Also... the junior sailing directors have lots of influence over kids.... they are not getting the atta boys from parents if their kids move off the track and race a catamaran. They are an unexpected road block... in their Sail instructors world... a parallel catamaran program for their top sailors is a PIA and since their is no college level program, it must be a waste of time in their view.
This is so screwed up. What ever happened to kids sailing because it's the most fun thing they know? This system may (or may not) produce good outcomes in senior international competition, but I have trouble believing it's a way to create sustainable growth in participation in the sport in general.
(btw in case it not clear, not a dig at you in any way - just a comment on the system you described)
