Under the title "Obama to back yachting initiatives," IBI (International Boating Industry) Magazine/ Yachting Monthly reported the following.
"US President Barack Obama wants the carbon zero benefits of sailing taken into consideration when business grants are being doled out in a bid to strengthen the failing marine industry.
"Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi said: "This will be not only good for the environment but for all my friends in the Bay Area who love sailing."
""We also welcome the commercial partnerships between companies as well," she added. Pelosi cited the newly announced joint marketing effort between mast maker Southern Spars and the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, makers of Viagra. The two companies have launched a new advertising campaign targeted to the male sailing audience with their slogan; "A stiff rig is hard to beat". The first commercials are due to air during the next leg of the Volvo Ocean Race.
"Republican Ron Paul of Texas said: "When you look at modern sailing yachts today, most of these vessels are fitted with carbon masts. How can this administration look us straight in the eye and say this package is focused on zero carbon when the masts are carbon? I don't care if you put the carbon in the atmosphere or up in the sky in the form of a mast, it's all the same carbon in my book.""
The only reference I can find on the emissions of CF production that I can understand is that it would take 20 months for the carbon fiber emissions used in making wind turbine blades (which would generate electricity) to even out with the emissions caused by their manufacture. Being the carbon fiber used in masts, et al, don't create anything (though they do allow for boats to move sans internal combustion engines), I'd love to see the greenhouse gas ratio.
Besides, if Pelosi has anything to do with it, you can bet she owns stock in it, or has money invested in it somewhere.
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