Right on, Colin.



I had a sponsor for my second Wave Nationals down at Rick's Place - they bought me a new boat, a killer new sail with cool graphics, and gave me some clothes. I felt like the king of the world. I *knew*, though, that this of course wouldn't make me a better sailor - I just had new stuff.



What surprised me, though, was the resentful attitude I got from a few folks at the event. I never claimed to be a great skipper, and I didn't come off **** (I don't think). In fact, my best finish was a third, I think, and I finished 14th overall - AND I WAS THRILLED! It was only my second regatta as a skipper. Some people, though, were vocally pleased that I didn't do better. That's an attitude that I don't understand at all.



Materially prejudiced? No dealers would be able to sail if this were a criterion for exclusion. I *want* to race against guys like Newkirk and Smyth and Curry - I live near them and get to see them on the course all the time... even when I get horizoned, I still learn a little. Let's be honest - sponsors want the guys who win to be their teams... I may not get sposored again any time soon, but why shouldn't I hope and work for it?



John