The more reason to diversify our options.

Again assume that indeed IOC is looking to ditch sailing alltogether. It will be much more attactive to them to do that in steps then in one go. This is a situation where slick people make a large gains.

We can either hope that ISAF doesn't screw up or try to get an alternative of the ground that can be ready in time to offer IOC what they want.

IOC doesn't care much whether sailing is in or out, it is the costs that interests them and the status associated with the Olympics. Removing a whole branch of sport is good for costs but not good for status. Especially not an old event like sailing. Nobody cares about sailing, but everybody cares about a whole event being ditch, partly because that highlights their own possible vunerability.

What if a viable organisation can offer to do a more exiting version of sailing from a large empty grass field as facilities and for a 25% of the costs ? Basically have only 6 events ; laser, moth, higher performance 2-up skiff, multihulls, boards. All open class and Aussie 18 foot skiff style reporting. Pay those Spitfire and Rocklegde engineering camera men to do a week of Olympic filming with all expenses paid and some earnings.

When presented with the choice of risking all that opposition to removing sailing altogether or downsizing it while upgrading its attractiveness and significantly lower its costs, which will they choose ?

If ISAF is bound to screw this one up (and it looks very probable that way) then we better having something to jump in and limit the damage.

Ones we proof that the new concept works and that sailing can be exiting and telegenic then we can extend the number of classes again and grow the sport of Olympic sailing. Maybe even at a later stage get some match racing and keel boat sailing in when we are succesful in creating sufficient revenue ourselves by the new reporting.

I feel we can do it.


And if we IOC is not serious considering dropping sailing then nothing is lost by having more options. That will always come in handy at one point in the future.

Wouter