When I first started sailing I really enjoyed the fun events the Seacats would have in Columbia. They were casual weekends where we would gather at a member's house on the lake (they have their own island!) and have a planned distance race. The rest of the time was spent goofing around, sailing, swimming, "I'll race you to the island and back" sort of thing. Come to think of it...it was probably this event that really got me hooked on sailing even though I enjoy strict racing maybe slightly more now.