Rumor from the underground:
There supposedly are some NA Laser Masters sailors who feel uneasy about visiting Turkey for the 2004 Laser Masters World Championship.
I'm currently in Istanbul. And I will stay here for several months, at least until the Worlds. If any of you would like to hear more up-to-date (if not more reliable) local details about the security status in Bitez, Turkey than what is currently available in the US Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov (under the titles "Worldwide Caution Public Announcement" or "Travel Warning - Turkey"), feel free to contact me.
I will also check this froum occasionaly for any publicly posed questions.
On a serious note, people shouldn't avoid travelling because of a couple bombs going off in Instabul. Live your life... don't hide in your cosy North American home. See the world. See whats really out there. Get some perspective! And why not do all this while having a great time sailing?