Skin cancer has become such a major concern that full head coverings and eye shields have become standard gear. The trend toward one-design racing, which grew out of frustration over handicap systems in the late 20th century, has continued unabated. All professional racing, however, takes place in open, level classes that use box rules to allow for development. In 2025, most yacht clubs own their own one-design fleets, and members can check out boats on an hourly basis. Young people, enthusiastic about competition in a natural environment, have taken up sailing in a big way, and you'll be glad to know that personal watercraft, which marred the waterways at the turn of the century, have been outlawed in most harbors.
Sailboats are faster, less fragile, and more fun.
Thanks to continued development of teaching aids, such as the simulators, sailors' skills have improved dramatically. This site is best viewed with Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator, Versions 4.0 or higher.