I have looked at this thread a couple of days and have hesitated on my response. I'm not a racer but, I did the ground logistics for Michael's race for 2 years. Will the large cash prize eliminate some of the more casual and underfunded campaigns (I mean that with the utmost respect, any person with the guts and grit to start this race much less finish it, I have nothing but admiration and respect for). Yes.

Will the cash prize bring more attention to the race? Yes. The cash prize has been Micheal's dream for a long time and it is Michael's race, any who doubts that refer to rule #4(Worrell 1000 rule book).

The one thing I love about Micheal is his pure devotion to this race. Of the other sail races that I have been around, I have not seen the devotion from the racers or orginizers that I have seen at the Worrell. If there is a race event that deserves a purse it is this one.

Will the prize end the cooperation between teams? This is a question all of the race officials and some team members talked about over the 2 years I was involved. Unfortuately, yes.

The overall question will the prize hurt or help sailing? My opinion is that if you want more people participating in your sport, bring more attention to it. I think the million dollar prize will do that. Cat sailing has had a lot of competition over the past 20 years with surfing, pwc, windsurfing, etc. I think the prize will bring more deserved attention to the sport and help the sport grow.

Just my thoughts,

carlyle