how to cut red tape to participate in races

Somebody's got to come in last. This year, if all goes well, that person will move up to 2nd to last. <img src="<>/smile.gif" alt="smile" title="smile" height="15" width="15" />

I want to try sailing in both the Tybee 500 & GT300. I'd like to get all my ducks in a row with regards to membership in the correct organizations, insurance needed to race, equipment required to participate, etc.

I tried to make it to the NA F18 nationals last month, but couldn't pull it off. I did get some stickers from some web site I was told I needed.

I am brand new to all this, so haven't a clue where to start.

If somebody could lay out in simple menu fashion (with urls) of what I need to get done, that would be most helpful.

Thanks.