Doug-
<br>I disagree here on the issue that what the "big boats" do has nothing to do with the "smaller boats". As the 500 poster said- It does quite often! Many times the RC's seem to "cater" to the "big" boats and as was expressed the "smaller" boats are expected to "like it or lump it". Many times I have seen the RC start the next flag sequence within seconds of the last, poor "little" (or oftentimes "newbie"), boat finishing giving them NO time to rest. Meanwhile the "big" boats often had time to go to the beach even! There are ways around this of course and they are employed some places but his point is perhaps we should consider that more.
<br>After all, the "races" are often set up strictly based on the concerns/needs of the "serious" racers w/ no regard to the novices/newcomers. Problem is- The "serious" racers will come back regardless but the newcomers too often decide they "don't fit in" or aren't wanted/welcome and depart the "racing scene" or fleet or cat sailing altogether.
<br>EVERY regatta ought to have something for the RANK amateur sailor and they ought to be encouraged, respected and treated like they are a VALUABLE commodity, not just a bunch of idiots who have to be "dealt with" ("Those idiots don't know what they're doing! They barged, didn't give me right of way, were trying to ask me questions, didn't hold their course, etc.!!"), IF we truly want to "grow" the sport.
<br>Problem is, I agree with one of the posters here that some of these "serious" racers are TOO SERIOUS about this RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY!!
<br>I'm sorry, I get more than enough STRESS at work, DON'T need it when I'm recreating. I find I typically end up actually sailing my cat on our local lake more than the "serious racers" who ONLY race or practice. Several even told me they DON'T like to "just sail"- That is their perogative and I don't think less of them for that but that's not why most people get into cat sailing-
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<br>Later!
<br>Kirt <br><br>Kirt Simmons
<br>Taipan #159, "A" cat US 48