For the US Sailor... National Authorities don't get too involved until you are on the world stage.
I am unconvinced that Olympic gold is that essential to a youth development program. At any rate... the US has NOTHING like this for multihull sailors
The US Finn Association is welcoming applications for the 2010 Finn
Development Program, designed to introduce single-handed sailors under the age
of 23 to the Finn and international competition. The selected sailor will be
provided a Finn for one year at a nominal cost, access to US Sailing and Finn
class training camps, shared coaching and reduced transportation costs to
international events. Similar to the US SAILING development program expanded
to include more classes, this program introduces top junior and collegiate
sailors to Olympic development sailing, and is particularly well suited to 85
kg plus sailors who wish to compete in single-handed Olympic class sailing.
Caleb Paine was the 2009 development sailor, competed in the 2009 Finn Gold
Cup, and has now purchased a Finn. The selected sailor for 2010 will work
closely with 2008 Silver Medalist Zach Railey and US SAILING High Performance
Coach Kenneth Andreasen. Selection will be by resume, and the selected sailor
will be expected to compete in all major US regattas and training camps, as
well as some international events. -- Full details:
How many classes in how many countries have development programs like this.
In catamarans... we simply don't compete.... I suggest.. we are less then serious and simply hoping to catch lightning in a bottle.
The reality check of what the challenge is for Olympics or World Class status hits a parent shortly after they discover how little support they will get from national sailing organizations. The Olympic dream, in catamarans in the USA is really quite hollow when your take a hard look at it
