As far as I understand it, the restriction for only for non-US teams.

I believe the confusion below may relate to the selection requirement of having world ranking...doesn't mean you can't race at the trials, but you do need a certain world ranking to be selected for the games...lots of countries require this. Usually, you can't just be the only boat in the country and expect to go to the games...you need to prove your skill at international events by attaining a certain level of results.

While I understand the need of each country to determine their own selection criteria, I just feel it's a shame they are limiting an already small North American fleet (12-15 boats actively racing) by telling 3 boats from Canada they cannot participate in the trials. Only one of those 3 boats competes with the top guys (Johannson/Stittle). Impact on leader points could be averted by doing what they now do in the North American Championship event...let any team race, but restrict trophies to the best NA finishers. This could be done in the trials...making for a more competitive/larger fleet which can only improve the US fleet experience.