I recently became aware of the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI) and their CE rating system for boats and boating equipment. The idea is to certify boats and components for sale in the EU. Sounds like a noble idea but the only problem is, the board of directors is made up almost exclusively of manufacturers and consultants. How can they not use their positions to market their own goods and services to the detriment of others and the sailing community in general. I belong to profession organizations related to my field (process control systems) and I have found over the last 10 years as manufacturers gain more control of these organizations, there is more infighting over standards and more apathy from the end users because innovation and progress is impeded. There are a lot of yacht racing organizations worldwide. Mostly, they are organized by and for the multi-millionaires to promote not only yachting, but also their own business and financial interests. Even most of the small boat organizations are run by insurance companies or chandlers or some other entity that has conflicting interests. What we daysailer to coastal cruiser owners need is a single national or international organization that will represent us. Our voices need to be heard on issues that affect the quality of our sailing experience. Issues like boat operation safety, boat design safety, wetland access, rezoning for harbors, the environment (especially discharges). We need to become a “special interest group” with enough power to effect changes in law. Is there already such an independent organization? If so, I’ll join it. If not, how do we create one? Happy sails _/), (and Happy Mardi Gras!) MArk