IMHO it can only be good, because the amateurs can learn while sailing alongside (behind) the pro's. But the pro's maybe worried about amateurs bumping into their hulls and messing up their game. Fair ? Why not ? Best way to improve yourself at anything is to always expect more and get in the game with people with superior skills. Fair for the pro's ? I assume it must always be nice to see the amateurs behind, remembering you that at one point you were one of them. I think that there is much more to it than the shiny cup at the end of the day, getting together is the most important thing.