You would think that, but it has rarely proven to be true at other events - Keith Christensen had never been on a Hobie 20 and won against a fleet of 20 sailors. John Casey'd never sailed an F16 before the practice day last year. You just never know... that's one thing I love about this event. I often say "the stars have to line up." I have confidence in the boats and I think there will be fewer than average redress hearings, so we are more likely to see some seriously contended racing on the water. It is a pressure-cooker out there and there is only slightly less pressure on the beach. A week of that will see a true test of mettle. I'm buying pallets of Rolaids. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />