The slower boats are never scored against us "high tech" boats that "just disappear". At least we haven't been at any regatta I've been at. We might be scored overall when we're in a fleet, but there's always a "high DPN/no spin" class where you can get your "chunk of silver".
This is dodging the issue of creating a freindly and unitimidating environment for casual sailors. There are always "ringers" in the handicap fleet. I don't have an answer, but the point is...there are many boats not racing because of whatever perception their owners have of racing.
We racers like racing...and there certainly are "racers" that never win. We don't really understand why non-racers don't race. I personally don't like sailing much if I'm not racing.
Our numbers have dwindled significantly as we all know. Perhaps courting the reachers and mast bob sailors has no future.
I'll go heads-up with you anytime, but who wants to watch that?
