Keith, Kevin, Mark, Excellent points. I agree that first and foremost, you have to recruit more people into cat sailing if you want to have any kind of racing. It took me many years to feel comfortable enough on my boat to enter a regatta, and even going to a local one-design race was a bit intimidating. But thanks to having people willing to give me some pointers, or take me out as crew in their weekday events, I found that I truly enjoy racing, and try to get away to the occasional weekend event.

I would however give up racing anyday to be able to get out on my boat to just fly hull with some friends. If I restricted myself to associating only with people who can afford the latest $10,000 boat, I think I would find myself having a hard time finding friends.

If I took out anybody I found friendly, on my 1978 Hobie, I bet at least one or two of those people would eventually buy their own $10,000 cat and ask me to sail with them.

I'll choose the second option.