Maybe I'm jumping to conclusions, but does there always have to be a path?

I learned helm on a sunfish but didn't get "back" into sport-boat sailing until injuries snuffed out my windsurfing hobby.

All the while, however, I had access to a family 4ksb (30 - 36 footers) over the years, and some racing on some J boats and such which kept the "race" bug in my head.

Sport boats, especially multihulls became attractive because they are cheap (compared to a bigger boat), you don't have to pay for slip space,don't need big crews, and they're fast and fun.

Would I have participated in sailing more if I were part of a "path" in my youth? Perhaps.

Would I enjoy sailing/racing as a hobby/pastime more if I were on a path? Not sure, but probably not if racing were the only thing I were doing ...