Beefing up

Dear fellow Olsonites,

I recall a while back reading about a few boats that had done some modifications to stiffen their boats up. I believe it involved some kind of strut going across between the chainplates and some other kind of attachment going down to the mast step.If anyone could shine some light on the subject and and suggest if it is worthwhile or not I would be grateful for their input.

Also, have any of you boat owners ever considered sending your boats down to do the Caribbean series which runs from early march through the end of Antigua race week in early may. It is comprised of regattas like ST. Maarten's Heineken regatta, Puerto Rico's Heineken regatta, St. Thomas's Rolex Regatta, B.V.I.'S Spring regatta, and Antigua raceweek. It's not as crazy as it sounds...frequent shipping is available to Puerto Rico and St. Thomas and there seems to be a market for the boats if you were thinking of selling. It is some of the best sailing in the world. Please contact me if you would like more info.

                                  Kevin Rowlette
                              S/V Rushin' Rowlette
                              British Virgin Islands