I am a heretic.

I am very competitive.

I put everything I have into going faster than other boats.

I am passionate about achieving results in sailing.



And I do not care if I win or lose.

I am not hurt by other sailors being better than me.

A day is not measured by a finish position or a failed attempt to beat a goal

if the wind was blowing and the sun was out spray in my face or a few good tacks or I learned something then I had a great day, a spectacular day compared to a day at the office.



This is heresy for a "competitive" racer and I only write to the others of us that would like to race for the thrill and fun of being on the water with other boats going in the same direction with the added distraction of rules.



Unfortunately this spirit does not generate sponsors and national money or regattas so we will be happy and without a forum



So what is my point - I challenge anyone to create and support more open regattas and classes that include the heretics and the novice and the never raced before as well as the sailed all of their life but sick of the pressure associated with more accepted competition.



For me I am working on generating interest in a gulf coast distance race the rules and classes to be determined by the racers. Many racers expect service for their entry fee I plan on creating a community race that all enjoy and contribute to.



I do not try to manage the advantages of design one boat has over another I sheet in and go faster.



Marc.