2024 Hobie 16 NAC Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at fleet448@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Where can I find the important information that's not on Regatta Network?

We've been planning this event since mid 2023, and will continue to add details abut the daily schedule of events, helpful information for participants and visitors to the area, socials, bands, swag, sponsors, meals and extras... with all that said, we'll condense all the info into one document you can download from the "Additional Info" link on the main page, but please check back often for updates. You can also join the conversation at the Hobie 16 NAC page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/H16NAC

How can I get involved in the 2024 Hobie 16 National Championship evnet??

We literally need a fleet of volunteers to successfully put on this national level, five day regatta in conjunction with our friends at Roton Point. If you are interested in racing your Hobie 16, we hope you'll register here: https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/27351). If you're not racing, we need help on any of the support boats, registration & weigh-in for competitors, parking lot attendants especially as the competitors with RV's show up, food service and hospitality. We also are looking for sponsorship and help fundraising. If any this sounds like something you can help us with, please click the "Chat" button on this page to get on our radar - or email Christopher at fleet448@gmail.com .. and thank you!!

Besides Tenting or RV options what's options are there for housing?

We've gotten a discount rate at the Hilton Garden Inn, and more info on that is available in the "Housing" section of this website. .. Also linked there are searches of the Air BnBs and VRBOs in the area - including a few larger homes in the area that can handle a group of 10 people, so you might want to look for a house to share with a group of your friends. Early bird get's the worm, so reach out to your buddies and make it happen! In any case, we're asking at registration what your plans are so we can plan better how to help make this a great week for you.

I'm coming to the championships with an RV what do I need to know?

There is plenty of RV parking space on site close to the showers and club house, but we would like to get you assigned a parking spot based on order of registration for the event, planned arrival and departure and length of RV, so we're asking that you request an RV reservation using the form on this site here: (https://fleet448.org/rv-reservation) There are no "hookups" for RV's at the club, but you'll have 24/7 access to the clean club-house bathrooms and hot showers, and a nearby 110V outlet for low consumption. Unfortunately due to club policy, no dogs are allowed, so please make arrangements for your pets.

Can you tell me more about the venue for this event? Will we be launching from the beach?

Absolutely! check out the catamaran history from the menu at "https://www.rotonpoint.org" where you'll learn about the 150+ year history of Roton Point, host of the RPMR, the longest running multi-hull regatta in North America. Consider coming to race this year's event which is taking place the weekend just before the North American Championship! Their 10,000 sq. ft club-house is available for us to enjoy and we've created a site map to help you prepare which you can find at the bottom of the "EVENTS" section of this site. All boats will have mast-up storage for the week on about 700' of beach frontage including the private beach next door, in addition to the launch path, there is room for at least 80 Hobie 16's and overflow to 100 if needed.

Where are the race documents?

Look for the latest NOR and SI's at Regatta Network (NOR is posted, and we expect to post the SIs by the close of registration). In case of any conflict with information on this web site, the Regatta Network documents will be considered ruling. Please note that race documents may be revised any time prior to the start of the event, so please check back for updates! https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/27351

Charter boats! Host Families! Please!

We hear you! If you're more than a 5 hour drive from CT, you're probably at least somewhat interested in a charter boat or a host family to put you up for the week. We know these are desirable and can increase participation, but we don't have firm commitments from anyone that can supply either for competitors. We know a few people with boats that might be able to provide them as charters, but this will be between the competitor and the boat owner to work out and provide the class required liability coverage. The RPA club has a large membership in the area and they are talking to each other about who can host volunteers and sailors for the week... these are details we will help organize, but they will be on an individual need basis if we can free any beds up for competitors. That being said... do you have a newer H16 you could charter out to a participant, or a spare room in the area of Roton Point? If so, PLEASE reach out to Christopher at the chat button or email him at fleet448@gmail.com - THANK YOU!

What's included in my Registration fee?

We kept the same fee structure as 2012 to encourage participation and we're adding more and more included as we get sponsors and fundraising done. At the minimum you're fee includes:

Double handed Entry into the 5 Day Championship event. All social events for 2 people (minimum of 3 dinners and the welcome and awards parties), 2 Regatta Rash guards, Top 5 team awards.

Once we have sufficient entries, sponsors & fundraising we'll add:

Additional competitor give-aways, hot breakfasts, rum squal, and more swag! Stay tuned! Lunches for the water are expected to be available for purchase daily at the event but are not included in the registration fee at this time.

What is the Roton Point Multihull Regatta?

The annual Roton Point Multihull Regatta is a multihull open regatta run every September - this year is the 64th! - For this 2 day regatta, there will be a fleet of Getaways, and non-Hobie catamarans as well as many Hobie 16's that will come for September 13-15 just prior to the H16 NAC. This is always a well run event with a huge party Saturday night including a live band and a big dinner party. For the NAC participants, it can be a great way to practice in Long Island Sound and make the most of your trip out East. Registration is required and is handled separately through at this link: https://yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eid=16872 If you want to participate in the RPMR, we encourage you to arrive Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning and follow the link for registration above. You can learn more at their website: "https://www.rpmr.org"

5 days of racing plus 2 for the RPMR, that's a lot isn't it?

Yes, the crew at Roton Point will be working hard for effectively 7 days straight! We've heard from several sailing teams coming to the NAC that even 5 days can be a lot for some, and for that reason we are going to have options ready for a "down day" - to be determined by the RC/PRO during the event based primarily on the weather forcast and conditions. Should this contingency be utilized, we'll have some fun options for things to do, such as a train trip to Manhattan, a visit to the nearby maritime museum, and/or party games in the large club house. We've also got a fun scavenger hunt planed to win a cool prize.

