After the last SDR, I read piece after piece of criticism from all corners of the sailing world. I kept waiting, and waiting, for somebody involved in the SDR to have something to say.

Following Iain-Fiona and another couple from the UK(blogs, email) I met last summer, all they did was keep sailing and enjoying themselves. So I finally asked Iain what he thought of the controversy.

He wrote me a well thought out opinion of the good and the bad of rally's in general. It was very interesting, but most of all, he makes a clear point that most of the criticism was misguided(I believe). The anti argument boxed the SDR into other rally formats. But the fact is, it has little in common with regulated rallys. In fact it was founded on NOT being a regulated rally-the responsibility on the captain, only. And I think he makes that point very, very clear.

I cut out anything that doesn't pertain to his review of the SDR, and told him I'd likely post it somewhere.

So please use it anywhere(I think his review of the SDR should be told). I'll take the blame and buy Iain a "cheeky beer", as he calls it, when he gets to Maine.

BTW, he just had an article published in Sailing Today, about their prior trip through the Caribbean. Thanks, Jon.