To All Members of the International Hobie Class Association (IHCA),
The IHCA Executive Committee wishes to inform you of a significant development affecting our class’s future operations. To fully understand the situation, we believe it’s important to provide some background.
Since 1970, the Hobie Cat Company—and later also Hobie Cat Europe—has consistently supported the Hobie Class with funding and by employing a Class Director. This partnership has played a vital role in maintaining and growing our global community.
However, following the sale of Hobie Cat Company by its previous owners, that support began to diminish. We were informed in January 2025 that Hobie Cat Company would no longer provide any financial support to the IHCA. This decision was unexpected and put us in a difficult position.
This comes despite the IHCA’s ongoing and dedicated efforts to promote Hobie sailing. Our one-design rules not only ensure fair racing but also require the use of Hobie Cat Company-manufactured parts—helping to support the company’s business, even in cases where more affordable alternatives are available.
At the last Hobie 16 World Championships in Spain, the IHCA stepped up as a major sponsor, contributing $20,000 USD in seed funding to help ensure the event’s success. Our commitment to Hobie Sailing has never wavered.
We also wish to sincerely thank Hobie Cat Australasia for their continued generosity in hosting our IHCA websites—this support remains invaluable.
Sadly, the end of financial contributions from Hobie Cat Company means we will no longer be able to employ a full-time Executive Director. As of May 1st, 2025 the IHCA can based on the income of member ship fees alone afford an Executive Director 10-20 hours/week. This change will inevitably reduce the number of initiatives, services and behind-the-scenes efforts that help keep the IHCA running smoothly as well as response times must be foreseen to grow.
We remain hopeful that the new ownership of Hobie Cat Company will come to appreciate the value of the IHCA’s contributions and reconsider their decision to withdraw support.
In the meantime, we want to thank each and every one of you for your continued commitment to the Hobie Class. Together, we will keep the Hobie spirit alive—on the water and around the world.
With kind regards,
The IHCA Executive Committee
