Eric put it very well, and Pat's example of Juani is perfect. I also liked Jake's analogy with music, and Catwoman's with fine arts. Reminds me of my experiences in art school. I took portrait sculpture. I thought that since we were all looking at the same person, everyone's work would resemble the model. There were only two out of twenty that captured a likeness. What a thrill to dicover I had a talent! I love music, but share Rolf's "talent". A few years later, I was a teaching assistant in that class. I can convey the process, and the skills to any interested person, but I can't share my talent in a way that is tangable enough to give it to others. I bet a lot of you are "talented" sailors, you just don't have the same degree of talent some of the stars do. I've never seen most of you, but we may know some people in common, like Rick Bliss, John Smith, and Chris Titcomb. I don't know where they'd rank in the national scene, but I'd guess they'd all do pretty well. John is a friend of mine, and I've crewed with him, and sailed next to him. Watching him fly around wether on an H16 or N20 is a joy. It's like the boat is an extension of him. That's a groove I'd strive for even if I never make it onto the race course. I suspect I'd get there faster by following you guys around the cans a few hundred times! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />