The problem with sailing is that the success of a TV production is heavily dependent on the weather. Windy and it's exciting for everyone, light and it can be fairly boring even for spectators that know something about sailing (although I love close light weather sailing, it's so much more tactical).
From what I've heard, indoor windsurfing events are very popular in Europe. It's very controlled and predicting an audience is easy, therefore sponsors are easier to entice money out of. It would be a great surprise to me if these indoor windsurfing competitors all used the same gear.
I don't think SMOD is the answer to getting TV coverage, all it is going to do is fill the wallets of SMOD manufacturers, maybe. Some classes refuse to even consider Olympic selection because it ruins local fleets, being an Olympic class is seen as being elitist, and normal people won't buy boats.
The answer to improving TV coverage of events is to have a production crew that has a clue about sailing. Having a camera boat creating a wake right infront of a racing boat is evidence of the newberism of some production crews. Sailing Anarchy has a great shot of a big boat skipper giving the finger to the photo boat because of just this.
The other difference I've noticed between sailing and other sports is that the commentators seem to always explain sailing in general, as opposed to what is actually happening. This even happened when the 18 footers were on TV for an hour or so every Sunday lunchtime. It's not necessary.
I don't believe sailing is the most expensive event to host. It doesn't need a whole building to be built for its venue. AUD$690 million to build Stadium Australia for the 2000 Olympics. Admittedly it is a multi-purpose venue and can be used until it is demolished in 50-100 years, but it is still a rich claim to say that sailing is too expensive to host!
Rant over.
Back to topic...
So why does anyone want to change the Olympic cat class??? I don't get it, it is the fastest bouy racing class in the World! The easiest to follow by non-sailors because there is very little tacking upwind, more of a drag race. It sounds like someone is just trying to create work for themselves.
