Elite level of the sport cuts both ways

Dear Curmudgeon: As much as I appreciate the long history for sailing in the Olympic Games, and I respect and admire the commitment needed to participate, I am starting to wonder about it all. The Olympics is a much smaller event than a World Championship, plus the sport is having to make so many changes to stay in the Games. Is it all worth it? – Pondering the podium

Dear Pondering: An Olympic fleet does not have the depth of a World Championship, but it is the pressure due to its infrequency that makes it difficult to succeed. It is a privilege to just be there, but we are talking about a very very small segment of the sport, and there is an inordinate effort to sustain this segment. As for the equipment changes, they always cause anguish but past Olympic classes such as the Dragon, Star, and Finn are doing better than ever and offer fantastic competition. Also, when the Paralympic Games removed sailing, it allowed for a rethink which significantly increased participation. The elite level of the sport cuts both ways. – The Curmudgeon