As my "icon" expresses, I stick my tongue out or I "thumb my nose" at you racers.

While racing is the best thing for many, mabe most, cat sailors, ... racing is simply not necessary for a guy like me.

The best sailing that I have enjoyed was not during a race. The second best day was also not during a race. Third, forth, fifth, sixth, and seventh best days also did not depend on racing. Yet, for a racer, I can understand his best days being those on the course.

To best describe my best days of cat sailing, I'd probably have to point to the folks who are hanging on to a boom of a wind surfer, or those who are piloting a hang glider. Parachuting may also be similar. It is ALL about the wind, water, sails, and a list of many other things that just, simply stated, does not include other humans.

Having other people around me, enjoying the sport, either as crew or as sailors on other boats does enhance the experience to some extent. But the competition that naturally evolves between two sailboats on the water is a win, win situation. The comparison between boats gives the skipper a reference point upon which to judge his own performance. Soon, that reference allows improvement that may not have been possible if the reference were not present.

The next thing you know, you are going faster, sailing better, and also inspiring the same improvements in "the competition."

That is where my appreciation of competition ends and a racer's appreciation of the competition begins.

Sailing is a very personal sport for me. I would have made a good windsurfer, had I chosen to go that route. I could have been a good hang-glider if I was willing to take those risks. Cat sailing has brought many challenges that I savor and enjoy. I don't need any other boat or person to be in the arena in order for me to have a superb time of exillerating fun and excitement as I explore nature's forces.

The propultion I experience when trancducing the prevailing wind and my boat's floatation into high speed transport is unmatched. Your experience shall never be exactly the same as mine. You may or may not be able to experience a somewhat similar thrill but, I don't feel the need to compare my successfulness against yours. If you happen to be nearby, I'll compare, just for the sake of measuring my own successfullness in making the best of the situation. Or I may simply provide you with the same feedback reference.

I would not want to hinder another sailor by taking his wind or causing him to tack onto a less favored situation. I just want my clear air and to all of you reading this, I wish...

Fair Winds!

GARY