All the big names in catsailing are pretty much Tornado sailors who can justify their full time involvement with cat sailing through their Olympic campaigns.
For example Glenn Ashby sails Tigers for a living in addition to having a sailmakers shop. He sails the A-cat because that gives him the most pleasure (and to promo his own Geltech boat) not because there is some A-cat builder paying for his expenses as Hobie is doing for his F18 campaign.
Lets face it, winning the A-cat worlds doesn't bring in a load of cash. It is a honour thing that is funded by other activities.
The true reason for their sailing is the Olympic slot.
Now, cat sailing will indeed survive, but things will change.
Wouter
Ok! Point taken.
Quietly and calmly:
big names - there can't be many or they wouldn't be considered "big".
A-cat worlds doesn't bring in a load of cash. - THANK GOD! Most of the hundred are doing it because they want too. As such they represent a client base to sell to!
I just sailed (notice I didn't use the word "compete") in the Area D Qualifier. By any estimation, I got my butt handed to me. I don't care. It was a pleasure to be around top-notch sailors. If the Area D was pre-Olympic, I wouldn't have been allowed on the course.
"Now, cat sailing will indeed survive, but things will change."
We need to make a special effort to expand the Alter Cup format to include the Tornados. And make it a World-wide event. If we do that, the change will be much better.
