Darryl,

Firstly I'd like to repeat that I prefer class racing. That is me and I am in the possition to by the boat I wan't. Others may not wish to commit themself that much into sailing and may choose a different class or an older boat. That suits them. If racing large fleets were important to them, then they can also find a class to suit their budget. A Class, F-18, Hobie 16, Paper Tiger ect. There are other strong classes out there. But whatever you choose, enjoy it as that is what really counts.

Regarding comparing top sailors in each class.... Seriously.... Compare sailors results when they cross classes, get involved in these classes yourself and see first hand or watch sailors on the race course, techneque, crew work, mistakes ect. These comments are not 'elitist and derogatory' comments... It is fact.

I will come to the table with an example. A Sailor I have known for many years and have raced against in Wagga and Sydney.

Bruce McArthur was a good club sailor. His fater built him a Mossie which he race for a few years with great results and won atleast 1 National Championship. He then moved into the Tornado class and joined Booth and Forbes as their training partners learning A LOT about cat racing and improved plenty. He then, like a lot of Tornado sailors, moved into the A Class. At the last Nationals as you can see above, he placed 17th. This was not a bad result. It is just a red hot fleet.

Yes you will find that some weekend club sailors may have more natural sailing ability than one who way compete at an international level..... But the International sailor will usually be the guy who puts more work into his sailing, trains more ofter and works hard at making himself a better sailor then the guy who has more natural ability.

I am not trying to offend any sailors or rubbish any classes. I am just calling it as it is. I also not trying to big note my self and infact only consider myself a weekend sailor also. But the many guys at the top end of these fleets are THAT GOOD and a totaly different calibre to other sailors.