Focus on the fun of sailboat racing

Dear Curmudgeon: I have a company that provides team gear, and I see photos of teams receiving awards but very few are in team apparel sponsored by the boat they were on. It looks shabby and I can’t think of any other sport where an owner doesn’t at least hand out a descent team jersey. Don’t you think that to compete in our sport, people need to buy decent gear that makes their team members look and feel appreciated? How about some team pride? – Mad Merchant

Dear Mad: They say don’t shoot the messenger, but in this instance it may be warranted. What sailing needs is enthusiastic participants that are unshackled from fashion requirements, forced to spend more money so everybody looks nice. If they want to, that’s great, and it does make photos look better when there is team gear. And yes, crew appreciate it, and it does heighten the team bond. But I’d caution increasing the requirements to go racing in a sport where people have quit because of the ever increasing requirements to go racing. Let’s lighten up on the expectations and focus more on the fun of sailboat racing. – The Curmudgeon

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