Perhaps this was mentioned before ... and it's just a thought. What if the Tybee had two or three legs that were open to people that just wanted to compete in one or two legs...might help them get their feet wet about the event and build interest.

Would there be any interest from the sailing community?

I think you have to have the same type of safety requirements and maybe even a boat inspection (with some legalese that a boat inspection does not mean the Race Committee has assumed responsibility for the seaworthiness of the craft) but my inclination would be to relax the boat requirements for the leg somewhat (i.e., entertain the idea of non-spin boats).