Of course I'm not a big racer but here is my opinion, fwiw. If someone gets sponsors to help with his equipment it doesn't make him a pro. (Like Mary said, it makes him a good salesman) Others complain about said person getting newer equipment when we have to use what we can scrounge up. If the issue is equipment, weather he buys it or gets it by sponsorship, why not protest the guy who does really well (financially) and is able to just go out and buy the equipment? Its the same thing... there will always be inequalities because of this (money) issue.

Some guys have talent (discussed in another thread not to be done again!) and others can learn really well and become proficient enough to be at the top of the fleets consistantly. Would you consider them pros? Not if they don't get paid you say? What if they beat some "pros"?

Bottom line is, pro or no pro, the idea is to go out and sail. Try to be the best that you can if thats what you want and who knows you may just end up beating a "pro" at some point. For me, its sailing with others trying to make the boat go as fast as I can. If I can do well then I've accomplished what I've set out to do.

I say we all Play together... AND PLAY NICE!!!!! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Clayton