I bought a Laser once that just happend to be a "Timex Limited Edition" - it had "Timex" splashed all over it because it was an ex worlds boat. I happened to join a new club at about the same time and much to my amusement everybody assumed I was a bit of a pro.. It didn't take them long to realise that a badged up (or sponsored) boat does not necessarily imply the sailor is a hot shot...



At the F18 worlds this year Mitch Booth used his fully (soft) battened jib to take 3 World Championship wins in a row. I read today [Y&Y] that there were some grumblings about his jib, but also a relutant recognition that even without it, he'd probably have still won. Which goes back to what Mary said above: these guys get the latest gear after they've become the best and earned their pro status; they aren't the best just because of their gear; put Mitch Booth on an out-of-the-box Tiger and he'd still win...



Which says to me that its pointless buying the latest and greatest go-faster toys until you've learned to race well - one bad tack and all that money might as well have gone on beer... :-)



Regards,

Colin J

www.sailwave.com