Hey Dave, sorry I didn't see your post. We took the girls up
to Disney last week and I was away from the computer. I would love to sail a distance race like the Tybee. Although my skill level at this point is nowhere close to where it needs to be for that type of an event. This July is my 1st. year anniversary for purchasing my Hobie AND learning how to sail. But this is the type of sailing I am definitely interested in. And that's the reason for the type of questions I ask. I also think there are a lot of details that could help someone in training to train better for this type of an event. And I think that someone like you and Jake have been great to shed light on some of these details. Like for instance the tennis elbow. Was this in both arms? did it affect your sailing or was it just an annoyance? Have you heard of anyone else having this problem? Should elbow braces be a standard part of the sailing gear for long distance races?

I find it incredible that you guys only had a half hour of training in the ocean before the race. And was that in the ocean or in the bay? Big difference there. I also learned a lot by watching all the boats struggle through the surf. I thought it was only me that was having difficulty with doing that, but I guess it is pretty common. Once this winter I pushed off - SOLO - in 20 knot onshore winds with very high surf and was able to do it. Of course I did a small triangle and returned to shore because I could barely control the boat!

anyway, thanks for your comments and input.