October 6, 2003 Hobie Cat announced that they were removing from production the Hobie 17, Hobie 17 Sport, Hobie 18 and Hobie 18SX. More...

An effort has been initiated by a number of Hobie 17 sailors to try and save the Hobie 17. A flurry of emails started and now HCA is involved. Eliminating the H18 and H17 from production will hurt the racing fleet

We must remember that Hobie Cat USA's decision is a strictly business one, it has nothing to do with racing but to do with money. They are not selling enough of these boats, so they are eliminating them from production. In addition they could be considered to compete with the Hobie Tiger and Hobie FX-One of Hobie Cat Europe, so we can presume that enahancing the relationship with Hobie Cat Europe is an objective.

This creates a hole in the recreational market for Hobie Cat USA, that cannot be filled by the polyethlene rotomoulded product line.

Rich McVeigh, Chairman of HCA has been discussing the issue with Doug Skidmore, President of Hobie Cat USA and it seems there is some hope for a continuation of limited production.

Rich McVeigh has asked from the H17 sailors is some e-mails of support sent to him to help sway the cause. He plans to use these emails to show Hobie Cat USA what the feelings are out in the streets.

Please e-mail these letters of support to rmcveigh@starpower.net.