Good ideas ,-think the event in 1000 mile or 500 mile distance has always had room for the top -rock stars in the lead pack ,-and also the regular sailor who just loves the sport but has limited time and funds and not as much opportunity to race and get good ,I,ve been both --often in the same event -Any sport requires practise to maintain skill level and improve .

Highly recommend if you are planning to attend the race and have a good cat sailing background offering your expertise as gr crew for a team .-they generally provide a place to sleep and meals with the race etc etc .It is the best way to really learn about this type of racing and all it requires .
Interestingly Mike in SAILMAX now one of the {rockstars} teaming with David ,-both excellent sailors ,-was 4 years ago kind enough to be gr crew for David and I in the 1000 mile race ,-from gr crew to a good chance of winning this year .-Mike also provided an extra boat this year that enabled Jake and I to race .--good side human interest story of the event.
http://www.sailmax.biz/