Cary thanx for the reply. Good info on alternative rooming. I really would like a chance to meet some of the folks on the forums.
About Rick's Taipan, I believe he is PRO and therefore not competing. About me chartering it, I feel a little inadequate. I am a prairie lake sailor who has never seen a catamaran sailed under spinnaker. I really would love some on the water time though.
So far I've figured out that my frequent flyer miles aren't going to get me there. All the reward seats are gone. But the wife is really quite supportive and views the cost as beneficial to my Blade experience.

Anyone looking to share a room with semi-frozen Canuck (non-snoring)?