Mary,
My first inclination was to suggest ways of overcoming your intimidation (I admit it - as a man I try to fix things), but then it occured to me that intimidation is worth discussing in its own right.

So, for the group: when sailing in multi-class events, what do you think are the causes of such intimidation? What can be done about it? Are there other remedies besides separate courses?

Some of the causes I can think of are inexperience (although I could never accuse Mary of that), not trusting your own abilities, not trusting other boats to keep a lookout, not trusting the other boats know when to keep clear, not trusting the other boats will try to keep clear, not trusting the other boats are capable of keeping clear (you know, the magnetic attraction of fiberglass).

Is it simply a matter of relative boat speed, size, and testosterone level, or is there more to it? What can we do to not frighten people off the racecourse?

I know I used to be a lot more timid around other boats than I am now, and I might inadvertently be scaring others by crossing within my comfort zone - but not theirs. I also have a pretty loud shout. I had no trouble being heard well over 100ft away in 15+kts wind last weekend.

Comments?

Regards,
Eric