Is this the future of sailing?

by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
When I was a kid, we sailed our boats. We’d launch, and whatever the plan, we’d sail there. And we learned. There was no towing, but that was 50 years ago, and learning today is different. Now there’s greater structure and tempo, and a lot more coaching.

Just like everything else, there’s a push to improve. And in youth sports, a big push from the parents. While there aren’t many areas of the world sitting still, I still had to wonder when I received this equipment update:

We are excited to announce an improved Optimist mast step is now available. We’ve become aware that the previous cups could break under the extensive forces of towing, the increasing strength of young sailors, and higher forces on rigs.

More towing. Stronger kids. Increased rig tension. Is this the future of sailing?