This is exactly my point! If you don't like something then make your opinion known and be prepared to defend it. I really don't care if my opinion pisses you off! It's my opinion and I am entitled to it. But, if you present yours we can all in an adult manner debate it to see if it is the best for the sport -- which is why we are all here.



As for myself, I have been spending increasingly more time away from my family and other interests in order to bring something positive to the sport. In addition to my time I have been spending quite a few dollars in the form of software, legal advice, conference call costs, and mailings. In order to research the legalities of semi-pro racing and the effects that it would have on:

A. the olymipic racer

B. the regional competitor

C. the sailing community in general

D. sailings standing as an "amatuer" sport

E. the availability of yacht club locations

F. the official and unofficial stance of USSA

G. the availbility of new designs for professional cat racing

H. the costs of designing/building/supplying and supporting a new racing design.

I. Various other aspects of this beast.



So if you really think I just need to hear the sound of my voice get a grip. I make a better living getting paid by people who seek my advice than I do dealing with a dieing sport and people who complain rather than help.



Carl, Mark and the rest thank you for your work and conversations it is greatly appreciated.



Basket.case -- your words would be taken with some acceptance if you had the foresight to sign your posts with atleast your first name. As for being friends, maybe your right. But, even as your friend I'd tell you to be constructive even if your pissed off. As I often say "the path of least resistance is not always the best path to take."



Steve