Carl, Great post! I've wanted to go to this event since Damon Linkous started posting his reports on www.thebeachcats.com and the old Hobie list. We used to have big regattas up here too, and I know just what the cat sailors are like. When I got my first cat, I wasn't looking for people to sail with. After meeting a bunch of folks from the local fleets, I found I couldn't get enough of that cat regatta vibe. I've never experienced that kind of cooperation, and friendliness anywhere else. I have less and less time to sail these days, and it seems to be the case for a lot of folks. But I'm hoping that some day I'll have more time, and get around the country to attend more of these great events. The cat sailing community, despite it's somewhat fractured current state, is one of the most wonderful things I've come across in my life. My thanks go out to Rick and Mary, and to Damon, for giving us our virtual meeting places. Places we can connect, and develop friendships. It has been my online community that has drawn me, as does your post, to try to get down there! For me, one of the best things I've gotten out of the sport, are the bonds with other sailors. Nigel, Alex, and Mr. Ernie, do wonders when they put on such a great event. They have clearly fostered some strong bonds! Call me crazy, but I think that it's bonds like ours that will save the world. Sorry for waxing religious again, but it is how I feel, and it is Sunday after all. That's why I call going to my beach, going to "church", or "services".