Mike, are you saying we should aim for kids to start their sailing experience in cats? I'm not sure that's realistic. I think parents and kids are probably happier starting in something slow and stable. An entry level cat can be a step up once kids are comfortable on the water and wanting to experience a little more speed.

I do agree with you about the important role of the organizational infrastructure, not to mention committed volunteers. But the suitability of the boat has to play some kind of role. Otherwise the new youth classes that have developed in the last 10 years would never have happened.

One other thing that I don't think has been raised - should an entry level cat be a single hander or double? Seems that a lot of under-16 monohull sailing is done solo.