Each species is distinguished by habitat, plumage, call, and diet. To use the guide, compare these characteristics to the specimen under observation. In most cases, the identification of the correct species of sailorus can be made with confidence.

A. Blond-Tufted Racer (s. professionalis)

• Habitat: Bruce Farr Sloop
• Plumage: Sportswear monogrammed with sponsor’s logo, Harken boat shoes.
• Call: “We need to build three new sails and re-fair the keel for tomorrow morning.”
• Diet: Power Bars, Foster’s Beer.

B. Tawny Racer-Cruiser (s. competitorus)

• Habitat: J-Boat
• Plumage: Sportswear monogrammed with yacht name, Sperry Topsiders.
• Call: “Whitney got an overide on the guy and we lost 6 boat lengths before it was cleared.”
• Diet: Turkey Sandwich/Beck’s Beer.

C. Red-Bottomed Cruiser-Racer (s. gregarious)

• Habitat: Sabre
• Plumage: Sportswear monogrammed with manufacturer’s logo, Sebago Docksides.
• Call: “Muffy, is the spinnaker still in the trunk of the Mercedes?”
• Diet: Broccoli quiche/Perrier.

D. Broad-Tailed Cruiser (s. paterfamilias)

• Habitat: Hinkley
• Plumage: Sportswear monogrammed with wearer’s initials, Lands’ End Boat Shoes.
• Call: “Is there any place to buy ice on the Isle of Shoals?”
• Call: “Bar Harbor is so touristy in August!”
• Diet: Tuna ceviche, chilled sauvignon blanc.

E. Gray Salt (s. ancientmarinerus)

• Habitat: Traditional type, e.g. catboat, Friendship sloop
• Plumage: flannel shirt, jeans, leather work boots.
• Call: “Some damn fool yachtie ran his fancy sailboat onto Smith Reef!”
• Diet: Dinty Moore Beef Stew/Old Milwaukee Beer.

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