Some folks rally to a certain ISAF executive committee members as a 'great backroom diplomat'. The actions on this matter suggest that their cheerleading confuses the 'diplomats' with the ‘operators’. (A disease in the world these days.)

As for the future, the ISAF, RYC and related world organizations need to recognize that certain boats, are a bit more exciting to watch and sail, and are a better determinant of skill and athleticism (than say, a keel boat perking along at 4 knts). It would be wise for the International organizing bodies to consider that ‘OlympicYachting’ is more important than ‘boat traditions’ and ‘medal hopes’, and that youth inclusion and athleticism is much more important value than ballast and ol’ buddies. Preferably the Executive equipment committees will act expediently, scuttling antiquated boats and focus on making the sport more interesting, simple and engaging to spectators prior to 2012. It might be useful for the IOC to consider organizing an external non-partisan group, with some binding/voting authority, to issue binding directives, specify timelines and milestones, and drive what expectations are for the event in 2012, so that the diplomats don’t mire the process in comittees and agendas. By co-opting the process by special committee, the IOC would be recognizing; 1) that the current nomination process is seriously broken (other descriptions come to mind) or is being run by fiat, and 2) give weight to the likelihood of abandonment of Olympic yachting in future Olympiads. If they leave it to these guys again, it will undoubtedly turn into another voting fiasco.

Water has a tendency to find its own level. The ISAF’s actions, be they through incompetence or driven by agendas, may ultimately kill Olympic yachting altogether. In the end, the danger is that the IOC resorts to using the trump card of ‘too boring’ or ‘too eclectic’ (which it is not!!) as an expedient to end a mess that has not been adequately managed. If so, the ISAF and related international bodies will lament, (but probably not recognize their role in making the sport into something better). Should that happen, multi sailors may have little need for the ISAF. As for me, I am watching, and writing letters.