Hello Charlie
The current consensus is that Olympic catamaran sailing is needed to set the standard of excellence and it establishes the stars who inspire everyone in the sport from juniors on up. The MHC discussed this notion in a well attended conference call with representitves from classes and fleets from around the country.
I don't remember any disagreement or well made argument suggesting that we ignore the Olympic problem because it makes no difference to the rank and file sailors which sounds like your argument.
Do you think that " our competing in our local, regional and national events" will generate interest in the sport of sailboat racing alone? (how does this work?)
In Baltimore, Michal Phelps has been absolutley huge in promoting the sport of swiming over the last 6 years and he is using his massive new fame to further the sport. I think sailing would be no different if we could build programs that generated world class stars who performed on the Olympic stage. (IMO, this is why we need a solid development program)
Do you not put a lot of stock in the inspirational aspects that are created by Olympic competition?
Kudo's to you... I have heard from several people who share your point of view but don't put the contrarian point of view out there!
The youth are inspired by everything from exgames freestyle BMX to the kids next door beating up his shins on that latest skateboard move. When I see young people sailing a 29er for example their parents got them into the sport either by sailing themselves or providing financial aid and a club membership. Like most people I was disappointed at the elimation of the multihull from the games I just dont have an attitude or the "we got screwed" point of view.
