To answer you question, the entry fee is not changed in order to raise a cash prize. The prize money for the Summer Sizzler is contirbuted by sponsorships only.
It is important to to understand that the Summer Sizzler will still feature all the great things that have made it a blast in the past. There will still be the Reggae party, great trophies, open class & A-Class starts, and a great venue to boot. The $5000 cash prise is just an extra bonus to those racing in the F-18HT class. Hopefully, cat sailing in general will benefit from the media and public attention that such prizes bring to the table.
W.F. Oliver