I think it would be a good thing. There is alredy a professional level to the sport with big money sponsors. Offering prize money will only add depth. I raced bicycles as an amateur until I got good enough to earn a sponsorship and a paycheck. My desire to win and enjoyment of the sport didn't change because of the money, but it did give me - and lots of other riders like me - another level to shoot for and the means to train and race at a higher level.

Look at any sport with prize money offered at events and compare them with sports that do not offer cash prizes. Which has more exposure and more participation - at all levels? The answer is easy. Offering prize money will have little to do with who can offord the best gear (look at any mainstream sport for proof), on the contrary, it will probably encourage one-design sailing and bring out the best sailors.