J/30s from Metro NYC to Cape Code can relatively easily sail to an NA regatta on Long Island Sound (LIS) or in Southern New England (SNE). So since 1997 when Newport got back into the mix, the NA's have been held on either Long Island Sound or Narragansett Bay every other year. The usual four-year cycle has been SNE-Chicago/New Orleans-LIS-Annapolis with the western regatta occasionally being dropped/wiped out.
Three to four years is about right for most clubs. It keeps regional interest up and organizers/clubs remember the good times and have forgotten the planning and hard work involved. 2009 is due to go west, but I can understand if NO is not ready. Maybe Chicago or LIS moves up?
Cedar Point YC always hosts a great regatta, but I would not be averse another western LIS club in the mix. Likewise the Chesapeake Bay might be wise to Hampton a shot. Will those from western LIS sail to Marblehead? Would it attract boats from further up the coast?
