From the Feedback - 22/1/2001

We'll be publishing the choicest moments from the stuff you send us - but each contribution may or may not be subjected to a rigorous process of editing for language, taste and imparted wisdom. And of course, as they so famously say at the start of anything like this, the opinions expressed in From the Feedback do not necessarily reflect those of the management, staff or investors of madforsport.com. Instead, and much more importantly, they reflect your views.

From Rsirfj
Will a British America's Cup entry really happen? It's a pity if it does. I cannot think of a more absurdly expensive and virtually useless end result than the AC and its boats. Too bad that kind of money was not made available to the Brit entrants in The Race, where the boats are much faster and enormously more seaworthy.

From David Co,
Will a British Americas Cup entry really happen? Yes I hope so, but with the Louis Vuitton Cup only 18 or so months away, somehow I can't see the English mounting a creditable effort, but hopefully the experience will prove invaluable for the future.

From Rene,
Looking good for Ellen? These last few days since Ellen rounded the Horn has shown how this extremely tired girl has rebounded and shown us that her brain is still very much in good shape and pumping out sound logical decisions which stand her in good stead relative to other competitors. Her youth and restored vigour plus unending amounts of determination will help her to perform through the ever changeable and fickle winds in the doldrum belt. This bounding up on deck at any hour to ensure the right sail combinations for the appropriate wind will be how she shall continue to gain mileage on Michel and keep her chasers at bay. She has an uncanny way of keeping up her performance level even when exhausted and at a pace that seems to me to outclass the others . So, this little non-stop dynamo will probably pull off the most fantastic first place the Vendee has ever seen. She will need help to tie Kingfisher up in les Sables after crossing the finish line 'cause that's when her "dynamo" will burn out. Not before.

From RR4977
The Vendee Globe, more drama to come? The Doldrums could be important for the leaders. Aside from accurate weather reports, blind bloody luck is a factor. As well, the weather, and luck with it, in the North Atlantic will probably have a large influence on who wins. Then there is the likelihood of gear failures as time goes on. There will be more drama!

From A P Willis,
Looking good for Ellen? What a fantastic performance from Ellen! I can see problems ahead for her when Michel shakes free of his temporary weather problems though. I think the race could be dependant on Ellen fixing her gennaker as I feel certain she is going to need it again very soon

From J Bsstsi,
What`s your view on Ellen MacArthur`s achievements? Is there another woman in the history of sport competing head-to-head with men who has acquitted herself better than Ellen has the chance to? Is there a tougher more physically and mentally demanding event to showcase her incredible skills? I think this is possibly the most important female accomplishment in sport bar none if she manages to hold on and come in first or second.

From Brit Nick,
Did Jim`s Solent advice work for you? This matches almost exactly my indulgent fascination of wind and tide over this area, racing in the Sigma's. The tide info around the Brambles Bank, however, is short as it often over-rides the convergent zone to the north west. Southerly routings of the Bank in a northwesterly gain huge amounts but are a specialist operation and not for the "consult your local fisherman" brigade.

From Barry McGibbons,
Laser 2000 sailors - were we fair? Having had three full seasons with my Laser 2000 (sail no 2025) I've got used to this great boat, so it was great to be reminded of its excellent features. It is so easy to sail and when the wind blows 4, 5 then 6 in a big sea you can get really exciting sailing and surfing. But you feel safe!! What more can you ask? Recommend it to anyone wanting an exciting, modern boat for all ages, conditions, and races.