I agree. It is too bad that most people do not have a local dealer at all, much less one that supports their regattas.

Tom Tannert was our dealer up in Ohio back in the "old days," and he didn't just sell boats. He took people out for rides, he taught people how to sail, and if you bought a boat from him, he would even take you out and capsize to show you how to right it! He built various fleets throughout his area, and he came to all their events and usually raced in them.

There are not many people like that any more, but if you are lucky enough to have one in your area, you should support them by doing business with them. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />