Waterbug: We often sail A & B fleets together at smaller events, and yes the A fleet guys have to watch out for some of the new B fleet guys. Usually at the start when they can't hold thier boat still or are barging at the last minute. There are also many quality B fleet guys that turn into good A fleet sailors. If you want to race in A fleet then simply beat the B fleet guys and earn your way in. I think you would learn more in close races with the quality B fleeters then getting smoked in A fleet. Even in A fleet there is A- , A and A+.