So, in other threads it was asked "How to grow our sport?". After reading this thread its no wonder anyone would want to start to race. As somone who is average in their racing skills I am/would be hesitant to get on the race course. And it has happened, you are trying to sail to the best of your ability and happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Next thing you know you are getting sued because you're a "C" class racer in a mixed fleet of "A" sailors. Not my idea of fun. Your first knee jerk reaction would be "learn the rules or stay off the course!!!". For people with nothing else to do that is great, for casual sailors we'll end up not on the course.