Mary

Sailing Sking and others have two components.

Recreational activity and Sport. I sail for fun... and I sail to compete in races..

I organize events for the Sport... (I don't give a damn about the recreational sailors and what they do on the water... I know this is a debate for another thread)

Lots of people sail... they don't compete in sailing for sport.

I think BECAUSE these distinctions are a bit fuzzy... Having the Olympics as the ultimate goal is essential for the sport of sailing!

The Olympics define a set of conditions and competition that is the ultimate in sport. Without such a standard... What would you compare a competition to.

For the vast majority of non sailors... They more then likely think of sailing as a pastime...The Olympics demonstates that sailing is a sport and worthy of our time and interest as a sport.