HYDROS: Mirror time for managers

I think the Diamond Cup organizers are overlooking a few key points with regards to why this year’s race has been canceled. There is more than enough finger pointing and blame going around in the Press. I think the race organizers need to look at themselves.

Based on printed information in this paper, my opinion is that they don’t deserve another permit. At least not until all suppliers from the 2013 race are paid in full. Additionally, a contractor payment bond should be required to apply for future permits.

I’m from Detroit where they held the Gold Cup. The race course is on the Detroit River, between the city shoreline and Belle Isle. Paying fans sat in grandstands on the city shoreline, the start/finish line, side of the course. Belle Isle, on the backstretch is a city park, and any place you could set up a lawn chair was free.

For the Diamond Cup organizers to think they can possibly get 30,000 paying customers is not realistic. It is also not realistic to expect exclusive tie-up or docking rights for private boats in a public lake. Let us not forget the long-running issue over the concrete anchors from last years race.

To offer to pay off last year’s debts with this year’s profits, is insulting to the companies which were stiffed.

Gentlemen, please rethink your business plan.

RICK CASEMORE

French Gulch