Tikipete, just prompting for the thought pattern, not trolling for an argument. Trying to see the "start them on an Opti" viewpoint and coming up empty.

My experience is that any kid who can sail an Opti can pair up with another kid or 2 and adequately sail a Wave.

The things they learn on an Opti don't translate to cats well. Heck, they have to completely relearn how to tack since it is completely different on an Opti than any cat.

And they get used to single-handing an Opti and have to start anew learning how to communicate with crew on a cat.

Just start them on a cat.

Set up the foundation and give learn to sail grants to kids to learn to sail cats. Simple!