| RE .0
Tha's OK, I don't mind replying here ...
Guess it all depends on the type of emotionalism you had in mind. My
opinion is that it's OK to disagree here (makes for more interesting
reading). But if you're going to make controversial statements, expect
controversy. And no point in getting upset and referring to people as
"slow". I take that as an insult, both here and on the race course
(although at times it's true on the race course).
My bottom line ... emotionalism's OK here only if it's constructive.
Also, I think that there's a certain appropriateness in emotionalism on
the race course, as long as it's aimed in the right direction. I
don't like screamers, and won't sail with them (more than once anyway).
But racing's a team sport after all, and sometimes it's appropriate (in
my opinion) to get the team roused if you expect them to keep their
heads in the race till you cross the finish line. Ironically, I find
this is especially true when the race is a drifter and the crew's
concentration is drifting elsewhere, or when you're doing badly and
some of the crew are feeling defeated before the race is over. And on
the "negative" side, it's sometimes helpful to have a "favorite"
competitor that you can "hate" (as in hate to lose to), as long as you
keep in mind that once the race is over, it's OVER. Especially if it's
a boat that rates the same as you. Helps give you something to focus
on during the day's event.
... Bob
|