I guess we have different definitions of athlete. From Wikipedia: An athlete is a sportsperson in a general sense or specifically a competitor in athletics (track and field) events.

So sailing a beachcat definately comes within that definition, even with a beer gut <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

For me the definition of an athlete have always been very narrow. Olympic level: gymastiasts, decathlon competitors, wrestlers etc. have been my definition of an athlete. Compared to those sports sailing have not struck me as demanding a lot of athletisism. I suppose we all have different views on this as the definition is quite broad.

It is not pure strength and stamina that makes a large beachcat go fast, it is 90% skill in my opinion. Enough strength to run the main and spi, and the stamina to do it for two races a day is enough. The manouvers are mostly about coordination, timing and agility but knowing how to do them are again the most important aspect in my opinion. If you sail at that level you sail so much that you will have the strength and stamina you need in my opinion. Being fit helps you go faster, but beeing super-fit dont give much of an advantage. The sharp end of the Tornado fleet going to Athens is not exactly young anymore.

soggysailor, perhaps you could share a bit of your experience in racing beachcats? Sounds like you have been at an olympic level since you are so certain?
I have a background with diverse martial arts and rock climbing, sports I consider more physically demanding if you push the limit than beachcat racing. Knowlegde and skill on the other hand plays a far larger role in beachcat racing in my experience. I have had my a$$ handed to me by the best, guys who sails a lot in all conditions. Not becouse they worked the sheets and the boat harder than us, but they knew exactly how to use their gear and bodies. Perhaps we should make a new thread for this..