Distance racing is the way to go if you ask me. You can mess up a few times and not get pummeled like you do on a bouy course. If you mess up the start? So what, you have 10 or so hours to make up for it. It was the distance racing that hooked my wife on sailing. I especially like the distance racing that involves camping over night, lots of good friendships are formed. Here is a short list of absolute essentials you must have with you: VHF, cash, paddle, flares, twice as much water as you think you need, snacks that taste good wet, GPS (not mandatory, but nice in case you are in the lead), bright flashlight (in case the sun goes down and you are looking for channel markers or trying not to get run over by a barge), good multitool, small spare parts. All of this will fit into a small drybag that takes up little room on your tramp. Hope this helps.



Goo dluck