Skeered? Who didn't sail very many races at TW because there WAS wind? I rest my case there....
It was and is a joke! Further, I don't explain myself to people less than half my age. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> If I were truly questioning his courage, I would have used that word.
On a serious note, I suspect you have never been in a truly fearful situation. I hope you never are.