Mary, I must confess that when I got my first 14 in '95, I had no intention of joining a fleet, or finding new friends to sail with. I didn't have enough time for those already in my life! But one day on a walk with my father on the beach, we noticed a lot of masts on a beach two miles away. I could tell they were cats, and we got in the car and drove over to investigate. It was Fleet 448's annual ISLAND HOP,(takes place this Saturday!). The fleet members were incredibly welcoming, and aswered all sorts of questions. Within weeks I was a member! Meeting them, and joining the Fleet, has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me! Please forgive my preaching to the choir, as I do tend to rant, and rave on the subject. My attendance has been way down this year, but my spirit and convictions about my Fleet are stronger every year! Mary, thanks for the forum! Bob, thanks for the thread, and Hans, I think that new boat is VERY exciting! Brian