Regarding the time squeeze. I feel that we europeans have the same issues, valueing our free time dearly. Lots of people thinks catsailing looks very interesting and fun, but they dont want to spend time or money on it.
Here in Norway we have 25 days vacation, and most work 8 hour days, 37-39 hours a week (ie. most have weekends off).
Our sailing club have about 250 members, thats about the same number as there are non-member sailboats in the nearby harbour. Most of those boats seldom leave their moorings, and when they do they usually motor to the nearest bathing place (Dang! Whats "svaberg" in english).
At our club, there are about 8-12 boats racing regularly. Out of those, there are three boats that win the majority of the races. Those are the same boats that care enough to spend time on the water.

When people are asked why they dont sail more, start at regattas, attend work-days or barbecues at the club etc., they usually say they dont have the time.
This is probably somewhat true, as the children usually have three or four activities where parents must attend. And then the parents also have two or three other interests as well, where they spend time. What it usually boils down to, is that they dont put a high enough priority on sailing..
I dont know why it is this way. Perhaps it takes a special kind of mentality, or good experiences to truly enjoy this sport. Perhaps the general population have become numbed by TV and commercialization (probably not spelled right, to tired to check the dictionary) to realise that they can get out there and do things on their own?


We go sailing two to four times a week, becouse it's great fun to make the boat go fast as a team, and to work with ourself to see how fast/good we can become. It have other rewards as well, but you guys probably know what I mean.