Joe wrote:
Well Doug I've raced RedCloud in 3 Harvest Moon regetta around 250 mi
in the gulf and we had 12-15 footers... rails in the water , a few
boats other boats were de-masted and we kept racing I have no doubt
another 5 foot would have had much more affect. Our best was a third in
our class.


OK, now think... the Sydney-Hobart has sailors coming from all over the
world to compete. It is one of the toughest races. Does the Harvest Moon
regatta even bring a lot of regional interest? How many boats race in
it? How many different clubs represented?

Not trying to diss the Harvest Moon race, but it is not at all even
close to the same scale event.


Many many week night bay races with winds higher than 40 knots, thats
why I have reefing points in my sails and several head sails.

Do week night races take you over open sea, with current, and take you
on a course beating into 40+ knot winds for hours at a time?


Are you telling me that anyone who enters Hobart race should not
expect strong winds and large seas?


No, I'm saying a piddey local racer who thinks he's tough because he's
sailed in piddley local races should not bad-mouth world class talent in
the toughest sailboat race on the planet.

For one thing, all it does is make you look dumb.

DSK

Most Harvest moon races have around 200-300 boats. I'm not a Yacht Club
member and could care less how many Yacht clubs enter the race, There
are several, I can tell by the little flags and cute colorful matching
sailor suits the crews wear, I've seen many cross the finish line
usually several hours and drinks after we crossed it. The race is
sponsered by Baccardi.

OK now think.....If you travel half way across the world to RACE would
you not finish what you started? I would.

Now if you want to hold high esteem for quiters and losers feel free, I
just think many of the people in the race are weekend warriors with
more money than skills and fortatude.

If you want to have respect for sailors who do not understand the
abilitys of the vessels they sail, then go ahead.

Every year I raced the harvest moon we raced against another Ketch
called the Lone Star Love, the owners were quite proud that they had
raced the Hobart. Ever year we finished just ahead of them. They had a
300K boat, fancy sailor suits, and 5+ more years than I racing the
Harvest moon.

Ill respect the people who finish what they started, the others are
just wussies and wannabes.

Joe