When I started Catamaran Sailor magazine back in 1995, I named it "Sailor" rather than "Sailing," because I wanted it to be about the people as much as about the sport. I wanted to be able to cover all the things that interest sailors -- not just sailing. We all have other interests, like skiing, woodworking, golf, tennis, bicycling, camping, car renovations, and on and on.

I like to think that these forums, which are a spinoff from the magazine, are a place where sailors can share their other interests and activities besides sailing.

I'm not big on the politics threads, but nobody has to read them if they are not interested. At least you know that you are talking to fellow sailors, no matter what the subject.