What are the requirements to race in the NAC?

Complete registration for the event and bring a class legal Hobie 16 (i.e. comptip, OEM sails & tramp, etc), and you'll have to be a current member of HCA-NA. (Follow this link to Join the class: https://hcana.hobieclass.com/join/ ) Each boat needs documentation of their own third party liability coverage ($100k coverage). Minimum crew weight applies per class rules. We will be weighing and inspecting boats mast down, so please look for the inspection station when you first arrive. If you have questions about requirements, feel free to ask by emailing fleet448@gmail.com, but it's basically the same as all North American Championships in the recent past.

Is the Hobie 16 Youth Championship happening here too?

We were asked to host the H16 Youth 2024 championship as part of this North Americans! If we get 5 Youth teams (age 21 or less on 9/21/24) we will have a separate scoring for the Youth event and they will have their own trophy's! Youth registration is $200/team (one price, no late or early registration to keep it simple), but don't let the cost stop you from coming, sponsorship is available, just ask! If you are a youth team, or know of one, please help spread the word! Also, if you are a youth team, we want to hear from you about any preferences for how you'd like to be included - we're likely defaulting to having one start for all the boats, and scoring the youth event as an additional set of results... meaning a youth team could win both the NAC and the Youth NAC! Check out our "events" page to find a downloadable flier you can send to your friends to encourage participation in the youth H16 NAC, contact for the youth event is: caden.bradshaw@gmail.com UPDATE: As of 9/2/2024 it is not looking favorable to have a separately scored youth evnent, only 2 teams have signed up so they will race in the regular NAC event (unless 3 more teams show up on pre-registration in the last 2 weeks!)

Are you doing a raffle?

We are going to have a raffle! We will use the raffle to raise funds for the event and all funds raised will go towards the event. The grand prize is a brand new set of Hobie 16 racing sails, that comes WITH a $500 gift certificate towards adding custom art to any sails from Flying Fish Art. You can see some of what we have planned, and buy tickets online at this link: https://hcana.prepflag.com/product/raffle-ticket-2024-hobie-16-nac/

We have many other great prizes lining up and are adding more each week - do you have something you could donate to our raffle? If so, please reach out to Christopher at fleet448@gmail.com with your ideas! and Thank You!

What are the plans for the social dinners?

RPA is known for their grilling parties, so we'll take advantage of that structure for one of the socials. We are absolutely doing a grand Surf and Turf with Steak, Chicken and New England Lobster for our big party which will include a great 70's-90's cover band "Pimpinella". For our welcome party Monday night we're likely having New England style pizza party from one of the local shops, and we are planning a rum squall and getting a bar-tender for the main socials. The final social planned is for Friday - and we're throwing you a classic RI Hobie Fleet 448 beach party dinner, featuring the foods our fleet always enjoys at our fun events in and around Rhode Island.

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fleet 448 Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I want to join Fleet 448? Can't I have plenty of fun sailing on my own?

Joining the Fleet is more than just sailing, it is all about the “Hobie” experience. Sailing alone or with a few friends is a lot of fun, but would you try to sail to Martha’s Vineyard alone? The Fleet offers a deep well of experience upon which to improve your skills. We also offer sailing at a variety of venues that may not be available to someone sailing alone. However, the biggest reason is the people. The members of Fleet 448 will bend over backwards to help you out and we always have a good time together.

I have heard that sailing is expensive.

Compared to what? Sailing with Fleet 448 is about as cheap as you can get. A membership costs only $25 a year and events are only $5-10 per person for members – this includes a site for sailing, facilities and food & drink. Lunch at McDonald’s costs more than that, and our food is much better. There are hundreds of used Hobies out there and you can usually find a complete package (boat, sails, trailer, etc.) for under $2,000 and be ready to sail the next day. It's always best to come to a couple of fleet events and try out different hobies before you buy one. We can teach you what to look for to make sure you find the best boat possible whether you are going to spend $500 or $5,000 on a boat.

Do I have to own a boat to join?

No! We have a number of members that do not own boats. Come to any of our events and we will have you on the water. Unless we are heading out for a long distance day sail, there will be several boats owners looking for people to sail with. For non-boat owners, membership is only $10.

Where do you sail?

We sail all over Southern New England. RI isn't called the “Ocean State” for nothing. We regularly hold Fleet events in RI at Quonset Point, Goddard Park, and Conimicut. We also schedule fleet events leaving from Fairhaven MA. There are other launch sites in the area that are good for smaller, informal sails with other fleet members, such as Portsmouth RI, Westport, MA. We try hard to find and maintain good relations with any sites that welcome Hobie Sailors—even if they are not our usual event locations. Who wants to sail in the same place all the time? We are always looking for new places to sail so that we can experience all of the beautiful sailing grounds the area offers. Please visit the "LOCATIONS" tab on this site for more information about each of the sites we've been to.

It sounds like fun, but I’m too old for that.

We have members that sail with their kids as well as others in their 20's right up into their 70's and beyond. We welcome sailors of all ages and abilities!

What if I don’t know how to sail?

We will teach you! If you don’t know how to sail, we can teach you everything you need to know. Our members include several current and former sailing instructors as well as people with many years of valuable experience.

THANKS FOR VISITING; PLEASE CHECK BACK OFTEN!