The predominant point of sail has an effect too. The east coast northwards runs are spinn oriented, right? Up the ditch was more of a reach and reflected diverse boats. Spinns are a diversity killer. Light air downwind is a real sleeper for non spin heavier or short boats. On a blowing reach, anyone can win, which therefore gives first timers a boost and makes them come back. The serious bigger boats may get hammered (relatively speaking), but if we are looking for attendance, we must gear for joe average to finish up feeling good. Unfortunately? the serious sailors are also the ones with enough get up and go to organise an event, and own a long light spinn equiped.