I'm with you, Dave -- the bob is cool, suave and sexy! It would be irresponsible to discourage people from using a bob, especially new sailors and recreational sailors who usually are not sailing in a group environment. I think it is an important safety feature.

And any man who is intelligent enough to care about his safety and the safety of his friends and family who may be sailing with him is a very cool and sexy guy in my book.

As far as sailing gloves, they ARE necessary for sailing most catamarans unless you want to toughen up your hands by following a regular regimen of soaking them in a bucket of saltwater while massaging a hank of hemp rope.