Why belong to a sailing organization e. g. US Sailing or NAMSA?

Organization! Without it we would have chaos. So, before we ride off in all directions let's consider the benefits we've received from US Sailing, because those will need to be replaced.

standard courses - they are well defined, and available in the form of a sticker that I've applied to my front cross bar.

training - If I understand correctly, PRO , is a USS designation that must be earned through a series of training programs. The PRO can make or break a regatta! If leaving USS means losing them, they will be sorely missed and very difficult to replace.

The Alter Cup and Qualifiers - I would miss this most of all. To me it is like the Rose Bowl of Cat sailing.

This list should be much longer. I will leave additions to others.

It is true that we can replace the existing benefits, but someone will have to do it. That will take time and money. The money comes from dues, the time comes from volunteers. So, if YOU don't pay your dues, and YOU don't volunteer your time, who will?