Why isn't this sport seeing the numbers it did in the 70's and 80's? I'm not talking just youth either. Most of the boats aren't that expensive new, and used boats are really affordable. Granted it's mostly hobies that fit in that catagory, but they also aren't the most hi-tech. Maybe instead of trying to support just youth multihull sailing, more has to be done to increase the numbers across the board. Get more adults and the children will follow? It seems to me that this sport is slowly dying. Why?
It's a lifestyle thing. Here in Oz and I suspect the US also, the emphasis on materialism has increased and the focus has shifted away from recreational stuff to things more simbolic of affluence like bigger much more expensive houses and bigger more expensive cars. These have to be paid for so ppl are working longer hours with little time for recreation.
Also, shopping here in Oz is the most participated in passtime. The shopping Malls are full and the lakes are empty.