I'm 47 and 11/12ths, just over 80Kg, and all male last time anyone checked. But I think the original question relates to how our age and gender affects our views on sailing.

I'd echo the point that for many, you have to reach a certain stage in life when you can afford a multi-thousand pound / dollar toy. I was 41 before I even got on a cat (in fact any boat smaller than a cross channel ferry). I'd perceived sailing clubs to be too political and stuffy, and dinghy sailing to be too dull. I initially windsurfed (cheap and fun), had a family, then mountain biking (started in mid-late 30's, cheaply, discovered my mistake very quickly, then bought an 'expensive' bike). Aged 41, I discovered cats while on holiday in Jamaica - came home and bought a new one. Hence it might take time to accumulate the money and opportunity to discover cat sailing.

As to how my age affects my views - I've found myself diving in with a very gung-ho attitude - you only live once and all that. As your forties slide by, you realise that youth is not perpetual. For example, I did a trip from Dee to Beaumaris (40 miles), about 4 weeks into my ownership of the Spitfire - as a measure, it too me a year to work out how to avoid capsizing it - essentially unsupported, and into what turned into an unforecast F7 headwind for most of the trip. Experience tells me to be even more cautious next time, but the clock tells me to 'go for it' while you can!

I am inspired by those who admit to being somewhat more senior, and have recently been beaten by Reg White on his Spitfire, so I know I have many years left if I am lucky. However, I am aware of slowly seizing up, in the hands and back, and being less nimble round the boat. So as I get older I am prepared to take more risks, but am probably less well equiped to do so!

As for the gender debate - I try to encourage women as well as men to get behind the tiller especially. For some reason they think their place is as 'crew'. I contradict this whenever possible - the 16 footers especially have light enough sheet loads, and a well balanced boat is easy to steer. Strength is not an issue - the possible exception being to play the main, but I pass that to the crew. I am sure any woman could cope with the physical demands of helming these boats. The question then becomes, who is the 'captain' - quite a different issue!