Just want to say thanks for the terrific thread! I've scarecely(?) been on line for the past week, and to find this thread this morning was just great! I didn't notice the Patriots loss, but this stuff really gets my attention. Some of you managed to getme LOL with your accounts and comments! I was of course rooting for Chaos. They are the "local" team after all for us New Englanders. But there was such a great group of sailors in this event, I found myself chanting "Seacats! Seacats! Seacats!" and then "204! 204! 204!" Eric, if I'd known what you guys were going through I would've been praying. Cat In The Hat, after Tybee, I think we all have become your fans! My left coast brother Gary's questions are typically relevant for ocean voyagers, safety oriented stuff that benefits all of us if we think about it, ( and we should!) And no that's not Gary in his avatar doing the wavey thing. Gary, the "204!" is Hobie Fleet 204 in upstate N.Y. I had the pleasure of meeting Pat, Diane, and their daughter Sarah, and Sue Korz at the Hobie 16 Nationals. I don't know if there is something special in the water up there, but they are one of the most successfull, and fun fleets in the country! Pat and Sarah sailed together in the H16 Nationals. She went back out after the day Hobie Alter Jr. and at least one other boat lost their masts. It blew, and it rained! And the children of 204 didn't quit! Mike S. is a 204 sailor. Yahoo Mike and Lindsey!!! On the topic of the weather, and worrying, Mary I'm glad I was unaware of what was going on. I think I would've lost what little hair I have left! (I'd be happy if it just turned gray!) While we're here, I'd like to say I've been out in similar conditions on Hobie 16s, and there's no boat I'd rather be on in that situation. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />