Focus on Sailing
	by Rita Cook
	Respond to this Article
	This article provided by:

Whether you've been sailing for years or for just a few months, there are plenty of sites throughout the country to find a good place to sail. And although you may not be ready for the America's Cup or the Vendee Globe yet, don't give up. Find a place that fits your level of expertise and go for it.

For the novice sailor who's still not sure, you might just consider trying it out. The wind, the water, and a sailboat can take you on an adventure unlike any other you've ever experienced before, to a world-renowned competition, or just on a pleasant afternoon cruise with friends.

Whatever your interest in sailing or your level of ability, it's easier and cheaper than you think. Buy a dinghy or a yacht and set sail on the open waters, what's ahead is an adventure you won't soon forget.

Step up to the bow and let's go sailing. First stop, the America's Cup. Sailors from across the world are getting ready for the next America's Cup, a fierce sailing event to be held in the year 2000.

Its been quite a few years since this race's inception. The first America's Cup race was held in the year 1848, when Queen Victoria of England authorized the creation of a "One Hundred Guinea Cup" made of solid silver for a yacht race which would be open to all nations.

In 1851, The New York Yacht Club's schooner "America" was The United States' lone entrance in the race. It was the only boat that dared stand up against the 16 mighty English ships. The builder of "America" believed the schooner to be so magnificently designed that he refused payment if the boat did not win the race. It did win, by a large margin. When Queen Victoria asked who had come in first place, she was told, "America." Her second question was, "Who is second?" The stark reply was, "Your Majesty there is no second."

That early competition has kept The America's Cup alive with the New York Yacht Club's 132 years of success remaining the longest standing record in sports history.

The America's Cup is hosted in different cities around the globe. In 1995, it was hosted in San Diego. The race for the year 2000 is to be held in New Zealand.

And with the year 2000 right around the corner you'd better get your sailors cap on now in order to prepare yourself for this ultimate challenge.

There is an even more challenging competition than the America's Cup, it's called the Vendee Globe. The last update for the Vendee Globe, a race just completed, was in February. Reports announced a missing vessel and sailor which had lost radio contact, and of this writing, had yet to be found.

Gerry Roufs, the sailor in question, was looking for the ultimate challenge. And like all competitors in the Vendee Globe, he entered to take advantage of the races' challenge to reach the uttermost limits.

"The race is not only a sporting, technical, and human adventure, but also a competition intended to bring together solo sailors from all countries in a non-stop, single-handed race around the world," Phillippe Jean Tot, Regatta Organizer explains.

That you could lose your boat or even your life is probably the last thing on the minds of the competitors looking for this kind of challenge. The Vendee Globe is the longest and most challenging race ever held. The winner is determined by the first boat to cross the finish line in Les Sable d'Olonne, after a grueling sail around three Capes non-stop with no assistance.

The philosophy of the Vendee Globe is to celebrate the human adventure of sailing. And it seems to be a most fantastic and challenging adventure indeed.

Now, back at home in your own familiar water, can't you already feel the challenge awaiting you. There certainly is a lot of work ahead for any sailor, young or old, who plans to enter either of these competitions.

First and foremost you must choose a boat from the distinctly remarkable choices on the market today. "Sailing World" magazine recently named their 1997 Boat of the Year Award Winners: