At this point we have 5 Hobie Island Series kayaks entered in the EC2013. That matches EC2012, but in EC2011 we had 7 Hobie Island Series kayaks. Just for comparison, we have 7 Krugers this year but they are spread out between class 1 and class 3.
I mention these statistics because I get emails asking for the Hobie Island Series to be moved out of class 5. I remember back in 2011 I was thinking that I might need to add a new class if more Hobies are showing up on the beach. So here is the plan. If we get a minimum of 10 Hobie Kayaks (sailing or non sailing) entered and confirmed in the EC2013, I will setup a Hobie Class as follows:
- HobieI - Hobie Island Series for AI and TI
- HobieM - Hobie Mirage Series
- HobieA - Hobie Angler Series
If entering one of these classes you have to use standard Hobie amas, akas, sails, mirage drives, rudders, dagger boards, etc. For comfort items such as seating, tramps, etc. you can do as you like. Those experimenting with jibs and such can still enter in Class 5.
One interesting note is that Hobie has a small sail that is larger than the 1 square meter sail we allow in class 1 that can be used with the Mirage and Angler Series boats. These sails are allowed in this class. Hobie also has a set of small amas that can be used. Pretty much anything Hobie supples for any of these classes is allowed.
So if you know any Hobie kayakers sitting on the fence, let them know. This class will become official - or not - on February 1, 2013.