rolf thanks I enjoyed what you wrote here on the lower half of your post.

I have placed alot of thought when designing the race, as to tring to make it as fair as possible to multiple skill levels, the testosterone levels etc. such as corporations entering so called dream teams etc. as well professionals entering and trying to dominate the event etc.

Trying to make it basic here but in short:
the Corporations, all race against one another
the Pro's if any enter, all race against each other
there are 2 of the series set aside to accomodate this.
then everyone else, all the rest...

Now yes, the best from each series will go on and eventually meet that pro-team or that dream team, but my thoughts on this is that by that point they should all be of the same caliber of sailor. For me personally, I would love to win my series, inturn racing against a known great, what a win it would be, or atleast, I hope that I would make good competion anyways.

I also understand your points on the volvo race etc. sponsored by the lets say, the big leagues. Its one of the reasons for planning this one out. The best way to answer you on this one, simply is go and try and get in on one. It simply does not happen. Not to mention the boat and where it come from?

The resentment is also a large one, this one I cannot control. So all I can do on this, is state that a person should expect to loose or that its not a race to place your mortgage on. Its a high stakes event, that if you do not win 1,2,3 in your series than you've just lost a big chunk of change.

Thanks for you good input..