My thoughts as well, Surf City.

College sailors are going to eat this alive because they are very well trained, disciplined in many types of sailing craft, and diverse in skills. Ever hear of 'Morning Light?'

The romantic notion of the beach cat sailors competing is over - it's a myth... though I am sure a few hard fighters in the Cat 'Ohana' might make it through...Matt Whitehead is my first example. He has been on the sailing team this year in college and possibly has a lead.

The sailors in the required age range were brought up on optis, lasers, 420's and keel/sport boats. How many beach cat sailors with a wide range of disciplines are available, percentage wise, compared to the yacht club and college grown sailors the same age?

How many boats will finally be available?

Of course, I am taking the dark side just in case - murphy's law or something driven by fate and fortune might allow two USA boats to match race for the US ACWS - thus offering, at least, more opportunities.