"In the 2006 race, we made it to about 86 boats. Mistakes were made (allowing larger cats to participate that would capsize in the harbor and cause trouble with the coast guard)."
What kind of statement is that? Are you telling me that only large cats can capsize in the harbor and cause trouble with the Coast Guard? In a latter post, large cats are defined as anything over 20 feet.
If memory serves me correctly, either a RC30 or 27 capsized under a bridge and the mast was stuck in the mud. The sailors on the cat were very experienced and accomplished. It was unfortunate that the cat could be righted in a more timely manner. Was this a mistake by the crew, the club for not having more support on the water or not informing the crews of the strong winds and shallow waters around the bridge or the Coast Guard not knowing what to do to help the capsized cat? Is the water under the bridge shallow enough that this could happen to cats less than 20 feet? Who would not like to race against the larger cats?
In other posts, New York Harbor is described as a dangerous place for cats to sail. The allure of the race is a chance to sail around a national landmark that has some significant symbolism. In all probability if this race continues, another incident will occur and it will cause a problem. At least for the RC30, no one was injured other a few egos.
I was hoping one day I would be skilled enough to enter the race and to sail around Lady Liberty. From the way people portray the dangers, it is not worth risking lives in a dangerous port where the cat is a slow moving object in commercial traffic zones.
