of course I am not saying that. (I make all of the CBYRA events Catagory C to accomodate you.... I also count on nobody paying attention to the CBYRA rules).

The issue is one about the "good of the sport" and how do you manage it.
Eg... should the guy with carbon fiber prosethetic legs be allowed to run the regular olympics? For sure, he is not cheating.

Should Joe's Meat shop Inc, and the owner, Joe be allowed to advertise on his Hobie 16 and thus write the boat and all of his expenses off on his buisness as an advertising expense at your standard Hobie division points regatta.

You could take Mary's position... who cares.... its' a pro am game.

Alternatively. you could ask
Will Joe's actions have a corrosive effect on the pecking order in the Hobie 16 class? Will some people say... Hmm... Not a game I will compete in.

The host yacht club and the class associations make those decisions. Almost universally, they do not tolerate this mixing of pro and corinthian sailing ... they understand its not good for the game they are running. It's part of the reason they give trophies and not cash prizes.

The IHCA allows catagory C but allows organizing authorites to restrict this practice. They reserve the right to brand National and World events?

Does anyone know if specific divisions or Hobie clubs have restricted this in the past? Catagory C is a relatively recent addition to the rule book.