The commodity price of carbon is around US$45,000/ton, about the same price as 2 to 3 years ago give or take a couple of US$1000 above what it was.

Record highs for carbon were in late 80s and then again in mid-90s at close to US$60,000/ton so we are not paying top dollar now compared to the past!

Carbon had its big run up from low 30,000 to current levels in '02.

Production capacity is above demand. What will effect the price will be of some of the other materials that gone into the production of carbon. Despite production getting more efficient, these could potential push up the price.

Could keep going on about the different types and where the new demand for carbon is coming from (windmills!) but that would be boring. So back to sailing.