I haven't been sailing very long, but I don't think I've missed a regatta yet because of unfavorable weather. Which is probably the biggest deterent for most people. Or at least with fuel pricing being so high they are less likely to go if they aren't sure they'll be racing. I've made alot of friends through sailing and whether or not the weather is good I still go to hang out with the people.

How many miles a year does the typical beach cat sailor travel? Its gotta be huge. Just a guess, but I bet last year I drove close to 4000 miles to get to regatta's. Including getting to NY for NA's. That's alot of expense. To me sailing is fun, but it doesn't really come into its own until racing.