Rick, has it gotten "Too Big", in using 20 teams instead of only 10?
I'm very much in favor of keeping the Alter Cup alive, as it really does put the best up against the best, and all on -even- boats, which I think is the most fair way to do it. But can we keep finding boat manufacturers to supply 10 brand new boats?
And should the selection process be limited to only the National Champion of each class, like it used to be? If you want more teams, then take the top two teams (1st and 2nd place) from each class' Nationals.
I enjoy a good regatta and the Alter Cup Qualifier down here has always been a good regatta, but I have little hope of wining the thing, same with at least 80% of us out there. I can look at the list of entries and tell you who is going to win it and not be -off- by much.
Still, I love to race against these guys, they are the ones who have taught me how to sail better.