Nice write up Mark,
You could take the sailing out and apply it to almost any sport. I really saw how this all could apply to a cycling team I use to train with. The part about not losing the slowest participant was so important. Our training rides were constantly growing while others were shrinking soley because we took care of any person who started with us. They became better and I would tell them that they should not have a goal to beat the fastest guy. They should find their place in the hierchy and aim to out do the person just above them. Learn from that person; watch them; follow them; pass them. They could then climb their way up the hierchy until they were one of the top performers. I beieve the same goes for sailing. If a group is shrinking, find out from where it is shrinking. My guess is the slower guys are finding better things to do on their weekends than go out and get throttled around the bouys with no support or help. The groups that are growing are probably supporting and encouraging the slower guys.

-Rob V.
Nacra 5.2
Panama City