Bob,
I used to race sailboats in Eighth Fleet here in Texas. We have raced Hobie Cats as much as 15 miles off shore. I have done a lot of raceing on the lakes here in Texas and Louisiana. It was a hobby that my son and I had together until I bought him his first boat. Then, he routinely whipped my butt when we were on the water. He learned a lot from me though, the major difference between our sailing style is that he is young and fearless (stupid - doesn't think). We loved to "Port Start" on the fleet, had a ball.
Huey