I agree with Bill Roberts about the desirability of qualification for National and World events: Yup- I've been there and done it that way. I busted my butt to qualify for Nationals and World Championships: granted- that was Hobies in the 70s and early 80s, but many, many sailors worked very hard to learn and improve. Now that boat dealers, makers and sellers tend to run events, if any, where is the old emphasis on knowledge, skill and ability? It turns the ignition key on an $12,000 Jetski.

Signed, the Other Old Curmudgeon.