Interesting comment Rhody,



The 25 is too expensive. 22 is admitably big and maybe too expensive. As for using the Tornado -- no way. The new platform must be suited for sailors with a wider weight range and although the T is an exciting class all of the sailors are smaller overall. Since a majority of the sailors( for the series) will probably be coming from the J class of monohulls (already verbally committed) the series must be viewed as a level playing field for sailors in general not just catsailors who already have an advantage since it is their platform. Remember that the series will not start until 2004 with some tuning events run in 2003 and this should give teams a period of time to gain sponsors, train, and work out the kinks in general.



As for viewing, the technology being used will allow spectators to "see" the race from a excellent vantage point that makes the "picture" much more clear. In other words, you can tell who's in the lead by looking at the monitor and chart, the video is just for visual excitment. Sailing really has not been a video sport because the moment by moment has been about as exciting as watching grass grow. Hopefully, with the right use of technology people can get into the event and feel the sport at a different level.



Also, using the Tornado brings in conflict with sailors changing classifications with US Sailing and ISAF. Its an amateur/professional thing. I don't make the rules -- I just have to live by them. The series is trying to work out a format where olympic hopefuls can compete without jepordizing their status by having the purse go directly to a training budget in general. But that has a long way to go and it may never get worked out. The focus is for people who don't want to campaign a olympic boat but want to step up a notch.



And as far as pro sports goes. Someone has to start a pro series before it can be successful. You never succeed by not trying. People who never try lose everyday and never taste success. People who try lose some but atleast know what success tastes like. You decide what type of person you want to be.



Steve