Hi Gary,

I too would rather not comment if a thread referenced something that I was not familiar with. Instead I might ask a question?

I have no intention of causing a 'discussion' to degenerate into an unproductive slanging match, but I strongly believe that we should be entitled to know with whom we are debating? What their background knowledge and experience is and the basis for their view. How else can a reader of a thread form an opinion as to the value of the post?

Is the poster biased/obsessive/vindictive? Are they well informed/knowledgeable or experienced with the topic? Could they just be plain mad or stupid?

My own views do not always accord with other people on this forum, but I'm prepared to read people's views and be convinced or otherwise. We are all interested in catsailing and (I assume) furthering the cause of catsailing wherever in the world we happen to be. Name calling and its associated negative practices do nothing to convince anyone that catsailing is for them, enthusing about particular boats/regattas/results etc can and does.