america's cup

I'm sorry. I just can't get used to a trimaran winning the America's Cup. After all the years of admeasuring, monohull design (with a thought to the teardrop design at the bottom of the keel, etc.) We are now watching the race among a couple of tri designs - trimarans have always been faster - lower wetted surfaces, etc. But, do they do justice to the competition? Think of a baseball game that allows aluminium bats, spitballs, steroids etc. I've done a lot of sailing, racing and cruising; but, give me a monohull anytime. O.K. I'm not a multihull fan. However, I am somewhat of a traditionalist and want to see the return to real big boat racing, where the skill of the helmsman and crew are more important than the go-fast over the top boat design.

sailing cats

Rosie was the other half of our sailing cats. She was an Irish dutchess. Pranced on her toes as she swished her over-fluffy tail. She was a great boat cat. Usually she was very shy with strangers. However, on the boat, she lost all of her inhibitions and whenever anyone came aboard, she jumped up on the aft table in front of the guest and spreadeagled for a tummy rub - go figure (lol). She would hop up beside me at the helm whenever we went out of the slip. Baccarat, on the other hand went down below and dug his claws into some wood and held on.

sailing cats

I haave been thinking about the cats that went sailing with me. My greatest companion was
Buttons. He was a 22 lb Maine Coon Cat. And rightfully, according to his actions, the captain of the vessel. He was a very independent soul.
For example, we both wore harnesses in a rough seaway that kicked up from time to time. Even though he was a large yellow feline, if he went overboard, I would never be able to find him. Therefore, his harness.
I, on the other hand wore my harness because if I was washed overboard, his independence would rise and I am s ure he wouldn't bring the boat around to rescue me. He'd just keep sailing along waiting for a flying fish to brain itself on the cabin side.