SaiI-s, I think you are replying to the wrong person here. I have never said or even thought that sailboat racing is exciting to watch. I would rather lie in a hammock and watch rocks erode.

Despite all the wonderful efforts by people like Gary Jobson to make the sport more exciting and interesting and understandable from a spectator viewpoint, they haven't yet gotten me hooked on it.

The ONLY time I have ever found sailboat racing exciting as a spectator was when Rick and I were on our own boat up watching the Formula 40 races in Miami one time during that pro series. We were very close to the action (maybe too close), and it was absolutely spectacular!

It is impossible to capture the sense of power and speed of the boats on television. You have to be in the middle of it to FEEL it, not just see it.

It reminded me of the one polo match I went to a long time ago. We were sitting right on the sidelines of the grassy polo field, and you could feel the earth shaking from the pounding of the horses' hoofs, and you were close enough to see the sweat on their bodies and see the foam frothing from their mouths, and hear the lock "crack" of mallets hitting the ball.

That's kind of what it was like being in the middle of that Formula 40 race -- like a total sensory experience that helped you to relate on some more primitive, basic level.

But no matter how big the boats are, it just does not come across on TV.

And match racing? Only two boats? Sorry. I can't get into it. Monkey-in-the-Middle would be a lot more fun to watch. So as far as match racing is concerned, it makes absolutely no difference to me whether it is on Formula 40's or C-Class cats or Hobie Waves. It is just a tactical and strategic dance on the water. What does it matter what boats? It is all about sailing skill on two boats that are as equally matched as possible.

Seems like this whole debate is between those who think the Little America's Cup should be about the country that can design the best boat and those who think it should be about the country that has the best sailor.

Interesting.