A threat of note, an AI downside, and in the “$22 smoothies” department…
So, here’s a thought…
What would it take to get me involved in a sailing rally or race?
It turns out to be a fairly difficult question. For starters, I’ve never been competitive. What little competitive genes in my makeup are self-directed. I want to do the best I can do with zip interest in being better than some other person.
Being somewhat introverted, I’m not prone to big groups of people doing what I’m doing. Back in 1976 I did the Bikecentennial but didn’t ever really ride with others in a group. In fact, I think the best part of the Bikecentennial was that it allowed me to keep a lower profile. Being part of a large group of cyclists allows me disappear into the the woodwork so to speak. Being anonymous in a group is easier than going alone.
Then there’s the cost thing. Almost everyone organizing rallies these days are doing it for profit. I know it’s just a fact of life but the idea of doing something that’s all about someone making a profit just gets up my nose.
So, why should I do a rally or race?
For starters, I’ll say good works. Replace the profit incentive with something good. Doing something good becomes something I can get behind, especially where boats are concerned. Rallies like the ARC and suchlike seldom have a positive effect. A bunch of well off boat folk can seriously distort local economies and raise prices and costs to the local inhabitants.
I have yet to see an organized event that had a positive outcome on the locals. Mostly it’s just a precursor to gentrification and we all know where that goes. So, yeah, good works.
Lastly, any rally I’d consider needs a sense of humor and some attitude. Tilting at windmills or a set of steak knives for a prize is always a bonus.
Plus, I really have to add; a good t-shirt for participants only is a very goodly thing.