I think Both mark and Tim got it right. Tim is on the mark with point 4 and "an appreciation for sports that require finesse, intelligence, and artistic ability."
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<br>mark is on the mark (no pun <= ) ) with
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<br>-1- It's also VERY*** hard to get a permit to operate a motor vessel of any sort in most of Europe and impossible and frankly rude to even suggest a PWC on an inland lake.
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<br>Especially the rude part. Many consider a sailboat on a bofy of water to be the pinnicle of taste and beauty while a PWC makes people reach for their antique hail gun above the stove. It is, as te English say, "Not done"
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<br>-2- the ability to have a catamaran club on the beach with full facilities in Holland all summer where there is no trailering, the water is close and the enthusiasm for sailing is intoxicating when the air temp hits 60'F
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<br>This certainly helps. I remember early april when the first sailors are on the beach ready to go. And the laughter when they (you) come back and take nice hot shower in the club building and have to really look hard for IT ! (wink wink)
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<br>But one thing that hasn't been coined is the simple fact that sailing has a special status here. It does have status in the USA to but mostly because it indicates wealth and standing. Here in the EU it doesn't really matter what kind of motorboard you have (unless it is a riva) a sailboat will win more appreciation. It has some romantism about it.
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<br>Wouter
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