And as a follow-up, Mark... I weigh 130 pounds, but I wouldn't want to see you sailing buck naked... or even regular naked.

Another boat in the mix - the Mystere 4.3 is reportedly the largest one-design fleet competing in Ohio, there are 50 boats in the US with a possible 2005 nationals, it is a spinnaker boat that is fun and easy to sail, and they cost just over $4,000 new. Guys bought them initially as a second boat, because it was too good a deal to pass up, or to teach their kids to sail. I had hoped the Dragoon would be the US equivalent, but they cost more than a new 16.

I'll put my horn down now.

My favorite tech advance? Firstly sail controls - line and blocks (thank you Gotfried Maffioli and Olaf Harken!). Close second - Gore Tex... I'm having an affair with my dry suit. Much better than the wet suit I used to wear.