Michael: Thank you for the kind words about the Alter Cup. Here is another thing that happened during that event. While they were racing next to the pier with all the grandstand seating watching the Congressional Cup, there were comments from both observers and announcers about the action further out on the water. Meaning the Alter Cup. We were noticed. I found this out from a couple of people that were there.

I would like to address the branding issue that you ask about in the beginning. I think that if you took away the names (manufacturers) there are still issues that have to do with technology that we would discuss. For example the best system to use for trapezing, whether it is better to use a 10:1 mainsheet system, having too many lines or too few, extremely light carbon fiber tiller or the more stalwart fiberglass one. I could go on about sails, mast material, spinnaker shape etc. This is a general open forum that usually gets posts about racing. Most of the sailors (posters) seem to race or be interested in starting to do so. Curious about how a particular boat sails or why someone would rig a certain way. All in an effort to sail a small bit faster. Losing a race to another boat after about 7 miles on a triangle course by ½ boat length starts me doing some research. Wondering if something else makes sense. 9 ft (½ boat length) divided by 36000 ft (7miles) is a very small number to try to get an advantage. I think it is mostly curiosity and confirmation as to why people refer to names (manufacturers) in lieu of explaining hull shape and dynamics of the boats. Most of us can see the shape and layout of the Formula 18, Hobie 16, A-cat, Tornado and some others in our minds eye. That way we do not have to try to describe details.

Eric: Thanks for the challenge. The second definition has to do with religion. Maybe sailing is really our universal spiritual connection.
ec·u·men·i·cal also ec·u·men·ic adj.
1. Of worldwide scope or applicability; universal.
2.
a. Of or relating to the worldwide Christian church.
b. Concerned with establishing or promoting unity among churches or religions.

Mary: Getting multihull folks and monohull folks together is getting easier and easier. Seems to me that the “them vs. us” lines are getting duller. I think that has a lot to do with the fact that more multihulls are participating in Yacht Club events. This allows everybody (different boat types) to get together at the end of the day and talk about courses, weather and other conditions they have in common. Common grounds will bridge the gap. Our yacht Club ABYC has several sailors that were monohull sailors buying cats. I am invited to sail on monohulls and do quite often. Racing is racing.

Later,
Dan