I agree with what Mary said but would like to propose this: Instead of taking "the winner" and introducing all sorts of US Sailing Membership problems, how about taking the highest placing US Sailing Member at the time? Don't exclude anybody from the qualifier but it will be tough luck for the people who won but weren't members (i.e. won the battle but not the war ).



I also think that turning the event back into a true "Championship" will bring with it more excitement and following than if it continues to be dominated by a group of well known sailors selected by petition. The American Football and Baseball Allstar games are exciting and bring a lot of attention but they don't come close to the interest generated by their respective true Championship / SuperBowl games. Bring on the rock stars for the Alter Cup but make it a fair fight for up and comers with qualifiers for all.