Mark, personally, I think much more effort should be directed to a national "Learn to Sail" type program, like the new SailLaser program in Miami. In my opinion, US Sailing has spent way too much time and money focused on the Olympics, a once every 4 year event, which 99.9% of US Sailing members don't give a hoot about. But maybe Gary can change that too with better prime time TV coverage.

For the sport to survive we need manufacturers to survive, and for them to survive, we need more -new people- to get into the sport and buy boats. If they eventually work their way up to the Olympic level, great, but more access to better comunity sailing programs would be a great place to focus attention first.

If you don't water the roots, the tree will die, no matter how much water (money) you spray at the top. And maybe they will finally come up with some cheap rental boats at US Sailing Centers and a short, quick, check out program, to encourage more kids to get involved. There should be one of these centers in every major US city with a suitable waterfront location.

http://www.sail-laser.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=600&Itemid=607