As to the Europese Press being sexist, you're probably right to some degree. On being behind, the tone of voice often is that they (the all women boat) ain't all that bad, considering they are women, and there's still one or two (male) boats that are even slower. Especially during the last Volvo Ocean race this struck me as kinda funny, considering there are still plenty good women sailors out there. Heck, even a whole lot who could kick my.

As to who's the skipper aboard, no argument on whether the woman (or children) are capable of taking the helm. What I meant to say was that it often seems the boat is the guy's toy, while the women 'tag along' for the ride. Women who, if they hadn't been with a sailor-boy wouldn't be on a boat anyway. Women who after an unexpected storm come screaming of off the boat, screaming 'Never ever again'. Women who like sailing for the chance to sunbathe upon deck, except it's so hard to read and hold your glass of chilled wine at the same time when the deck isn't straight.

Agreed, this must be an entirely different sailing crowd than all yee funlovin hardworkin catsailors out here. But you must see these couples/families too. Perhaps I seee them more often, as I'm usually moored in a harbour or a bit off the shore and not at the beach where there's only catsailors, surfers and kiters; the active crowd.

So why is it always the girl who tags along, not the other way round?