As I recall a pro circuit was tried a number of years ago on Hobie 21's. I do not know why it did not last. Probably it was not profitable enough for sponsors and sailors.
The Pro Sail circuit included the Hobie 21 and Pro Sail Formula 40s. Cool stuff, there were races near shore for spectators, sponsors, TV time. And it died...
Our club occasionally does what we call the Turkey Buzzard race around the time of Thanksgiving. Teams put in $20 or so, and the top boats take the money home. Low key fun and nobody needs to make trophies.
Not sure what the effect would be on a bigger scale. To make the money truly worthwhile the events would need good sponsors or the entry fees would have to go up quite a bit. Other than that the amount you'd get wouldn't be much incentive.
