HERE HERE! I agree 100%. Media, local or national, is what will take this sport (back) to the next level.

I don't think that money offered in regattas is going to make things worse immediately. The only events that are going to have any substantial purse are events like the Worrell - and I think it's going to do wonders for our sport. If cash prizes were to be introduced into our local level racing, my immediate concern is that the current level of 'good sportsmanship' could take a turn for the worse...which would eventually turn away a lot of sailors. However, I think that it would be a very, very, long time before that became the norm.

There is one event in Myrtle Beach that offers money for the top three positions for us 'normal' sailors (in the neighborhood of $400 for first and so on). There was no apparent difference in the attitude on the water then - I think we could survive it. If we ever did get there, it would be important to not forget the beginners when awards are handed out.