Jonathan commented on how few trawlers he saw on his two weeks in the British Virgin Islands. We are completing our first full year in the Windwards and Leewards having come down in 2009. I have written before on how few trawlers there are. This year we have seen 6 other trawlers. Three 60+ Hatteras or custom, a Krogen 48, a Nordhavn 46, a 47? Nordic Tug in charter from the BVIs (owner aboard) and 50ft trawler I forgot the make. Two have already returned to the United States. We have seen hundreds if not thousands of sailboats. Last year on our way down island I was searching for some advantage the sailboats had to justify the almost exclusive presence of the sailboats. I also wrote about the fact that only a small percentage of trawlers in North American are equipped for the open ocean conditions, e.g., full displacement, wing engines (or twins over 50 ft.) water makers, reasonable generators (not to big), stabilizers, and air circulation for living without air conditioning etc. After a year I have realized the real reason sailboats are preferred over trawlers has nothing to do with the capabilities of the boats, in fact given the wind and wave patterns in the islands you would be better served with a trawler. The fact of the matter is the boat owners down here love to sail, have spent a lifetime sailing, and will avoid motoring even when motoring makes sense. These are the people for whom the dream is not just exploring, but hoisting the sails. Yes I have overstated my opinion, but there is clearly a bias toward sailing. Perhaps next year I will change my thoughts again. Marty Campanella Bay Pelican KK42 Currently St. Ann Martinique The only trawler among 200 sailboats