How interested and committed are the sailors in all of the USSA Area's to supporting the championship and their regional qualifiers?

This answer probably goes a long way to addressing the funding short fall. I agree that the Alter Committee should not draw down the principle.

Where do we stand?

A quick check around the eastern half of the country
Area A & B Not Scheduled
Area C Scheduled Octber, NOR in draft from
Area D North ?? TBA
Area D South Scheduled and NOR Published
Area E Scheduled and NOR Published

In Area C, it's been hard to generate lots of enthusiasm for the event (attendance is up and down) The best way to describe the attitude is that "It's our duty to run a qualifier"

We have yet a new plan with West River Sailing Club running it this year using, the Pumpkin Patch Regatta as the Area C .