I am about to form a steering committee to help us chart a course for growth and development in the Dragon class in North America (presumptuous, I know, but it has to be done). I have also made some good friends among the guys who sail 30 square metres here in the US and in Canada and they are interested in many of the same things. We are beginning to share ideas and information with one another, and that is a big help to me, but what about the community here at the WBF?

Anyone here have any experience with class promotion and long range planning? Anyone got any ideas to help us get the word out that we feel strongly that these are classes worth talking about?

In both of our cases (the Dragon and the 30 square metre), the European fleets are thriving. New boats are being delivered all the time and there is a long lead time on getting a new boat delivered. Even as far away as Australia there has been an influx of newer Dragons brought out from Europe and their fleets are growing at a solid pace. But not here. Not in North America. Like any true believer, I have always felt that if people could just see the boats and see what they were, that they would just HAVE to have one. Naive, I know, but it's just being honest in my case.

So, what would you do to get the word out? I would appreciate any ideas coming from any angle. For more information on both the Dragon class and the 30 square class in North America take a look at www.usdragons.org and www.squareskerryyachts.net. There are some pretty cool photos at both sites and you can get a feel for where we are by taking a look around.

Mickey Lake