class sailors right here in our back yard and that allows us to progress quickly to the highest level of Moth Sailing. We have something very special. So I thought why not take this on? Its time to give something back.

Looking forward I think we have 3 critical tasks facing us, which we must work on together:
1. We must find ways of achieving critical mass to encourage and support new Mothists of all levels and ability to join us
2. Given the size of the country and the current demographics of our fleet (hardworking, family supporting individuals, significant number of pros with other commitments), we must develop a racing schedule that is fun, competitive and encourages as many members as possible to participate
3. The final, and probably the most controversial task for my fellow Brits / Aussies and Europeans, is building a frame work (regattas, training, sponsorship, shipping etc) that allows us to have the best shot of regaining the World Champion title for America in 2011 and again in the near future

The boats continue to develop fast and expect to see more than just Adam with a wing rig. Will these remain legal? Who knows, but remember the controversy when Rohan arrived in France in 2003 with a set of hydro-foils. We haven't looked back since, and such is life in the most exciting development class out there.

Finally, we're on the card to hold the 2013 Worlds in the US building on the awesome success that was The Gorge 2009. Where, when, who… all jump to my mind.

One of the items we are making a fast start on is an upgrade to our web site along with links to social media. This should help us communicate and discuss ideas in a much better way, so watch out for that development in the coming weeks.

In the end, its our class, we own it and drive it. To help us succeed, I really want to get and need your input. Are the questions right, what are your views, how do we work together toward them? Let me know what you think and well go from there.....

Looking forward to see you all out on the track in the not too distant future.