Bob, Interesting question... My guess is that the actual majority of cat owners do not race currently. I base this on the number of boats I see in yards vs. those at regattas. I would guess too that the dwindling attendance is partially due to life changes, ie...having kids. As one who has yet to race, I still am dissappointed by the drop in numbers. The weather has sucked in the Northeast this season, but even as a fun sailor, I think the regattas are FANTASTIC! Anyone with an interest in sailing should be going to at least one! There are quite a few members in my fleet that don't race. We just love to sail together, and have an awsome time. If I get enough time, I will race, if only to boost my learning curve! I missed our Regatta this weekend to go to a reunion, and work. Ordinarily only an emergency would keep me away, because I've always had such great times there, but the reunion was special. Hadn't seen some of my old friends for thirty years! I believe cat sailing with/ in a fleet, is the best sport out there. Fleet dues are a bargain! And you can get a decent Hobie 16 for as little as $800.00! Not many other sports you can get into, that offer the same sort of excitement and thrills for that kind of money.