Mark, you ignore the fact that there is a significantly larger sailor base in Europe for these kind of handicap events. You also haven't recognized that we DO have those big handicap races too (Steeplechase / Round the Island / Statue Race) and even those races are seeing relatively low attendance here in the US. Your example of the Archipelago Raid is probably the closest type of racing in Europe to the Tybee (though more grueling) and it IS a strict one design for F18 only.
A race like the Tybee 500 can only support a limited number of entries...about 30. If the one design classes will support it, it makes sense to keep it one design in a few limited classes to keep the racing closer, more understandable, and more relateable for the spectators. Lastly, the sailors who are putting their boats on the beach again and again like it as one design (most of them) - who can argue with that?
You did, however, hit the nail on the head with respect to what I believe these race organizers have in their visions...but they, too, fail to recognize that which is right before them - there are limited teams to draw from in the US and the sailors on those beaches are the ones that are making these races happen. It's a nice lofty goal to get a huge international draw for the race - but the reality of it hasn't ever amounted to anything more than two teams (typically very talented teams mind you...but no more than two in any given year).
It is a large expensive logistical nightmare for us who live only 1,000 miles away and can drag, stuff, and trailer our boats, gear, and ground crew to the start line. I can't imagine what it would take to try and make that happen flying across the pond. One thing for sure, however, if they really do want to see an international draw, the race management needs to start working on shipping container packages, sailing/hotel/transportation package deals, and intend to do a whole lot more planning along the lines of where Worrell was headed.
