ok lets sort some things out
The IOC will end olympic sailing if bla bla bla and amongst the failing yes thats right failing fleet is the laser, the most common sailed boat just like the hobie 16, are you guys getting this. Even the laser isnt doing for sailing what the ioc need to continue keeping events, so please stop saying just because the hobie is the most common, means that it will appeal the public, because the laser isnt! The laser is on the same IOC condemmed list with the rest of the ISAF IOC current boats.
Next... John you could not be more wrong in regard to stating that you must first get an event then choose a weapon, you dont buy a plane ticket with out knowing where you are going do u? By narrowing down the parameters by not allowing the possibilitie to choose open or mixed etc is plane foolish, definately by making the event mixed will restrict what type of cat we can put forward, instead shouldnt we first choose a vessel that will meet what the IOC are warning us we have to have, it wont be the event eg mixed which will spurr on the spectators it will be the vessel. Once the correct type of cat has been chosen, one that will draw spectators, then marry a crew to it, not before. The T association recently did just like what the x40`s did and sailed in close right next to the crowds, imagine the carbon20 Nacra doing the same, up close, big, fast, and able to show off infront of the crowd doing wheelies etc, or inagine a 16 footer trying this,just wouldnt have the same WOW factor so lets first choose a vessel that the public would prefer and worry about who or what sex gets to sail it last.. Tell me this, if you watch weightlifting in the olympics, whats the main event womens or mens, that is what the IOC are saying! give the general public a main event! Not what you find on the beach for hire..