It always seems such a pity that we can't organise something similar in Sydney. Obviously the water is a bit restricted for it, but we could still have one or two days per year when everyone ignores their local club race and get together for a big event.

It would also be great to have some decent and affordable rating systems like they have in the RTI. Arbitrary handicap is great to encourage people, but it's beyond bizarre that 99% of Oz yacht racing has ONLY arbitrary handicap. It does nothing to encourage or reward good sailing.

Your scene does in Tassie has some well organised racing though, Don - the regular Hobart racing, the Launceston-Hobart and the regattas south of Hobart looks like lots of fun.