[quote]Not a US sailor, but come on. Who in their right mind would want to see a H16 at the olympics. The H16 is a great boat, but not a challange to sail in the same way as a Tornado. I cannot believe this is even being considered (again)].
I for one would love to see it be an Olympic Class.Why not make the Olympic class more affordable an attainable(talent not technology,was Paul Hendersons theme).Look at the sussess of the laser.Keep the Tornado(for the people that have TOO MUCH money,and have the hobie 16 for the great sailors that won,t have to morgage their house to campaign it.
It always amazes me to realize there or those that believe the main reason not to campaign for gold is the cost of the boat! Come on...the reality is the boat/equpiemeht cost is a fraction of the total campaign. I've heard direct from a recent US Tornado campaigner that their team budget for 2003 was $100,000...and this was to ramp up in 2004. It's the (international) travel, lost of employment income, training, etc. etc. that is the main cost, not the boat.
Mike.
