Is it true?

I think splitting fees and even whole season costs comes at another price for the owner and relationships on board

There is an expectation with pay-to-play that you make more calls and drive now and again.

I certainly don't expect dinners etc paid for but it is a nice touch- and the odd brown envelope for delivery or flights is cool

certainly not my experience on either count , but you guessed that from above , shame that some folk would rather race with those that are prepared to pay - doesn't neccesarily make them the best crew and if you race you want the best you can get

other thing perhaps localised to sunny scotland is most keelboats up here can't find enough crew .

Only boat I know of charging/ splitting costs , most folk wouldn't be seen dead on .

There are of course the scenario where a group of folk charter a boat to race and split costs .

I was lucky when young as I was a dinghy sailor and at that time dinghy sailors could waltz onto the helm of a racing keelboat and do well straight away compared to lifetime keelboat helms , don't think that is the case now to such an extent .

When I race I want to race @100% and thats why I race my cat , can afford that , I cruise my keelboat - can't afford to race it , and race on others who can , works for me

enough of my babble

happy xmas