thankyou Allan ,--

It could be any of us that sail, gone-if one does not understand this one should not venture offshore on any body of water.. -I,m so sorry for the family and commend the bravery of another crew to dive into 50 degree water to attempt rescue and crew for their immediate actions.



It is interesting that the Worrell 1000 and Les and Marks experiences are noted in the article {most all partisipants in the race over the years have similar experiences}__ with the recognition that we are prepared to survive the worst and DO ! as catsailors in the Worrell 1000 .Per example the last two legs this year around Cape Hatteras and specifically the last leg to Virginia Bch in 50 to 60 mph winds , good sized seas ,and cold water temps this year.



We all wear breathable DRYSUITS ,PFDs , EPIRBS , LIGHTS AND STROBE , RADIO, KNIVES ,MULTITOOLS and more, we are recognized by coast watch rescue teams and the Coast Guard as a group prepared to survive the worst in our 1000 mile race each year, now the Yachting fraternity in general is recognizing this also along with seamanship skills required.



Often the yachting crowd in years past and Am Cup type sailing commentators like Gary Jobson have described catsailors as quote "curious" unique " sailing cats that should never venture far from shore" ---

They now clearly need to race with us in a major distance or Worrell type race to understand the difference and adopt the readiness, equipement ,and preparation, for use similarly on all types of sailing craft.



Writting this in the hopes that a number of catsailors and teams in the Worrell will write about their experiences and pass on the knowledge of preparation , techniques,and survival when these types of conditions are unexpectedly encountered not only for fellow catsailors benifit but for all sailors . -What to do if your dismasted , --suddenly in high wind and huge seas of a sudden storm, --injured,-flipped , seperated from the boat, or have a similar man overboard ,-what were and are your experiences that allowed you to survive . I think of the vast knowledge and experience of several Worrell teams and hope they will take the time to share their boat prep , techniques used , and experiences,again that will benifit all and may save a future sailors life.



thanks , I,m sure Rick and Mary will run a special section on safety for this on Catsailor .

sail safe

Carl